WTB: TJ (compatible) D44 front and/or rear

Man, I would've hopped on that deal.

Yeah, after thinking and reading on it more, I think I'm going to make the idea of 37's or higher a long-term thought. You're right in that the 44 (especially in front) really isn't up to the task, and I don't want to be afraid of breaking it all the time. It seems like moving to 37's doesn't get you as much of an advantage over 35's as 35's does over 33's, but regardless I'm thinking that with the right gear (lockers, tires, et al) and the right driver, there's not much you couldn't conquer in 35's that you could in 37's.

I may change my mind by the next time I take a piss, but I'm thinking I'll probably stick with the D30 in front for the foreseeable future, and I'll be re-gearing and locking it. I'm not really sure that it can't handle 33's, but if it breaks, I'll just put the Super 30 kit in it.

Also, I'll probably fold under the price pressure and end up with a built 8.8 rear. We'll see. I decided to post in case anyone already knew of a D44 rear being sold or otherwise happened across one... You never know who's got a buddy who's looking to sell or whatever

Deacon wrote:

and maybe one day move up to chromoly shafts. I'm going to wear out these 33" KM2's first either way.

alloy shafts are required reading for a locked d30........even on 33's



but 37's are really too much tire for a d30 any way you cut it, even a jk d30......which is damn near a d44

timmays yj has a d30 with 4.88's an aussie and alloy usa shafts..............we know its going to break, we just dont know when.....but that is a wheeler and if it breaks he can still drive his truck to work


as far as rear axles.........37's really are a bit much for a d44 too unless your running a full case locker and alloys or preferably a super 44 kit

of course if you wheel like a porn star full width d60's with alloys would be good

keep looking, they show up.............there was one on tx4wd last week a d44, with tj brackets, 4.56 gears and a detroit locker for 1000 buxs

I thought you could s\change out to a carrier that would accept deeper gears. i feel like a dumb arse now lol/

Deacon wrote:

If you happen to know where I could find a 3.73 or 4.10 8.8 rear, let me know. In fact, if you know anyone locally who sells complete assemblies, that'd work too

www.car-parts.com is your friend, but it doesn't give you all the salvage yards, so looking around also helps.
I bought mine for $200 a couple years ago....

terrahawk wrote:

Deacon wrote:

One of the more pressing limitations on the D30 is the 4.88 max ratio

Incorrect sir.

Not totally.

The deepest you can get in TJ is 4.88...

Deacon wrote:

One of the more pressing limitations on the D30 is the 4.88 max ratio

Incorrect sir.

I'm thinking long-term about 37's, but in all reality I'll probably never go above 35's. One of the more pressing limitations on the D30 is the 4.88 max ratio which wouldn't be optimal with 37's. Not un-serviceable, just not ideal. But that's why the rear is the main priority. I'll probably re-gear and lock the 30 in the front and be done with it, and maybe one day move up to chromoly shafts. I'm going to wear out these 33" KM2's first either way.

I'm aware of the 8.8 swap, and I may already have one available to me. I like the disc brake upgrade, but swapping in the D44 is just so much easier since there's so little to do to it. I also don't really prefer to have to run spacers (it's 5/8" short on each side, so just over an inch too short all the way around), but I have very shallow backspacing on my Mickey Thompson Classic II wheels, so visually you may not even be able to tell, which means ride and stability may not take too big a hit. It's still on my list, but when it's all over with it seems like you could almost just buy a completed D44 assembly for the same price.

If you happen to know where I could find a 3.73 or 4.10 8.8 rear, let me know. In fact, if you know anyone locally who sells complete assemblies, that'd work too

Are you stuck on a D44 for the rear. You can get an 95 or later Explorer 8.8 cheap. You will either have to re-use your brackets, or buy new ones to weld on. The WMS is about a .5 in narrower and they have disc breaks.

On, the front 30, they are really not that bad of an axle unless you plan on running 36" or over, then an upgrade may be warranted.

If anyone knows where I can get ahold of a D44 front or rear, please let me know, with the rear as the priority. I'd rather avoid spending $2500 and freight on a complete axle assembly if I can help it. I may just end up sticking by the D30 front, but if a D44 front can be found, I'd like to re-gear and lock that, instead.