mikekaz1 Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 so I have both in my possession. d44 is open 3.55 and the 8.8 is 4.10 and limited slip. 8.8 needs brackets would also mean swapping the front axle as it is 3.55. the d44 is already set up for a MJ and matches the front axle. I have an 8.8 in my TJ and love it but what are opinions on the MJ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87Warrior Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 I'm not sure what the question is. A debate? Pick whichever one suites your needs the best. If you want 4.10's go with the 8.8. If you want to keep it Jeep go with the 44. What's the goal? Both axles are a good choice for the MJ. I have a 44 for my '92 and run an 8.8 under my '86. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 MJ/Jeep D44 - smaller tubes (a little weaker in load capacity) but a semi floating axle, so no C-clips.Ford 8.8 - bigger tubes (stronger) but C-clip (If that bothers you).My plan is to swap to an 8.8 with a C-clip eliminator set eventually, but if I come across an MJ D44, I would simply use that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted December 3, 2015 Author Share Posted December 3, 2015 I'm not sure what the question is. A debate? Pick whichever one suites your needs the best. If you want 4.10's go with the 8.8. If you want to keep it Jeep go with the 44. What's the goal? Both axles are a good choice for the MJ. I have a 44 for my '92 and run an 8.8 under my '86. just seeing other peoples opinion on which one they have found to be "better" in their trucks, and any reasoning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 I'd say it depends on what extreme you are going to see, ie tire size and street or trail running or serious offroad and rock crawling. I am going with dana 44 front and rear in mine. I did plan a Ford 8.8. The Dana 44 rear is from an Isuzu with 4:10s. I needed to go that way as to I am going with a Dana 44 from a FS Cherokee passenger drop. So a 6 on 5.5 (??). The Isuzu matches that. I went with the passenger drop so I could run my exhaust straight back. So, then I needed a Dana 300 TC. Still, back to your situation, tire size would be the determining factor in my opinion. Not to experience though in wheeling and axle strengths. Still as I see it to 35" tires the D44 should be good. To 38" the Ford 8.8. The Ford has a few options, limited slip usually and disc brakes usually. You could add disc to the D44 with Libbys or GC, possibly Fords. The other is the cost of rear gearing. Could find a D30 with 4:10, but usually not cheap. So, at this point it is cost of regearing vs install cost on the 8.8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 IMO, 4.10s beat all other aspects. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted December 4, 2015 Author Share Posted December 4, 2015 33" tires MAX and no offroading, just a work/plow truck. I guess my rear question would be... what's a heavier duty axle for weight and durability. And Pete I agree 4.10 would be nice... not to complain as I did ask the question. but that would also mean regearing the front or swapping housings and transferring shafts (and knuckles?)as I would like to keep my CV shafts. Not a huge deal. But still an added cost.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc. Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 Hard to beat the ground clearance of a Dana 35. That's what I run in my wheeling rig. 35's, 4.56 gears, lockers I think it's been 12 years now. I agree with others, depends on what you are after. Parts for an 8.8 might be easier to come buy, if needed down the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 If up to 33" and auto, then the Ford '88 would be my pick. Sounds like you will need to regear anyways. On stock gears 31" are a bit sluggish. Maybe find a Dana 30 with 4:10 at a PnP. Mine is manual and I'll have 4:10 and probably 32-33". I have two 16 inch Isuzu rims. Easier to get tall thin tires for a DD driver. Doing the same with my XJ. I should have a complete set of 00-01 16 inch rims from an XJ soon. GC have a selection of 16 and 17 inch rims. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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