Ive been doing lots of research cause I'm in the parts collection stage of my trail rig. D44 HP front is Marginally stronger than the d30 cause both axles use the same size Ujoint. The difference is the d44 is stronger in the gear side of it but the d30 can be beefed up close to it with a truss and beefy cover. Still the limit for d44 HP is 37's, D44 LP is 35's and d30's can handle 35's*. Both types of axles have to be built to handle this.

* also depends on your driving style, terrain and frequency of wheeling.

 

Im still debating on the 37s. I might just do the 8in lift and 35s but beef up the axles front and rear. I am goin junkyard hunting on Friday for an 87-90 cherokee. Some came with a dana 44 rearend on them and hopefully i can find one. I know they are rare!

 

Yes the 60s are heavier but stock they are stronger than a built d44 and the amount of money you have to put in that 44 to hold 35's not worth it.if you like the skiny pedal the 44 will not last. The 9" is a good choice for the rear its strong and easy to get parts.

 

9" or even the 8.8 will handle 35's in the rear. Good luck finding a d44 rear

edit: one problem with 60's is that the diff is so big they will dig ditches everywhere you go with 35's, Its kinda pointless to have tons with tires less than 39's

 

See below:

Yup.

 

So 4wheel parts sales complete axles with any gear ratio you want and lockers of your choice you can get 44s or dana 60s also a rear disc brake up grade all for about 5900 bucks..... Sold!! In the order process now!! Next thing is the 8 in kit!!!

 

You don't need a 8" for 37's. Ouch, That's over twice what most people on here pay for their xj's themselves.

 

I know but i like to have lots of room to move... And 5900 for both axles complete with everything is not bad...they will bolt right on which is nice!

 

Still, that's a lot of cash....

 

I love my XJ its worth it!!

 

Well I do too I just wouldn't spend that on axles but that just me.

 

I am actually ordering them through 4wd.com they are alot cheaper bout 4500 not too shabby...4:56 gears ARB locker in the front and detroit in the rear with 33 spline axles... Also a disc brake conversion in the rear.