Hey Everyone, I recently blew up the rear Dana 35 axle on my 98 Cherokee Sport so I figure its time to upgrade. I am trying to decide on were to go from here. I got an empty case of a Dana 44 that I got from my buddy for free. I was thinking of building that up with all new components or used components if that works along with a locker "probably OX". Right now the jeep has a Rough Country 6.5" long arm lift on it and 33" tires. I am considering going to 35s someday but right now I am going to stick with the 33s to make it more practical to drive on road as well as off. That's another reason I am leaning towards an OX locker. I know they are expensive but I plan on driving the Cherokee on road quite a bit as well and I think I want a locker I can totally dis engage. So I am asking everyone's opinion on what direction you guys think would be the best. I certainly don't have unlimited funds but I would like to do this right. This is my first axle rebuild but I have a good friend that knows all the more technical stuff like setting gear mesh and stuff like that that is going to help me along the way. Do you guys think I should rebuild the Dana 44? If so what components would everyone recommend? Also is there a better, cheaper more practical solution like looking for a new Axle already partially built or even building up a different type of axle? Any opinions suggestions and or experiences would be greatly appreciated since I am kinda new at the axle swapping / building world. Thanks!!!

 

First off, yes I'm a vendor and yes I sell E-Lockers.

I made the mistake of running an Ox for 1 season in my frontaxle....huge mistake on my part. The cable required constant attention, It NEVER worked right for an entire trail ride.

I've been using E-Lockers in my front and rear D44's since 08 without any problems at all. Fully open when not engaged, fully locked with the push of a button.

There's simply no comparison....Eaton E-Lockers FTW!

 

Hmm that's good info and something to look into. I have heard of the Eaton E Lockers before but dont know much about them. I have also heard about the OX cable problem. I just couldnt think of many alternatives. Thanks SeriousOffroad!

 

Eaton-E is a good locker. If your buying alloy shafts and a locker, re-gearing then just build the D44 you have as you would be replacing most of it any way..... But if your just throwing in factory shafts and gears I would buy a complete used one $300 ish and lock it. Or an 8.25 29 spline(cheaper to buy) and ford 8.8 (about the same price as D44 but has disk brakes) is a good choice as well but needs more setup work. all 3 axles will hold up to what your asking them to do. rated in order of strength 8.25(good for 35's)/D44(good for 37's)/8.8 (good for 39's) all claimed with alloy shafts. but none of them are a bad choice for 33's.

 

I prefer to run ARB's.. I know you have to run an air compressor, and they have issues sometimes, but I have seen the e-lockers fail, and fail Horribly.


SInce you have an empty housing, you can get a set of Ten factory/Alloy usa shafts, that comes with everything to assemble it. Get them for a tj rubicon, and some ZJ disc brake parts, and you will be set. I did this very build on my rig, and it was bullet proof.

I too really like wheeling with a selectable locker.. I prefer it in the front, BUT.. in my truggy I am going to run them front and rear so I can do cutting brakes

 

I too like the arbs, my buddys had a leaking seal on one and did two days of winter on the rocks with it, the compressor just had to kick on a few extra times but still locked no problems. free is a good price for the 44, i posted on your other build thread to check out rustys for the super 44 kit, arb and shafts and bearings for 1140. you would just need a compressor but its worth it because have air on the trails is nice plus when you get ready to upgrade to 35s you can get the super 30 kit from rustys for cheap too. but if you want disc brakes look at 1997 or newer ford explorer 8.8s(easy to find parts for the swap between ironrockoffroad.com and eastcoastgearsupply.com). besides that love your build thread and great job on all the pics from moab, i will be up there beginning of may maybe ill see you there!

 

A 44 is great and should do fine. The 8.8 is great too and disc brakes are really nice in the rear. Really have to hammer on it with big tires before it will break in most cases.