Skool me on the D44 VS the Alum D44

[DOSS]

OK.. So my searching has not turned up a heck of a lot so I thought I would see what yawl have to say on the subject..

What are the actualy differences in the D44 IE and XJ D44 or TJ D44 to the Aluminum housed D44 in a ZJ? Other than the fact that it has an Aluminum housing...

 

[toys4rocks]

Fricken website is down! But there was a huge discussion on Pirate. I will find it and post a link.

 

[Zombie]

Heh...I know a bit aobut this.
The AL D44 has very limited locker and limited carrier selection. In my research I have only been able to find one locker (lunchbox) that will guarentee fitment and function in the AL44. Since i can't lock it, I haven't researched gearing much, since it's pointless to me, but I have been told that you can't go lower than 4.10 on the carrier.
I have also been told that other lockers will fit it just fine, but I'd rather not buy a locker based on somone on the internet saying "my freind did it, and it was cool".
Know what I mean?
If it were me, I'd get a real 44.
That said, I might have an AL44 with 3.73 gears for sale real cheap later this year....

 

[DOSS]

The only reason I ask is I am having a difficult time finding a "Real" 44 I don't actually want to go Alum but this 35 sucks

 

[Meat_]

Real 44's suck (marginally)
aluminum 44's suck hard

 

[Tacoma]

I think Meat has captured the essence of this issue quite nicely.

 

[DOSS]

OK so the Alum is out... What would it take to get a D60 Narrowed down to 60WMS for my XJ and changed over to 5 on 4.5 for the bolt pattern (due to the fact that I have one in my garage)?

 

[toys4rocks]

I know you said you have a 60, but I was at P n P a few days ago. There are still 2 HP44's that haven't been touched. Already 5 lug, only have to shorten one side and will match your rear 44 a little better than a front 60.

 

[Herzog]

Real 44's suck (marginally)

I disagree. If you build for them, they are a great axle. Similar in a way of how many people like toyota 8" axles.

You can't put a D44 under a heavy truck and expect it to work well. It needs to fit the application.

AL D44's seem to be notorious for cracked housings and spun tubes, as well as limited carrier (locker) options. Steer clear.

 

[Caleb]

OK so the Alum is out... What would it take to get a D60 Narrowed down to 60WMS for my XJ and changed over to 5 on 4.5 for the bolt pattern (due to the fact that I have one in my garage)?

I think the only way to get 5x4.5 on a D60 is by changing it to a SF axle. Narrowing isn't a huge deal, probably $200-$300 from most shops.

 

[Zombie]

I know you said you have a 60, but I was at P n P a few days ago. There are still 2 HP44's that haven't been touched. Already 5 lug, only have to shorten one side and will match your rear 44 a little better than a front 60.

grrr. I hate it when little opportunities pop up like this.
Just when I thought I'd made up my mind....

 

[Milner]

(replying under protest....I do not understand the terms "school me" and 'Skool me")

For the 60, I bet Tera has semi-float 5 on 4.5 shafts already in stock for the right width, probably have the bearing pockets too, may even do the work....
The Tera/Ford motorsport disk brake kit is already 5 on 4.5....

 

[Badger]

I know you said you have a 60, but I was at P n P a few days ago. There are still 2 HP44's that haven't been touched. Already 5 lug, only have to shorten one side and will match your rear 44 a little better than a front 60.

you are looking at the wrong end there Toys4rocks

 

[toys4rocks]

you are looking at the wrong end there Toys4rocks

He's not talking about a front? Damn Jeeps!!

EDIT: Crap! Just re-read about midway down, talking about FF and SF should have tipped me off huh?

Alright then, use the 60 in the rear and go get a HP44 for the front, and no choppy!! Leave em wide and get bigger flares. And change the front to 8 lug. So there!!!!

 

[Meat_]

I disagree. If you build for them, they are a great axle. Similar in a way of how many people like toyota 8" axles.

They have thier place, in light, lower power rigs like yours. That's what the marginally was for. Personally I wouldn't waste my time or money on a 44 in anything I was going to wheel, but then I don't like spending money twice.

 

[Drew_XJ]

you said you have a d35 in the rear? are you sure its not a 29 spline 8.25? i thought your XJ had the towing package


ah nevermind abs

 

[waynehartwig]

Isn't that ALD44 considered the D44-HD? If so, then yeah, limited locker combo - move on, you don't want it.

I wonder why a standard D44 diff won't fit in it. I wonder if it's the same reason of the Rubicon. If that's the case, a standard will work, you just need more (different) shims because the Rubicon locker is wider than a standard D44 locker. However, it does use larger ring gear bolts than a standard D44.