Rubicon vs standard Dana 44

[Zinnal]

Ok, starting to look for a Dana 44 to replace the rear 35(anyone near so cal have one?), and am confused about which to be looking for.

Is there a difference or preference between a rubicon with 4.11 versus a standard Dana 44 with 3.73?

I’m going to put 4.56 and a locker in it, and probably chromoly shafts etc., so all else being equal, which differential should I be looking for and why?

 

[Chris]

The only difference with the Rubicon Dana 44 is that it has 4.10 gears and a factory locker. Other than that, no difference.

However, replacing a Dana 35 with a Dana 44 from another TJ is a waste of money unless you're getting it for super cheap.

The Dana 35 can have a Super 35 kit installed and be strong enough to handle 35s any day of the week.

 

[Zinnal]

The only difference with the Rubicon Dana 44 is that it has 4.10 gears and a factory locker. Other than that, no difference.

However, replacing a Dana 35 with a Dana 44 from another TJ is a waste of money unless you're getting it for super cheap.

The Dana 35 can have a Super 35 kit installed and be strong enough to handle 35s any day of the week.

Respectfully, I think you may be wrong.

Some days a super35 still might not be enough, and I do believe there are some small size differences.

 

[Chris]

Respectfully, I think you may be wrong.

Some days a super35 still might not be enough, and I do believe there are some small size differences.

I'm not wrong.

I've wheeled with guys on some of the toughest trails in Arizona who never once had an issue with their Super 35 and 35" tires. This is an internet myth that started long ago and was parroted by people who have either have no real world experience or do not know how to drive.

That being said, it's your money, do with it as you see fit. I'm not here to stop you, I'm just trying to save you money.

Why believe me though? Ask someone with more experience than all of us combine, @mrblaine.

Blaine, sorry to drag you into this. I see why you are the way you are. Sometimes people just don't want to listen.

 

[Zinnal]

So you are saying the case break and ring gear bolt diameter are exactly the same in a rubicon Dana 44 vs a non rubicon 44?

 

[mrblaine]

I'm not wrong.

I've wheeled with guys on some of the toughest trails in Arizona who never once had an issue with their Super 35 and 35" tires. This is an internet myth that started long ago and was parroted by people who have either have no real world experience or do not know how to drive.

That being said, it's your money, do with it as you see fit. I'm not here to stop you, I'm just trying to save you money.

Why believe me though? Ask someone with more experience than all of us combine, @mrblaine.

Blaine, sorry to drag you into this. I see why you are the way you are. Sometimes people just don't want to listen.

If I agree with you, then I can't sell him the rear Dana 44 for a grand that I need to get rid of. If I agree with him, then I'm fucking myself out of an easy sale.

 

[mrblaine]

So you are saying the case break and ring gear bolt diameter are exactly the same in a rubicon Dana 44 vs a non rubicon 44?

For any purpose that matters except one, they are interchangeable. The only difference that can matter is you can't easily run the OEM Rubi air locker in a standard 44.

 

[Zinnal]

If I agree with you, then I can't sell him the rear Dana 44 for a grand that I need to get rid of. If I agree with him, then I'm fucking myself out of an easy sale.

Ughhhh, I’m probably an idiot for asking this, but are you really trying to get rid of one?

 

[mrblaine]

Ughhhh, I’m probably an idiot for asking this, but are you really trying to get rid of one?

Yes

 

[Zinnal]

Yes

DM sent!

 

[Longwhitejeep]

Nature finds a way!

 

[Luke90]

am I right saying the Rubicon has oem disc brakes while the Dana 44 standard don't?

 

[TheBoogieman]

am I right saying the Rubicon has oem disc brakes while the Dana 44 standard don't?

It was an option with non Rubicons. One of my Saharas had a Dana 44 with disc brakes.

 

[Strizzo]

It was an option with non Rubicons. One of my Saharas had a Dana 44 with disc brakes.

Additionally, all LJs came with disc brake D44s

 

[mrblaine]

am I right saying the Rubicon has oem disc brakes while the Dana 44 standard don't?

Yes and no. Starting on 03, all the Rubicon trim levels had rear discs. They were optional on the other Dana 44's. In 04 all the TJ Unlimited trim levels had a rear Dana 44. Of those, 99.9% were equipped with rear discs. There is supposedly a miniscule number of them that left the factory with rear drums, I've never seen one but I know from some who bought new off the lot that way that they do exist.