[MudColoredXJ]

Ok, here we go. I've been debating trying to find a D44 or go with a Ford 8.8. I currently have 3.07 gears (5spd) and would plan on going with lower gears in the future. Also currently running 31s and may want to go with 35s.

I was at my local u-pull-it looking for an new ignition switch and happened upon a '87 XJ with the towing package. Looked down below and I'll be darned if the 44 wasn't just looking at me. I can get it for $150 if I pull it, or $200 if they pull it for me. Not sure of what gears, and brakes need to be redone. All minor considering my uses.

Questions:
1. Does that seem like a decent price?
2. Anybody know what a 8.8 with discs and 4.10s goes for?
3. I can weld. That being said, what would you do?

Any other input is very welcomed.
***NOTE***: I currently have the 27 spline C8.25

[GottaBeJeep]

Either price for that D44 isn't too shabby. I see them go for double that all the time. Usually the D44 and the 8.8 go for about the same price of about $350-450, and for that much and about the same price, might as well get the beefiest axle, but since that D44 is that price, I would jump on that. Figure adding atleast $150-300 just to convert the 8.8 to bolt up to the XJ with all new brakes. See if there is a ZJ D35 with disc brakes in that yard and pull those, or buy the whole axle and get the disc brakes off that to put on the D44, and you will have a D44 with disc brakes for a dang good price.

[gregmondro]

Sounds like a fairly reasonable price for the D44. I picked up mine for $120 from the local u-pull place.

The u-pull place here prices rear ends by their year. Since the 44 was off of an 87, I was charged 120. If I would have picked up a 95+ Explorer 8.8 it would have been $220.

The 8.8 is a stronger axle stock vs stock compared to a d44. If you're gonna be running 35s I'd go with the cheaper priced one. A d44 can be built plenty strong to run 35s locked at most anything you throw at it. Same goes for a ford 8.8. The things to consider would be how important disc brakes are to you (even though the d44 drums are larger then your 8.25 drum brakes right now), how easy it will be to install one (even though you can weld, the 8.8 still needs to have the mounting perches/etc done to fit on an XJ while the d44 is a direct bolt on, etc.

[conrasm]

If the axle was out of an auto, then it's most likely 3.54 gears, so you'll have to either regear, or try to snag a front axle from a 92+ XJ (so you don't get the vacuum disconnect axle) with the same gears if you don't plan on re gearing sometime soon. Finding a matching front axle will be cheaper than swapping gears, expecially if you can't do them yourself.

Otherwise, nice find. I paid like $300 for mine. I had to put new brake shoes, self adjusting cable, and spring kit in it, which ran about $30. Otherwise, your e-brake cables will hook up along with the brake lines, although, you'll need to make some minor adjustments since the wheel cylinder is about an inch more forward.

The D44 will have a separate vent outlet compared to you 8.25, which vents through the bolt that holds the distribution block for the brake lines. The 8.25 uses a larger bolt, but the D44 bolt has a washer that will work fine and you just move the vent hose over.

[Bigbadwolf54]

i have an 8.8 for sale if you want it. i am in joliet. disc brakes are sweet. and hell i even deliver it for 175.

[RickyN29]

Great price. Go for it, you won't be sorry.