I think I found a rear dana 44 for my 90 cherokee (off of an 89). 3.55 gears, not sure on mileage though. JY/Salvage wants $350 for it.

I'm not in a rush to buy one, but I've been to 5 or 6 JY in my area with no luck on the direct bolt up D44.

Thoughts?
Thanks!

 

seems high for an axle, but i dont really know what theyre worth

 

I wouldn't give more then 200 for it because i would rebuilt it before using it.Which rear end do you have now tho?

 

Currently have the d35

 

What about a chrysler 8.25 some say its as strong as a dana 44.

 

My original plan was to go with the Chrysler if.I couldn't get a d44 for a reasonable price

 

I wouldn't pay more than $100 for a mid size axle personally.

XJ 44s are over rated and often over priced. You can pick up an 8.8 around here for around $100 and get mounts welded on it for around $200 and have a much better axle than the 44 or 8.25 and get a free disc brake upgrade along with it and a LSD if you get it out of the right Explorer or Mountaineer.

 

Whatever the market will bare...
This is true for axles, shocks, motors, interior trim clips, etc.
The axle is only worth what you are willing to pay for it.

Keep in mind that just bolting a used axle under your rig is inviting trouble. A thorough inspection of the internals, seals, and all welds should be #1 on your list before put a jack under your heep.

The local U-Pull n Pay here charges $150 per axle whether it's a Dana 30 or a 35 Spline Dana 60.

 

hmmm seems like I have a little more thinking to do. I was expecting lots of people to say go for it... Gonna have to do some more research on the 8.8 and 8.25.

ISAM (I should also mention) the following about the beast:

Planning on doing a 4.5-6" lift
33s if I go 4.5/35s if I go 6
not going to be climbing up walls or anything, I would say your average off roading, but I want the rig to be capable of doing things if the situation...errrr... opportunity presents its self

 

Like others say, its all about what you will pay for it. I found a set of 44's in a junkyard. They quoted me at $200 each since they have to pull it. I considered that a good deal but for my MJ 4WD conversion, it woulda been a big money pit.

Maybe you can find a wrecked donor XJ? That is gonna be my new route if I keep my Comanche.

 

Axles back east seem to go for a lot less than out here, that being said 350 is crazy even for out here. We have a pick n pull down the street that charges 350 for axles complete.

The one ten minutes further away charges $180 for a complete axle.

Shop around, a dana 44 isnt REALLY hard to find. Just wait until you find one for the right price.

 

The 8.25 was a stock xj rear end the 96 and older is 27 spline the 97 newer is 29 spline.The ford explorer 8.8 96-01 will fit once you weld on new spring perches and shock mounts.You can get the 8.8 swap kit about 130 http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/...g/88ss-31.html or get same thing and a axle truss for 200http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_C ode=IR-XF88BK&Category_Code=F88S

 

My biggest thing was that the 44 I'm looking at is a direct bolt on. Mine and my buddy's welding skills are decent, I'm fine with welding a roof rack, not so confident about any welding to do with an axle... I think the 97+ 8.25 are direct bolt on as well correct?

With those links I'm assuming welding is still required?

 

For an 8.8 to fit, you'll need to weld.

 

Any xj rear end will bolt right in,Yes those links you have to weld but if you find a welder between jobs they will do it for you cheap.