Dsach

Ok I can get a Dana 44 front and rear from an 87 Grand Wagoneer for 90 a peice and I really am thinking about doing it for at least the rear. I know the bolt pattern is different but I have been told I can get different shafts with the correct bolt pattern or if al else fails, I can cut the studs weld the shafts clean and drill the correct bolt pattern. What I want to know is if this axles would be a good build. I believe it is a LP but ultimately it will be better than my 8.25 and has more parts and better lockers. Anywho as far as the swap in the rear it really seems pretty easy. Match up the leaf perches and shock mounts and thats it.... Please chime in on advise about this axle.... I really want to do this swap and think it would be a good choice overall. Will most D44 Parts IE SHAFTS GEARS LOCKERS??

SeriousOffroad

First you need to find out if they are full width or narrow track axles.

If full width, be certain that it is a drivers side drop.

You'll need new wheels....period. The center hole in your existing 5 on 4.5 wheel is to small for the front hubs to fit.

If you're interested I can provide you with a link for a bracket kit. Lot's of cutting and welding required but it's not difficult if you take you're time.

You can also fab your own truss and re-use some of the D30 brackets if you remove them carefully from your existing D30.

Dsach

To be honest I realy am only wanting to upgrade the rear axle only I really dont see why I would not be able to do so. The Axle Length is not that much different than the fron. I could make up for that with a spacer.

connorcovington

They are narrow track and the grand wagoneers are drivers drop too. If your gonna do the back you might as well do the front cause your gonna have to get new wheels anyway. The d44 is a ton better than the stock d30 in the front also

SeriousOffroad

I know a guy that builds XJ D44's.
Matter of fact he's got one sitting on his axle stand right now.....

Dsach

Define Drivers Drop and this may sound dumb but is there a company that makes a kit will all the brackets and everything for the front axle?


That you /\/\/\


I am realy considering going ahead and getting both Front and Rear.... But my question is this. Changing out the axles would be a chunck of change..... I am not building this rig for a huge rock crawler. I am only going to be running 33's I want my axles locked and geared at 4.56

Do I really need to go up to 44's ?

Jeepjunky

its where the differential is on the left (passenger) or right (driver) side, in xjs you want a Driver side drop cuz thats the side the output for the front comes out of the T-case.

Dsach

...

Jeepjunky

for 33s, most people say stick with your stock axles and run them until you want more. that might be the best option in you case. now if it was me, i would say go for it, cuz im waiting till summer to put a FSJ Waggy D44 up front on a 3 link system, and a XJ D44 in the rear all on 32s. now the main problem with my setup is that im guna have to run 2 different bolt patterns and use adapters but other than that, i think im guna like it

Dsach

To be honest... The biggest reason for wanting to switch is wanting the lock the rear. I have only seen the Aussie lockers for the 8.25 rear BUT they are behind and I cannot even get one if I want it!!! what to do what to do...... Im thinking I might just wait till I find an XJ D44..........

SeriousOffroad

I've got ARB's and Detroits for the 8.25

Dsach

PM me prices please.... Looked and did not see them on your site.

Let me know. Thanks.

SeriousOffroad

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...ducts_id=87866

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...ducts_id=87953

b. lee

Slow down, source the right parts, and keep your axle.

dogger15

its not worth swapping axles unitl you go 35+ on tires if you have the 8.25 29 spline