I have been attempting to figure out differences, pros and cons of each for some time.

I plan on eventually swapping my Dana 30/Dana 35 out of my ZJ. I have access to Dana 44s out of an 88 Grand Wagoneer but have heard good things about the JK 44s. Thoughts?

 

other than i think the waggy has drums, i think theyre the same axle? i could be wrong

 

if it is a front and rear 44 out of a jk then it would be Rubicon axles (lockers) ...otherwise its a 30 and a 44 ( i think ) .. but all in all most 44's are the same .. Just the knuckles change between manufactures

 

The wagoneers have drums on the rear but there is a conversion kit. I know they are different
Besides the front JK 44 is A high pinion and wider but I have nof found anything about strength or durability between the two. The Jk being high pinion front isn't something I'm to worried about. Its not A deal breaker for me, ya know?


Full size wagoneer... Not the xj models. Front and rear are both dana 44 on the wagoneer.

The reason I ask this is because my mans offroad toy is an 88 grand wagoneer and he is upgrading to Dana 60s or bigger. I have free reign of his axles for my ZJ but I've heard many people tell me wagoneer 44s won't hold up to the tires a stock JK 44... Yet no one can tell me why they say this....

 

ive seen guys hang 37s off waggy 44 axles and they hold up fine.

 

The waggy axles currently have 35 mud rovers... Would it be worth waiting for the jk axles or will the waggy axles do fine? What would you guys do?

 

I'd wait form the jk axles. You get lockers. There high pinon and disk brakes all around. Also I believe there wider that the waggy axles by like 3in or so. Someone correct me I'm wrong

 

From what little information I've found, i think the jk axles are wider but idk how much. The other idea is to run the waggy axles until my local u pull it gets a jk... That could be a little while but would be the cheapest way to get them.

 

Check out jeeptech.com. All the info you'll ever need.

 

thats that i would do, JKs are still too new, I doubt you'll see one in a junkyard until at least 5 years from now.

IF you do happen to find one, pop off the trail rated badge for me

 

JK axles were prone to some serious carnage when they first came out, so be ready to add sleeves, gussets and possibly a truss.

 

JK front 44s are basically a d30/d44 hybrid. Not much better.

 

Except for the larger ring and pinion, larger shafts, increased spline count......

 

aside from the housing issue, jk 44's are awesome.

 

If yoy get the jks you can get that potal upgrade mopar makes! That way you don't have to buy Dana 60s in 2 years