I just bought a 1998 Laredo with the 4.0 liter. The rear end is making quite a bit of noise and needs some attention. It's a Dana 35. I bought a used rear end out of a 1997 Grand Cherokee that is a Dana 44. It was a V8 model. I want to make sure the gear ratio on the recently purchased rear end matches my stock front end before I do the swap.

Does anyone know the stock gear ratios on these years of Grand Cherokee?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you

 

The '97 V8 D44A should have a 3.73 ratio, and I believe the '98 4.0L D35 has the 3.55 ratio, but I'm not positive on the '98's ratio. JMO
And Welcome to CF!
Dan

 

It could be either 3.55 or 3.73 for the 4.0. Some that came from the factory that had the tow option had the 3.73s. The 3.55s are more common though.

And yes the D44a is 3.73. From 96-98 the D44a all had 3.73 gears. Before that they had both 3.55 and 3.73!

If you go here and fill everything out and ask for a build sheet it will tell you every option your Jeep came with! I have done it with all three of my Jeeps!

 

Thanks for the quick response guys. Much appreciated. Of course that leads me to another question. Go figure huh.

Will the ring gear from the D35 fit into the D44a? If so would that change it to the ration I need? I'm hoping its that easy!

 

No they are not interchangable! Is the front for sale where you got this axle from? See if you can get the gears from it.

 

I also have a 98 Grand Cherokee and am getting a lot of noise and wonder if it might be easier just to replace it with another axle. Perhaps somebody knows of one in good shape that i could buy and swap out. Thanks.

 

That's awesome, but you didn't put your location. We don't know if you're in China or New York...

 

I'm replacing the front axle on the Wife's 98 grand. She has the tow pkg and the 3.73 D-30. The tow pkg axle also has U joints on the axle and input shafts. Is the D-44 a direct bolt in or does it need a new drive shaft for I6 and auto? That would be a great upgrade, as we tow a 22' TravelTrailer!

 

Its is a direct bolt in

 

You may not want to swap a grand cherokee d44 in just to get rid of noises from the rear end. Because the aluminum housings they have allow them to twist and ruin bearings faster. So chances are the bearings will be shot in the one you get, not saying you shouldn't do it because they are a stout axle once they are trussed.