Hey CF!

Just picked up a 1987 XJ Rear Dana 44 30 spline and I going to build it up for my 97 XJ 4.0L. To be honest, this is a learning experience as I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to axles, gears, etc. Also there are numerous threads for this axle that I have read and here is what I am thinking after research:


1. Convert Drums to Discs and keep ABS (can skip pros/cons). I think i have the idea for this with these threads as reference lol:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/da...ersion-126148/
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/di...on-abs-121724/
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=998638
http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xj44part1.html

2. Upgrade to Chromoly shafts (30 spline?). Looking at yukon YA WD44-30-32.0 from summit racing. Thoughts?

3. Regear to 4.56's, my xj is running a lot of weight with 33's, arb bull bumper, and a full JCR Tire Carrier bumper. Based off my skill level, i may pay shop to gear/lock rear and front. I was looking at Alloy USA, G2, and Yukon, I noticed no 30 spline for them, so I am wondering if that changes with regearing which will affect the chromolys i get. Thoughts?

Let me know what you think. I am in no rush to slap this under vehicle.

 

Subbing, as I have a D44 and am contemplating doing this mod.

 

You will have a hard time busting that axle, in it's stock form, with that 4.0L. I had a 4.9L stroker pushing mine. It's strong unlike the cheapy "D44's" in the jk's. My advice, gear it as you need and if you're heartset on it, you can convert the rear to discs.

 

1: for sure do that, one of the better things i did to my old 44
2: i wouldnt buy aftermarket shafts right away. i wheeled for 6 years on 33s and 35s before i finally broke a stock shaft
3: what is your question? the ring and pinion dont care about spline count. the carrier/locker is where the spline count matters.

 

I guess my question is, for 4.56 gears and a ARB or OX Locker, what spline should I be using? stock is a 30 spline and if I keep shafts wouldn't everything need to match?

 

Sign up at Pirate4x4 and PM the user "Waynehartwig". He's a Yukon dealer and all his prices are ridiculous cheapest I have seen anywhere. He's my go-to guy whenever I need gears, chromoly shafts, etc etc.

Saves u quite a bit.

 

yes the spline counts need to match. go with 30 spline.

 

I built my xj D44 pretty much the way you're describing. I refurbished the entire thing including a nice paint job! So I put 4.56's in, an ARB, chromo shafts, and all new brakes. From what I've learned, there is no direct bolt-on disk brake conversion for the old XJ D44's. The bearing retainer has a different pattern and there is some fab work involved I guess. Not sure, didn't look into it THAT far but I honestly just keep the rear brakes in adjustment and I've had no issues. The Ebrake works fantastic. I also have new shock relocations mounts too just need to cut the oldies off and weld the new ones on. I'll get to that eventually...

 

Thanks everyone! To save funds, I think I will run the stock shafts for now. Starting my disc conversion now, then I will invest in the gears/lockers before slapping under jeep. When I regear front D30, should i lock it while I am in there or just wait until an axle upgrade

 

throw an autolocker in there. they are cheap and effective.