xodrifterox

i found a set of dana 44 axles for $100 on craigslist, i know the front wont work with my xj because it has a pass. side diff. however i was wandering if anybody knew if the rear would work out for me? i was looking at the picture of the axles and it looks like the rear diff is also not centered up? is that true? what all would i have to do to get it/them under my xj?

xjmarc

The diff is offset and those are kind of weak. Better off finding another set.

andrewmp6

I would pass on them too.The front you want a 1980 or newer jepp wagoneer but make sure its not a vacuum discount tho.The rear the best cheap one is a 96-01 ford explorer 8.8.The 8.8 is about equal to a dana 44 but to bolt in you will need to have new spring perches and shock mounts welded on it.

Demonoid369

Or a 97+ 8.25 which is comparable to a 44 also and which is completely bolt in

Zack92MJ

Strength wise it goes 8.25, 44, 8.8.

Get the 8.8, the explorer ones are 31 spline and some have limited slip built in and some even have 4.10 gearing

Demonoid369

Well the question of tire size is probably what we should all be asking first because if he's sticking with 35" and below, it would be easier and smarter to get a 8.25 for cheap, but if he's going bigger than I would suggest the 44 and 8.8

rlevs

i would go find a ford 8.8 for the rear. find on that has disk brakes and get the spring perches they work really good and you might even be able to find on with 4:10's already in it

xjmarc

Even better option, if he's going with a waggy 44 front which is a 6 lug axle, get a matching Rodeo or Passport D44 rear, which also has disc brakes and is 6 lug as well and the same width. The 8.8 would need wheel adapters since it's the small jeep/ford 5 lug. Also the D44 isn't c-clipped and the 8.8 has a very weak factory carrier. The Rodeo/Passport versions come with 4.10s up to 4.56s and some have a LSD but unless it's not going to be wheeled much skip the LSD and get a real locker.

andrewmp6

The waggy can be changed to a 5x5.5 easy and the 8.8 with after market axles can go 5x5.5 as well

wrapstar

The 8.8 carrier is the weak link but its far from weak. I have a Spartan with 4.88s in mine and it hops on rocks nonstop. My mustang runs low 11s with a mini spool never had any problems

xjmarc

You can get aftermarket shafts for the 8.8 but then you have to get new rotors as well. I mentioned the Rodeo D44 because you wouldn't have to swap anything. And again no c-clips. Yes disc will hold the wheel on but I learned from experience if you drive out with only the brakes holding it you will end up bending the backing plates. That's the main reason I'll never run another c-clip axle. You can say you'll never break a 8.8 shaft but I said the same about my 35 spline D60 shafts and guess what.