Dana 35 to 44 rear axle swap question
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2
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From: Portland, OR
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Dana 35 to 44 rear axle swap question
Hi I'm new to the forum. I keep getting mixed answers and hoping someone can help me out. I have a stock everything 2000 Cherokee. I have rebuilt the Dana 35 twice before I found out that it was a weak axle. I got my Jeep at an auction for a great price and don't plan on wheeling it or dumping much money into it.
Anyways I was waiting for a Dana 44 out of an XJ, or an 8.8 to swap and found the 44 first from a 87 Cherokee. I noticed the pinion looks longer than the 35. My question is will my driveshaft from the 35 work at stock ride height? Also if it won't what are my options? Will a 8.25 driveshaft work or should I get the current driveshaft cut and balanced? I have heard that I can use the 8.25 and I have heard that the 35 shaft will work and I have also heard they won't. I have searched here and other forums and haven't found a definite answer. I plan on swapping it out this week and can do the work myself. I already have the correct U-bolts and everything else for the swap.
Anyways I was waiting for a Dana 44 out of an XJ, or an 8.8 to swap and found the 44 first from a 87 Cherokee. I noticed the pinion looks longer than the 35. My question is will my driveshaft from the 35 work at stock ride height? Also if it won't what are my options? Will a 8.25 driveshaft work or should I get the current driveshaft cut and balanced? I have heard that I can use the 8.25 and I have heard that the 35 shaft will work and I have also heard they won't. I have searched here and other forums and haven't found a definite answer. I plan on swapping it out this week and can do the work myself. I already have the correct U-bolts and everything else for the swap.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,685
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 92
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by PDX 2000 XJ
Hi I'm new to the forum. I keep getting mixed answers and hoping someone can help me out. I have a stock everything 2000 Cherokee. I have rebuilt the Dana 35 twice before I found out that it was a weak axle. I got my Jeep at an auction for a great price and don't plan on wheeling it or dumping much money into it.
Anyways I was waiting for a Dana 44 out of an XJ, or an 8.8 to swap and found the 44 first from a 87 Cherokee. I noticed the pinion looks longer than the 35. My question is will my driveshaft from the 35 work at stock ride height? Also if it won't what are my options? Will a 8.25 driveshaft work or should I get the current driveshaft cut and balanced? I have heard that I can use the 8.25 and I have heard that the 35 shaft will work and I have also heard they won't. I have searched here and other forums and haven't found a definite answer. I plan on swapping it out this week and can do the work myself. I already have the correct U-bolts and everything else for the swap.
Anyways I was waiting for a Dana 44 out of an XJ, or an 8.8 to swap and found the 44 first from a 87 Cherokee. I noticed the pinion looks longer than the 35. My question is will my driveshaft from the 35 work at stock ride height? Also if it won't what are my options? Will a 8.25 driveshaft work or should I get the current driveshaft cut and balanced? I have heard that I can use the 8.25 and I have heard that the 35 shaft will work and I have also heard they won't. I have searched here and other forums and haven't found a definite answer. I plan on swapping it out this week and can do the work myself. I already have the correct U-bolts and everything else for the swap.
the 35 shaft will more than likely be to long.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2
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From: Portland, OR
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Already tried that. I use it as a hunting rig and take it to my local shooting spot that sometimes requires the 4WD. Already rebuilt the 35 twice and just broke a c clip on a mild logging road. Decided to get something that could handle anything I do. I might do a 3" lift but trying not to dump money into it. My current automotive money pit is my 66 Mustang and would rather build that. I like the XJ because it's a great all around vehicle.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
ohh ok. that dana 44 should easily hold up. a 3 inch lift would be about perfect. you normally dont have to worry about a tcase drop or sye and can use the factory control arms. just have to get coils, leafs, shocks, and im not sure about brakelines maybe
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 294
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From: West Michigan
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l IL6
Just as a note the pinion lengths are 11.5" for a D35, 12" for a dana 44, abd 12 5/8" for a C8.25 (axle center to pinion).
When I had my driveshaft made up I split the length of a D44 and 8.25. (Have 8.25 working on swapping in the 44 some day)
Your in a different boat but the numbers might help
When I had my driveshaft made up I split the length of a D44 and 8.25. (Have 8.25 working on swapping in the 44 some day)
Your in a different boat but the numbers might help
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