Comanchemty Posted June 8, 2021 Share Posted June 8, 2021 I have been looking for a suitable replacement for my MJ rear axle. Thanks to note: This is a 2 Wheel Dr. and will never see off-road. I will keep the stock height. 4.6 stroker naturally aspirated. My last stroker build destroyed my rear end the first day out. Mainly because of the leaf springs having too much give. I want a stronger axle and I want to get rid of leaf springs. I am looking at the WJ rear axle. Three link and a D44. It is also 5 inches longer that will help fill the wheel wells of the MJ. Has anyone done this swap? I would like to know what I’m getting into before hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted June 8, 2021 Share Posted June 8, 2021 I would go with a liberty 8.25 rear axle. Same MJ rim bolt pattern and a couple inches wider. plus disks. edit: forgot to add the wj info. It's an aluminum 44a and is not a popular swap. Plus a 5on5 bolt pattern. In fact I can't think of a single example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted June 8, 2021 Share Posted June 8, 2021 22 minutes ago, Pete M said: I would go with a liberty 8.25 rear axle. Same MJ rim bolt pattern and a couple inches wider. plus disks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokeyyank Posted June 8, 2021 Share Posted June 8, 2021 D44a is junk. No aftermarket support and different bolt pattern.. I'd either go with a 8.25 or a 8.8. Both will handle that power just fine. Biggest problem with the 8.8 is being shorter so needing wheel spacers. Also for you suspension set up you're sprung under so I find it a little hard to believe you had that much axle wrap but you can always add a traction bar. Cheaper and a lot more manageable than going links. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comanchemty Posted June 9, 2021 Author Share Posted June 9, 2021 3 hours ago, Smokeyyank said: D44a is junk. No aftermarket support and different bolt pattern.. I'd either go with a 8.25 or a 8.8. Both will handle that power just fine. Biggest problem with the 8.8 is being shorter so needing wheel spacers. Also for you suspension set up you're sprung under so I find it a little hard to believe you had that much axle wrap but you can always add a traction bar. Cheaper and a lot more manageable than going links. Tried the traction bars. It rode horrible. And yes, I broke the Dana 35 the first day out. Springs start flexing and back in starts hopping . On that truck I eventually put a Ford 9 inch in it with ladder bars. It stayed flat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comanchemty Posted June 9, 2021 Author Share Posted June 9, 2021 Thank you guys for your replies on the Dana 44. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The86manche Posted June 9, 2021 Share Posted June 9, 2021 5 hours ago, Smokeyyank said: D44a is junk. No aftermarket support and different bolt pattern.. I'd either go with a 8.25 or a 8.8. Both will handle that power just fine. Biggest problem with the 8.8 is being shorter so needing wheel spacers. Also for you suspension set up you're sprung under so I find it a little hard to believe you had that much axle wrap but you can always add a traction bar. Cheaper and a lot more manageable than going links. The zjs had a d44a and were pretty tough axles. I beat on mine and had no issues. But you are right about the lack of aftermarket support.. it's very limited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The86manche Posted June 9, 2021 Share Posted June 9, 2021 Ford 8.8 is another swap people do too. And you can keep your 5x4.5 bolt pattern too. And also discs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted June 9, 2021 Share Posted June 9, 2021 8 hours ago, The86manche said: Ford 8.8 is another swap people do too. And you can keep your 5x4.5 bolt pattern too. And also discs. Also, various ratios. 3.73 and 4.10. And Limited slip on some or most. I have 8.8 on two XJs. I did space them out with spacers. I took regular spacers, tuened them down to 19mm or so. Used extended studs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted June 9, 2021 Share Posted June 9, 2021 Also, the gear ration would matter if Auto or manual. Then what size tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokeyyank Posted June 9, 2021 Share Posted June 9, 2021 12 hours ago, Comanchemty said: I broke the Dana 35 Say no more...... things break if you look at them funny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokeyyank Posted June 9, 2021 Share Posted June 9, 2021 10 hours ago, The86manche said: The zjs had a d44a and were pretty tough axles. I beat on mine and had no issues. But you are right about the lack of aftermarket support.. it's very limited. I have one in my WJ and while it hasn't had issues just nothing I would dump money into or look too for an "upgrade". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The86manche Posted June 9, 2021 Share Posted June 9, 2021 3 hours ago, Smokeyyank said: I have one in my WJ and while it hasn't had issues just nothing I would dump money into or look too for an "upgrade". I had one in my 5.9 grand cherokee and it took all the abuse a gave it. That being said, it's still better than a d35 lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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