Dana 44 Front Axle Interchance

[Bornindesert]

Does anyone know of have experience with modifying a 2001 Dodge Ram full size pickup, Front Dana 44 axle into a Comanche or Cherokee?

 

Have been scouting for a Rubi front D44 for my 88 Comanche and saw the Ram d44 listed locally.

 

I'm assuming its wider, would need to be shortened and swap the C's to fit a WJ knuckle. Any info would be great thanks!

[JeepcoMJ]

There is no benefit to putting a 44 in unless you're going alloy shafts. Ujoint size is similar to the dana 30, so you really only gain stronger knuckles, axle tube thickness, differential (gears and carrier) strength...but you do not gain any shaft strength.

 

The dodge one should be a disconnect axle, again negating any benefits.

[kolton]

X2^

 

You can buy and build 60's for cheaper than a 44. And in the end the 60 will still be the stronger axle.

[mvusse]

On top of what has been said above, this should be a low pinion D44. Despite larger gears, strength is only marginally better than a high pinion D30 because the gears will be rotating the wrong way (running on the coast side instead of the drive side).

[JeepcoMJ]

I would add that a ujoint failure on a dana 44 out of a fullsize can and will destroy the ball joints, knuckles, and steering assembly.

 

A D60 will cost about the same to purchase if you shop around, and can be "shaved" on the bottom of the differential to gain the exact same clearance as a dana 44, with the ability to very easily run 39" tires (if desired) without the need to spend any money on expensive alloy shafts (junkyard shafts are cheaper and easier to get than the 3 or more week wait for the warranty replacement alloys)

[Bornindesert]

Thanks for the inputs - I definitely do not want a disconnect axle or low pinion D44 so that pretty much rules out the Dodge Ram full-size axle that I found. Will open up the search to include D60's and get look for some common interchage vehicles that have them from the factory

[Pete M]

more specifically you'll be looking for 80/90s era F-350s with the Dana 60 front.  Chevy axles have the diff on the wrong side. car-part.com may be of help in your search.

[mvusse]

As far as I know, only Ford uses high pinion Dana 60s. Chevy and Dodge are low pinion.