ericfx1984

Ok some I have a c8.25 27 spline, I don't want to mess with converting to 29 spline, I I noticed that the junk yard has TONS of MJs with D44 axles

now I realize that the MJ D44 is Spring under, no big deal to convert to spring over, not at all worried about that, in fact I could clock the axle so I would no longer need shims

now I am running a hack n tap with an XJ automatic front D shaft in the rear

will everything just bolt up?

I know that the D44 is a relatively simple axle to setup as far as gears go when compared to the C 8.25 (I also hear that the d30 is stupid easy)

I figure that makes it well worth it in itself, because upgrading a C 8.25 27 spline to 29 is not cheap or easy for a first time gear setup (so I have been told)

even at the junk yard I would be looking at $30 per axle shaft and like $20 for the carrier, then I would likely have to pay someone to setup the gears

I figure I could build a truss for the d44 while it's out of the Jeep, further beefing up that bad boy

am I on the right track or should I be looking at the Ford 8.8 and just trying to find one that has 3.55 gears?

sthon

Really, the MJ is spring under? Having never owned and MJ or known anyone with one I'm still surprised...

motorcharge

Yes they're spring under, you need new shock mounts and spring perches, but otherwise you don't need to do anything unless you need to regear. Most the 44s are 4.10 gears.

I'd personally go with the 8.8 for the sake of having rear disk brakes and a stronger axle. If you don't have to regear the 8.8 it's a similar amount of work either way.

ericfx1984

what gears are available on the 8.8?

motorcharge

There's a bunch offhand I can't remember, but 3.55, 3.73, and 4.10 are common. Check Ford's parts site, they still offer new factory gears for them.

CheapCherokee

FIFY

motorcharge

The MJ 44s came in a 3.54 gearing as well as 4.10.

OEJ

i've had several mustangs and the gears go higher than you will need. i know for a fact that they go up to 5.13's

ohio95xj

i also know for a fact that the 44 goes up to 5.13 as well

CheapCherokee

Not sure where you heard that. 4.10s were only offered in 4 cylinder models, which the Dana 44 was not offered in. The only ratios for the 44 are 3.55 for 4.0 auto and 3.05 for 4.0 manual.

Rock Toy

How tall of tires are you planning on running? The 8.8 is a great axle, but it does cut down on clearance. In my opinion, unless your running at a minimum, at least a 33 inch tire the 27 spline 8.25 will be fine.

ericfx1984

Running a 285/75/16, they measured out to be about 33 1/3" tall on the wheel