View Full Version : Dana 44 price
4point0
11-30-2008, 02:49 AM
So I have found a Dana44 out of a 99 TJ for $750. Is it worth it?... or should I spend the time and money to pick up an 8.8?
I really like the idea of being able to just bolt it straight up and be done with it.
DrLewall
11-30-2008, 10:40 AM
I like that bolt it str8 up idea myself..no hassel, bolt-n-go..unfortunatly for me, my 8.8 still sits in storage waiting for funds and a skilled, knowledgeable shopsmith who needs an assistant like me to install it.
we3jeepers
11-30-2008, 11:20 AM
$750......you suck!!! payed 1200 for mine 4 yrs ago
DrLewall
11-30-2008, 11:49 AM
$750......you suck!!! payed 1200 for mine 4 yrs ago
Apparently, 750 aint bad..:thumbsup:
Hodge
11-30-2008, 02:15 PM
Is it the same ratio as your front axle? You may have more than $750 in it, if you have to change gears. How many miles are on it? Why are they getting rid of it? It may be a great deal, or a boat anchor. Hopefully, it is in great shape, the same gears, and low miles!
Bada-Bing.
11-30-2008, 02:37 PM
If it has the same gear ratio and disc brakes go for it... otherwise go the 8.8 route
StrongWind
11-30-2008, 03:23 PM
Not a bad deal if the gearing is the same - just not a great deal. We've gotten them for under $500 in the Houston area - we've upgraded a few Jeeps in the club with the TJ D44's. They work. I've seen D44 TJ housings only for $200 +/- if you want to build up axle shafts, lockers, etc....
The D44 is NOT a POS axle like everyone here wants to make it out to be. It all depends on your application. If you're running 33's and not beating the piss out of your Jeep, it's probably a good fit for your application. If not, just forget the D44 and 8.8 and just get a D60..... :rolleyes:
I have an XJ D44 locked with an ARB in my YJ - I've beat on it pretty hard running 35's running on rocks without a problem.
1. It will bolt up to your TJ. How much will all the brackets cost you for the 8.8? Can you weld? How much to weld the brackets on the 8.8? Sounds like a project you can handle on your own.
2. How about spare shafts? What are people running in your club? I know there are several in our club that have spares for the D44. You can get spare shafts for under $100 on CL or ebay all day.
3. Your driveshaft may be too short with the 8.8. How about the adapter for the UJoint?How much to correct the driveshaft length?
4. What are you going to do with the e-brake? The D44 will bolt up using the existing ebrake cables. How much is the e-brake cable for the 8.8?
The reality is it will bolt up pretty easily without needing alot of brackets and cables to fit.
If you've done your research and think it's a good deal, I'd go for it - You know the value of parts in your area better than anyone.
Also, you can upgrade parts on the D44 - there is alot of aftermarket support for D44's. One thing you may want to look at is the brakes - IIRC the TJ D44's have the 9" drums like the D35. My XJ D44 has 10" drums - I can lock up my YJ running 35's from 40MPH. They work alot better.