Topic: axle throwdown. super35, 8.8, d44

[Jeffy]

Isn't that what most companies use when they offer ready to bolt in D44's for a TJ?

Not necessarily.  Unless they state it's a Mopar axle it's probably not.

[neale_rs]

The G2 bolt in rear D44 looks like a really good deal at about $2400, with TJ brackets, gears, locker, heavy duty cover and shafts already included.  Their front D44 has the disadvantage of reusing the D30 outers so you don't get the full benefit of a D44 (locking hubs, flat top knuckles, bigger brakes, etc.), plus it is low pinion.  But the rear one looks very good.  I would have seriously considered if it had been available when I got my D44 (for YJ).

http://www.g2axle.com/axle-assembly/rear-dana-assembly.aspx

http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Drivetrain-Jeep-Axles-Differentials/G2-Rear-Dana-44-Axle-Assembly-for-Jeep.aspx?t_c=12&t_s=475&t_pt=100715&t_pl=101963

Rear D60s are also available for under $4k!

[FourbangerYJ]

The 8.75 mopar axle is a good choice too. Lot more work finding one and getting the brackets on ETC. but damn strong! It has a drop out like the Toyota and Ford 9 inch. Plus it's 5 on 4.5.
More info here. http://members.tripod.com/~Mojo_Page/chry875.htm

[Jeffy]

The 8.75 mopar axle is a good choice too. Lot more work finding one and getting the brackets on ETC. but damn strong! It has a drop out like the Toyota and Ford 9 inch. Plus it's 5 on 4.5.
More info here. http://members.tripod.com/~Mojo_Page/chry875.htm

That was used in the A-Body, B-Body, C-Body and the E-Body.   And with the 318, 340, 360, 383, 440 as well as the 426 Hemi.  Many of which are rare or highly collectable.  I don't think they're that easy to find though.  No where as easy as say a D44 or a Toyota 8".  I'd even wager to say the Grand Marquis/Town Car/ Crown Vic 9" would be easier to find.

[FourbangerYJ]

That was used in the A-Body, B-Body, C-Body and the E-Body.   And with the 318, 340, 360, 383, 440 as well as the 426 Hemi.  Many of which are rare or highly collectable.  I don't think they're that easy to find though.  No where as easy as say a D44 or a Toyota 8".  I'd even wager to say the Grand Marquis/Town Car/ Crown Vic 9" would be easier to find.

There is a E body complete rearend on ebay for $250. I thought the D100-D200 pickups had them too.
I am sure the D44,9 inch,8.8 Toyota stuff is easier to find. Like anything, stuff is out there if you look hard enough.
Sounds like Stan's budget allows for a new axle anyway. Having a axle you can just bolt in is nice if you don't have time or tools/knowledge to build one yourself.

[stan98tj]

Im gonna have my guy start looking in the junk yards for a TJ d44. I got a link to a place that sells them from time to time. If i cant get one that way, i think ill just cough up the extra $$ for a new one. Im not cutting corners on this particular project. Spend the cash to be happy in the long run, not short term.

[Jeffy]

Im gonna have my guy start looking in the junk yards for a TJ d44. I got a link to a place that sells them from time to time. If i cant get one that way, i think ill just cough up the extra $$ for a new one. Im not cutting corners on this particular project. Spend the cash to be happy in the long run, not short term.

Honestly, you probably aren't saving much on a new axle especially if you're having someone else do the work for you.  If you order it you don't really need a mechanic.

[sharpxmen]

i would still put a truss on the TJ D44, it has the D35 tubes so it's weak in that area.

[stan98tj]

Honestly, you probably aren't saving much on a new axle especially if you're having someone else do the work for you.  If you order it you don't really need a mechanic.

you are right, if i buy it new and complete with the gears in i can put it in myself

[WranglerCOdy]

8.8 is what i have. ill give you a price breakdown

Axle($250.00)
bracket kit(150.00)
misc.(100.00)((give or take))

your looking at around 500 bucks and you dont have to change rims.

now i have a waggy 44 sitting in my garage i picked up for free. plan on building that up as well.

i run 35x12.5x15 pitbull rockers and beat the tar out of it.

8.8 is a great axle i believe i plan on keeping it a long time. i know a guy with a 6 Cyl TJ and he run red label Maxxis Creepy Crawlers. and he has no issues.

[chrisfranklin]

Is that true that the D35 actually has about 1" better clearance than the D44?


And:  

Read that the Detroit in the Super 35 holds 30 spline axle shafts.  

With that in mind, would it be possible to utilize a lunchbox locker, say an Aussie, designed for the
D44/ 30-spline shafts (one piece axles) and just fit that and 30 spline shafts in the D35 (similar to the Detroit/axle setup in the Super 35)?  

Pretty sure that apart from a change to the Aussie's design to accommodate 30 spline shafts, the D44 Aussie has the same overall dimensions as the D35 Aussie

So, this would be a sort of lower-buck, partial Super 35...  

( I know, when all is said and done, working on the the 35 overall, cost-benefit-wise, is probably like any way you cut it in the long run)   

[stan98tj]

It's gonna come down between d44 and 8.8. Availability come sept-oct will prob be the the deciding factor. From the responses ive gotten it seems most would agree they are both great and some seem to lean towards the d44 as i was initially inclined. A good diff cover- like the SOLID brand one i have on the d30- to protect my investment, e-locker on the d30 and i should be good. ill also be going with 4.56 gears, which seem to be the popular advice esp from the guys here who actually run the 3spd auto and 33s.

[smashcoast]

I just swapped in a D44 from a 2005 Rubicon with the actory air locker for $800. Great price and bolted right up to my 97TJ, alls i had to do was shorten my rear DS because the D44 pinion is 2" longer than a D35. Then had to make the e-brake work with the new axle because the D44 has a different attachment than the D35.

So axle $800, DS shortened and balanced $150, New 4.88's and master install kit with install $300. New Spicer 1310/1330 combo U- Joint $20( you will need this or change your DS to a 1330). Because a D44 uses a 1330 and a D35 uses a 1310.

[smashcoast]

Aso out here in southern California, D44's from TJ's are hard to find. The junk yards usually only have cherokees and we have some places that scoop them up before they even hit the junk yards.

8.8s are easy to find, But work will need to be done to fit them on your Jeep. Also for $650 you could get a super88 kit that eiminates the c clips.

Those G2 axles are a good deal. for $2,500 you could get the 33 spline, 4.88's and a ARB air locker. You could always swap the G2 shafts for some superiors for $400 down the line.

[sharpxmen]

Aso out here in southern California, D44's from TJ's are hard to find. The junk yards usually only have cherokees and we have some places that scoop them up before they even hit the junk yards.

8.8s are easy to find, But work will need to be done to fit them on your Jeep. Also for $650 you could get a super88 kit that eiminates the c clips.

Those G2 axles are a good deal. for $2,500 you could get the 33 spline, 4.88's and a ARB air locker. You could always swap the G2 shafts for some superiors for $400 down the line.

i ordered 30 spline G2 axles and one of them was out of spec at the splines by quite a bit, returned them and got Alloy USA, imo stay away from G2, it's a bit of a lottery with their parts (i heard others having good experience with them but i didn't).