Un-Doing A Xj Soa Swap. Need Some Help.

[dave92cherokee]

D44 doesn't always mean MT, the 88 4wd pioneer swb i have had a 44 rear with the 3/1 pack in it and the 44 has the larger 10x2.5 brakes versus the 35 with the 9x1.75 brakes.The extra springs that are bolted to the top of the pack are just helper springs to aid in holding a higher load without bottoming out, or the springs were already sagging so they put them on as a cheap fix to bring the height back up.

[mvusse]

The D44 came with the MT package, but it also came with the towing package and could be optioned separately as a "heavy duty rear axle".

[8valvehero]

I guess a vin check is in order.

But while we wait for that, riddle me this:

What separates a MT from the towing package w heavy duty rear axle?

Is there a way to ID the extra springs as OEM?

[dave92cherokee]

You might have metric ton springs with the extra helpers bolted on to them, just took a closer look at the pic of the new springs and zoomed in on it and you've got a 4/1 pack which I believe has always been denoted as a metric ton pack. If it was me I would take off the overload springs that someone previously bolted on as they're only a bandaid on a broken leg. If the springs are sagged and can't hold as much weight then you'd be better off ordering new MT spring packs from somewhere like general spring or hell creek.

[8valvehero]

The rear end is a little high, so maybe that's why.

I'll get out tothe JY soon and check the vin, then we'll know

[Eagle]

D44 doesn't always mean MT, the 88 4wd pioneer swb i have had a 44 rear with the 3/1 pack in it and the 44 has the larger 10x2.5 brakes versus the 35 with the 9x1.75 brakes.The extra springs that are bolted to the top of the pack are just helper springs to aid in holding a higher load without bottoming out, or the springs were already sagging so they put them on as a cheap fix to bring the height back up.

For the AMC years, the D35 had 10x1.75" rear drums. Chrysler changed to 9x2.5". I don't believe there was ever a 9x1.75" rear brake used under the MJ or the XJ.

[Incommando]

My '88 SWB also had the towing package and D44 without the metric ton group.

 

Nice score in that the axle was even from a LWB so you didn't have to screw with the shock mounts.

[mvusse]

Axles from lwb and swb are identical. The shock mounts are on the leaf spring u bolt plates and between lwb and swb they are simply swapped left to right and right to left.

[8valvehero]

Ok so I finally got a chance to go over to the junkyard and gather some info.

Here's what the VIN search reveals:

 

"VIN : 1JTML6513JT190486

Country : United States

Manufacturer : Jeep Corporation

Vehicle Type : Truck

Engine :  1989, 6 Cyl. 4.2 Liter / 4.0L I-6 Cyl. MPI

Powertrain : 5-speed manual, floor gear shift, part time 4 W/D

Line (Body Type) : Jeep Comanche, 4-W/D Pickup, 7.0' bed, 120" wheel base

Model and Gross Vehicle Weight : 4001#-5000# : Wrangler Base / Cherokee Base / Comanche Base [1815/2268 Kg]

Check Digit : 3

Year : 1988

Plant Location : Toledo, Ohio, USA

Sequential Serial Number : 190486

Check Digit Test : VIN valide"

 

That's that. "1815/2268 Kq" means the donor is not a Metric Ton.

So what I'm wondering, is what separates the MT from the 'towing package' with big brakes and d44? Is it just the presence of the OEM helper springs and some badges?

 

Also here's a pic of it. I did want the bed, but a dent turned up in the side since I'd seen it last.

Still getting the doors and front axle though...

[Spectormj]

those mirrors aint really tow mirrors. ive got em on my 86 

[HOrnbrod]

They were optional and called "low profile" mirrors, although I have no idea why. Unless they were placed the lower than the other types.......

[Spectormj]

they don't seem low profile to me 

hell mine whistle at 65 because of the wind 

though they can take a branch and be fine..makes me wonder if a wrangler door mirror could be transplanted