Looking to learn more about my D44

[Bonkers]

I recently purchased another MJ D44. I was told

its an open diff with 3.55s. I also read that

the "easy" way to tell is that if you spin one

wheel, if the other spins in same direction then

you have Trac-Lok (LSD.) The new axle spins

opposite of each other - as advertised...

 

...except...

 

I finally got around to sanding the rust off the

BOM this afternoon and found 605325-14G. When I

ran this number through Spicer I got "3.55 XJ

Metric Ton w/Trac-Lok." Since I never heard of

a MT XJ I am assuming they meant the Mj. Is there

another way to identify if I have an open diff, or

possibly a factory LSD with blown clutch packs?

 

Part 2 of this question - A D44-LSD would be

ideal for my build so if it does have it, what

are my options? Its a decent axle and I was

hoping not to spend hundreds rebuilding it (or

if I did I would build an LSD anyway.)

[Rockfrog]

Pop the cover.

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[Bonkers]

Easy enough - what am I looking for?

 

Ive only been inside a diff once in my life

and that did not end... well...

 

Its time I start learning.

[HOrnbrod]

[Eagle]

"MT" means Metric Ton -- it was the heavy-duty version of the MJ, and that's why it had a D44 rather than a D35.

 

The Trac-Lok is a clutch-type limited slip. When the clutches wear out, it then acts like an open differential. You can buy rebuild kits for around $60 to $75 (I think -- used to be $50, but I haven't followed the prices). Be sure to use friction modifier in the gear lube or you'll destroy the clutches very quickly.

[Bonkers]

So the visual difference would mainly be in the

housing itself (one square, one round?) Hopefully,

unless someone specifically removed the OEM LSD,

there is still a good chance that this axle is

already set up and just needs a refresher then?

That'll be good news for a change...

[mikekaz1]

hmm normally theres more colors and dragons if there's LSD. :yes:

 

but that's actually good information, my only knowledge is with ford axles, in which the "s" clip is normally the give away for LSD. so knowing round vs square is good!

[HOrnbrod]

You can almost be certain the Trac-Lok clutches are shot. Mine were when I found my MJ axle. Even if they were not gone I'd still replace them.

708203 Spicer Dana 44 Clutch Kit

[mikekaz1]

when replacing the clutch packs... is there a specific thickness to obtain? (similar to the carrier shims) or rather  is it just a disk count?  

[HOrnbrod]

I had it done by the shop during the regear.   https://drivetrainproductsreview.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/dana-trac-lok-rebuild/

[1989 comanche mj]

There will be a min max for the trac loc clutch stack.  I don't know what it is.  I think they are pretty crappy and would go with a true trac or locker.  I had one in my tj dana 44 lucky option. It wasn't working so  I rebuilt the clutch pack and set at max tolerance.  Then it started eating up the spider gears and just went with a detroit locker.  Just 33 inch tires, and not rock crawling or any serious off road stuff.  And don't use synthetic lube, it will leak.  I put new axles and seals in mine, all timken, and the synthetic 85 140 came right out the seal.

[1989 comanche mj]

It is not a disc count, it is a measurement, like 635 to 655 max, thats what it is on a 8.8 explorer.  You shim it next to the steels not next to the friction discs. But the disc friction plate order has to be followed, you don't want the friction in direct contact with the outer or inner ends of the stack.  The shims can be hard to find so I have used 1 worn original one and 1 new one included in the kit to get to the max tolerance.  And soak the friction discs in modifier overnight after you get your measurements.

[ComancheKid45]

Off topic a bit but is there a lunchbox style locker that will be accepted by the trac-loc d44 carrier?