Celticclove

First will a d44 off a v8 bolt right up to a s6 GC and is it ok to take off the rear sway bar? Oh I got a 96 grand cherokee

Bustedback

The rear end should bolt right in, just make sure it's the same gear ratio as the front axle. You can get along ok without the rear swaybar, it may feel a little tippy though.

ol"blue

The drive shaft might be a different length for the D44A though, I'm not sure.

Celticclove

K mine is a 97 what years do I need to look 4 to get an axle from?

tiwvr1

Just so u know, the dana 44a isnt much stronger then the one u got now. It has a aluminum center section that flexes and is prone to braking junk.

Celticclove

So keep the 35 or can u up grade the that 44 to get rid of that aluminum

customzj73

True but if you truss it then its a great axle. Buddy is running a 44a that I trussed and Lincoln locked for him on 35's and hasn't had any problems-knock on wood.
You can get a 44a from any V8 96-98 grand cherokee, they all have 3:73 gears, they will bolt up, depending on your lift you may need the 44a driveshaft as well

Celticclove

What size of socket do I need to get my bumper mounts off? And what it a good way to brake them lose?

blackjack12982

x2 on the D44a being stronger than the D35. Truss the 44a, put an HD cover on it, and if you're up for it make a skid for it, you've eliminated the problem areas with it. I don't know if they're still around, but MVC (Mountain Valley Customs) used to make a skid for the D44a's.

Like it has been said, unless you're lifted a good bit the new DS will be too long, as the pinion is longer in the 44a.