Dana 44, 3.73, Locking

[JMT]

Found a listing for one in a junkyard 65 miles away. This is my current gear ratio. Asking $1100. When they say “locking” are they saying it has some kind of locker? Are the Dana 44’s drum or disc brakes?

 

[KCsTJ]

Found a listing for one in a junkyard 65 miles away. This is my current gear ratio. Asking $1100. When they say “locking” are they saying it has some kind of locker? Are the Dana 44’s drum or disc brakes?

It could be worded better but that would be my take as well @JMT, on the 'locking'.
Plus, I can't be 100% on this but I think all D44s have disc brakes ?
JMT, aren't you looking for a 4.56 gearing upgrade? Or something close to it?

 

[glwood]

I don't believe the optional Dana 44 used in Sport & Sahara models necessarily had disk brakes, as there were replacement Dana 44 axle shafts that had different wheel studs depending on whether for a Rubicon or not.

 

[b0xcar]

Found a listing for one in a junkyard 65 miles away. This is my current gear ratio. Asking $1100. When they say “locking” are they saying it has some kind of locker? Are the Dana 44’s drum or disc brakes?

I think they may be talking about the Trac-Lok.

I don't believe the optional Dana 44 used in Sport & Sahara models necessarily had disk brakes, as there were replacement Dana 44 axle shafts that had different wheel studs depending on whether for a Rubicon or not.

I have a Sahara with Dana 44, 3.73 and disc brakes.

 

[KCsTJ]

Ive been wheeling with you, and that RED BEAST of yours can climb up the side of a building.
Are you considering keeping your 3.73s and just adding a locker?

 

[b0xcar]

Ive been wheeling with you, and that RED BEAST of yours can climb up the side of a building.
Are you considering keeping your 3.73s and just adding a locker?

I think he may be looking for a cheaper way to upgrade the rear axle.

 

[JMT]

You guys are on to me (and my Jeep shenanigans)! Yes, 4.56, yes, looking for a cheaper way to upgrade rear axle. I researched the S35 route and concluded that maybe I could take my time and keep my eyes open for a Dana 44. In the meantime do some little things here and there. Just like to have a goal and a project.

 

[KCsTJ]

I think they may be talking about the Trac-Lok.

That makes sense, b0xcar I bet you're right

 

[JMT]

Trac-lok, I think you're right too. Basically a LSD with the clutch that needs replacement every 40-50k. I think I'll hang on. Look for a Dana 44 without the locker, save some coin, do it right, or go back to the S35 option...

 

[b0xcar]

Trac-lok, I think you're right too. Basically a LSD with the clutch that needs replacement every 40-50k. I think I'll hang on. Look for a Dana 44 without the locker, save some coin, do it right, or go back to the S35 option...

So the Trac-lok will have your disc brakes. No Trac-lok will have the drum brakes. Anyone correct this if this is wrong please.

 

[TJ_2000]

97-02 TJ’s has drum rears and 03-06 had disc.

 

[glwood]

I have a Sahara with Dana 44, 3.73 and disc brakes.

Per @TJ_2000, there you go.

 

[Rob5589]

If it has 3.73 and a TL, both of which you are going to replace, you are paying 1100 for a housing. Is a 44 housing worth 1100 to you?

 

[JMT]

If it has 3.73 and a TL, both of which you are going to replace, you are paying 1100 for a housing. Is a 44 housing worth 1100 to you?

And axles, but more importantly, what about reputation. I agree a S35 is up to the task, but if I sell someday, it won’t have the reputation behind it that a Dana 44 would. I haven’t decided, just keeping my eyes peeled for a Dana 44 if one comes up

 

[JMT]

What happened to Jerry’s post? I read it an hour or so ago. Guess he deleted it.

On a S35 I can get Revolution, but no warranty, with Yukon parts I can get a 1 yr labor warranty and Yukon parts warranty with full photo documentation

 

[TJ_2000]

@JMT
Do you have any pull-a-parts or junk yards near you? If so I would check there. I scored a HP30 housing for $65.
A fully loaded axle is $110.

 

[Rob5589]

And axles, but more importantly, what about reputation. I agree a S35 is up to the task, but if I sell someday, it won’t have the reputation behind it that a Dana 44 would. I haven’t decided, just keeping my eyes peeled for a Dana 44 if one comes up

Axles, sure. But they aren't as strong as a 30 spline alloy axle in the S35 kit.

 

[Chris]

And axles, but more importantly, what about reputation. I agree a S35 is up to the task, but if I sell someday, it won’t have the reputation behind it that a Dana 44 would. I haven’t decided, just keeping my eyes peeled for a Dana 44 if one comes up

Yes, there can be no argument that the Dana 44 has the reputation and resale value. A Super 35 can be just as good, but people will still hear "Dana 35" and never look at it the same as a Dana 44. That's just how group think and the internet work.

So part of me doesn't blame you for wanting the Dana 44. That is after all why I bought a Rubicon.

 

[JMT]

Yes, there can be no argument that the Dana 44 has the reputation and resale value. A Super 35 can be just as good, but people will still hear "Dana 35" and never look at it the same as a Dana 44. That's just how group think and the internet work.

So part of me doesn't blame you for wanting the Dana 44. That is after all why I bought a Rubicon.

And I would sell and get a Rubicon if I didn’t have so much sweat and joy invested in my X! In the end it will be an awesome rig! It’s already very nice and I enjoy building it. Thanks to many of you I’ve learned a lot and keep learning.

 

[JMT]

@JMT
Do you have any pull-a-parts or junk yards near you? If so I would check there. I scored a HP30 housing for $65.
A fully loaded axle is $110.

I will have to research this. I know I don’t in my immediate area, but Austin and San Antonio are not too far away. I’d love to find an HP30 housing! You can just switch the housing? It’s that easy?