Got one available for a doable price. Any bad traits to this vehicle? Are they good candidate for a 3"ish lift and 31 or 32 inch tires and maybe Detroit tru-tracs? I've heard the Dana 44 with the aluminum center section is a pain, is there an easily swappable improvement? Any decent lifts available? Is the transfer case ok or should it be replaced? I looked for info online and I found some info, but not a lot. If I can do a moderate build onto a decent backwoods explorer, mostly Michigan trails, two tracks, and trout streams, with a more or less easy build, I might pick it up. Any advice from those more familiar with this vehicle than I would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

They are as easily upgraded as any but they are rare enough you should grab it regardless.

 

Overall a good platform. V8...coil springs at all 4 corners.... Disc brakes...etc.

What 4wd setup do you have? Most of the 98s have a NP249(4HI-4LO). I have no complaints but there are a lot of haters on here. Good news is the 4WD can easily be swapped. Check out BigTheoPacific1 on Instagram. He has a FULL build on the 5.9 that would put a NASCAR team to shame.

 

I also have had no issues with my D44a running 33" tires. Occasional ledge crawling with the tires below 15psi and I still don't have any damaged teeth on my ring and pinion. Don't believe all the haters out there.
It depends on your driving style. If you like the rev-limiter you will break parts no matter what you swap in.