1990 Wagoneer front axle in a 1990 XJ
#1
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Model: Cherokee
1990 Wagoneer front axle in a 1990 XJ
I want to do a Dana 44 swap from a 1990 Wagoneer (SJ) to my 1990 XJ. I was wondering if anyone has done one before? Belwo is a link to the axle that I think I want to use.
http://www.lowmileageparts.com/1990-...x#.W5cFkPYnaM9
http://www.lowmileageparts.com/1990-...x#.W5cFkPYnaM9
#2
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With enough fab work you can do the swap but it isn't a direct bolt in. I believe it is also a low pinion axle. What size tires do you plan on running?
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Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0 Renix
It's one of the most overrated swaps ever.
Yes, I've done it. No, I would never do it again.
For 32s I would keep the D30 any day. There is (or was?) a manual hub conversion kit out there, but it's not really something that is needed most of the time.
Yes, I've done it. No, I would never do it again.
For 32s I would keep the D30 any day. There is (or was?) a manual hub conversion kit out there, but it's not really something that is needed most of the time.
#5
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A high pinion Dana 30 will be fine with 32" tires. You can get locking hub conversion kits for them but it isn't worth the price in my opinion.
#6
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you sure that's an SJ axle? it' looks like a high pinion, and a waggy is an xj platform. the SJ was a grand wagoneer.
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#8
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And looking at that picture, that axle looks nothing like an SJ Dana 44. The SJ 44 is low pinion with big obnoxious hubs that stick way out, even when they're set up with drive slugs instead of locking hubs.
I put a set of axles from a 1988 SJ under my XJ. Mostly just because I could and I wanted a project. Sure the front is stronger than a D30. But the rear 44 isn't really any stronger than an 8.25. Though it is an upgrade over a D35.
Several things to know about the swap:
- They are 6 on 5.5" bolt pattern, which is nothing like an XJ. If you do the front, you'll want a matching rear.
- The front is low pinion. Even with a moderate lift, I'm needing a double ended double cardan driveshaft to keep it from vibrating on the highway.
- No matter how you do it, you're going to need to do some significant fabrication. Even with the truss kit that comes with all the brackets, the TNT customs kit requires substantial work.
- Steering is easy. You can use a drop pitman arm from an SJ on your XJ steering box. From there, factory SJ steering components bolt up.
- The front axle drives the coast side of the gears, which is not the most desirable setup.
- No matter what axles you go with, you're probably going to need to modify your driveshaft.
There are better options for swapping in a Dana 44 into the front of your XJ. And, quite honestly, the factory D30 will handle 32's just fine. And lockout hubs are overrated.
Last edited by derf; 09-11-2018 at 08:58 AM.
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Thank you for the tips and knowledge I will most likely stay away from the swap and passably do a high pinion 30 instead. As I do not plan to go bigger than 32 I want something I can drive on the highway and moderate trails. Has anyone used a spin free locking hub kit that isn't $1500? This is something I would like to do but not at that price point.
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Why do you need locking hubs? You already have the vacuum disconnect high pinion Dana 30 front axle in your 90. The vacuum disconnect operates a collar that couples and uncouples the passenger side axle shaft from the differential. Serves the same function as locking hubs. Jeep realized in later years the fuel efficiency difference with the front axle disconnected was negligible and did away with the disconnect.
I have 33s on my jeep. I daily drove the jeep for a year with no problems. Fuel mileage is decent for the size of tires. I regeared both axles to 4.10 and the jeep drives great.
I'm sorry to say I think you are trying to fix a problem that isn't a problem.
I have 33s on my jeep. I daily drove the jeep for a year with no problems. Fuel mileage is decent for the size of tires. I regeared both axles to 4.10 and the jeep drives great.
I'm sorry to say I think you are trying to fix a problem that isn't a problem.
#11
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Thank you for the tips and knowledge I will most likely stay away from the swap and passably do a high pinion 30 instead. As I do not plan to go bigger than 32 I want something I can drive on the highway and moderate trails. Has anyone used a spin free locking hub kit that isn't $1500? This is something I would like to do but not at that price point.
Would you trust "cheap" hubs to hold up?
#13
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right. but he posted 1990 wagoneer
he could still use that axle posted tho, it will bolt right up to his xj as long as he matches gear ratios.
not all 1990 xj's have vac disco. only the 231 equipped does. the limiteds with 242 have abs and non disco axles, which is what i swapped in my 90 pioneer from my 89 limited.
he could still use that axle posted tho, it will bolt right up to his xj as long as he matches gear ratios.
not all 1990 xj's have vac disco. only the 231 equipped does. the limiteds with 242 have abs and non disco axles, which is what i swapped in my 90 pioneer from my 89 limited.
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Perhaps OP actually means the XJ Wagoneer. Shouldn't be too hard to find an older XJ with the vacuum disco and swap it into his if he doesn't have the disco. Throw an ad on CL offering to trade your non-disco for a disco axle. Not too many gear choices, shouldn't be hard too find one with the same ratio.
The disco axles aren't the strongest option, but if you are sticking with 32s and only do moderate wheeling, you should be fine.
Last edited by bad_idea; 09-13-2018 at 07:13 AM.
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Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0 Renix
Thank you for the tips and knowledge I will most likely stay away from the swap and passably do a high pinion 30 instead. As I do not plan to go bigger than 32 I want something I can drive on the highway and moderate trails. Has anyone used a spin free locking hub kit that isn't $1500? This is something I would like to do but not at that price point.