Rear Axle Shaft Questions?????

[pdw]

Thank you Paul for your opinion. I will highly consider a 9' If I break the D44. I am just curious why the D44 is not recommended. Any info on D44's that i should know about as far as its strongest and weakest points would be helpful in the future.

Thanks-

Finally able to respond....The front Dana 44 shares many characteristics with Dana 30....Especially, the latest version. Specifically, these two axles share the same axle tube thickness, axle tube diameter, and the knuckles are interchangable.
That being said, I have seen many Dana 30's function quite nicely with 33 & 35" tires. I am running 35's on my highly modified Dana 30.

An older rear Dana 44 from a Cherokee may be a better a better choice, but I believe that it is still a compromise in strength, especially if you use 35" or larger tires. I was drawn to the 9" because if it's housing and axle strength, option of a high pinion to alleviate drivetrain angles, rear disk brakes and a gigantic supply of aftermarket parts.
I am not saying that you can't get Dana 44 parts. But, take a look Summit Racing's catalog(for example) and tell me how many Dana 44 parts are available.
Can't or don't want to afford a Dana 60? (Me neither - not yet, anyways) The SOLID axle products are very nice and I would use one! But, in comparison they are very expensive.
That is why I am happy with my choice of a Currie 9". Lighter than a Dana 60, stronger (housing and axles) than a Dana 44 and cost way less than a built Dana 44.

[Drewminator]

The Dana 44 came out of a 1990 XJ. The Superior Evolution Chromo series are dual heat treated for a stronger shaft over their original Chromo shafts. Either way, all your opinions ROCK!

Finally able to respond....The front Dana 44 shares many characteristics with Dana 30....Especially, the latest version. Specifically, these two axles share the same axle tube thickness, axle tube diameter, and the knuckles are interchangable.
That being said, I have seen many Dana 30's function quite nicely with 33 & 35" tires. I am running 35's on my highly modified Dana 30.

An older rear Dana 44 from a Cherokee may be a better a better choice, but I believe that it is still a compromise in strength, especially if you use 35" or larger tires. I was drawn to the 9" because if it's housing and axle strength, option of a high pinion to alleviate drivetrain angles, rear disk brakes and a gigantic supply of aftermarket parts.
I am not saying that you can't get Dana 44 parts. But, take a look Summit Racing's catalog(for example) and tell me how many Dana 44 parts are available.
Can't or don't want to afford a Dana 60? (Me neither - not yet, anyways) The SOLID axle products are very nice and I would use one! But, in comparison they are very expensive.
That is why I am happy with my choice of a Currie 9". Lighter than a Dana 60, stronger (housing and axles) than a Dana 44 and cost way less than a built Dana 44.

[pdw]

The Dana 44 came out of a 1990 XJ. The Superior Evolution Chromo series are dual heat treated for a stronger shaft over their original Chromo shafts. Either way, all your opinions ROCK!

I wish my wife thought that way ---she just thinks I'm full of it!

[Drewminator]

Nothing in the Dana44 is stock except for the Axle itself. The XJ Dana 44 axle tubes measure 2.76" in diameter, necking down just a tad to 2.72" at the center differential housing, If I'm correct.

I wish my wife thought that way ---she just thinks I'm full of it!