axles?

GrandChe89 · 07-02-2009, 10:03 AM

I have a 96 Grand Cherokee and I have the stock axles, what axles does it come with stock? How can you tell what type an axle is? I wanted to go to the junk yard eventually and get d44 front and rear axles. What is involved when you swap them out? do you have to change anything else? Any and all advice on axle swapping and buying would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Kyle

CLNinja · 07-02-2009, 10:13 AM

you most likely have a D35

D44a

D35

**Jones** · 07-02-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandChe89

I have a 96 Grand Cherokee and I have the stock axles, what axles does it come with stock? How can you tell what type an axle is? I wanted to go to the junk yard eventually and get d44 front and rear axles. What is involved when you swap them out? do you have to change anything else? Any and all advice on axle swapping and buying would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Kyle

You most likely have a Low Pinion Dana 30 in the front and a Dana 35 in the rear with 3.55 gears both open diff.

Swapping in Dana 44's front and rear that aren't set up for a Grand Cherokee can be quite a bit of work, they won't be bolt it.
If you want bolt in go with an HP30 and D44a. Both are stronger than what you have now.

GrandChe89 · 07-02-2009, 01:16 PM

[QUOTE=-
If you want bolt in go with an HP30 and D44a. Both are stronger than what you have now.[/QUOTE]

How do you tell the difference between the axles? do they just look different? or do they have some kind of mark on them so I can tell?

and what is open diff? and if I get the different axles they have different gearing right?

**Jones** · 07-02-2009, 01:41 PM

The HP30 has the pinion at the top of the diff instead of the bottom. High pinion is on the right, low pinion is on the left.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...highpinion.jpg

Open diff means you don't have a locker or limited slip. Yes the gears will be different, the 44a will have 3.73 and the HP30 will have 3.55. You'll want to regear so they are the same.

Your biggest concern should be getting rid of the D35 though.

GrandChe89 · 07-02-2009, 02:02 PM

should I replace the 35 with a 44a? how do you regear? is it a hard thing to do?

**ArloGuthroJeep** · 07-02-2009, 02:08 PM

If you have to ask, it is a hard thing.

Why do you think you need to upgrade from your D35? What size tires do you plan on running? Is there something wrong with your D35?

GrandChe89 · 07-02-2009, 02:20 PM

I want to eventually run 35s

**Jones** · 07-02-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandChe89

I want to eventually run 35s

Then I would get a Hp30/8.8 or Waggy 44's.

GrandChe89 · 07-02-2009, 10:25 PM

what is a waggy 44? Ive heard of it but not sure what it is exactly

indredsnake99 · 07-02-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandChe89

what is a waggy 44? Ive heard of it but not sure what it is exactly

its the dana 44 out of a grand wagoneer

**Jones** · 07-03-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandChe89

what is a waggy 44? Ive heard of it but not sure what it is exactly

Check my build thread, I just bought some today.

Look for an 86-91 Wagoneer for them.

GrandChe89 · 07-03-2009, 06:31 AM

is a waggy 44 better than a d44 a? if so why?

GrandChe89 · 07-04-2009, 08:29 AM

??? anyone know?

CLNinja · 07-04-2009, 08:54 AM

a D44a with a truss/skid is stronger than a waggy d44 BUT a waggy d44 has more aftermarket options allowing it ( with alot of $$ ) to be built stronger than the d44a

PLUS .... the d44a is straight bolt on.. .no fab work needed like with an 8.8 or d44

here are the specs on the d44 vs d44a vs d60 vs 8.8

Ring gear on a D44a is thicker
Pinion gear on a D44a is similar to a D60
30 spline axle shafts

Specifics:
Dana 60
Ring Gear Diameter = 9.750"
Pinion shaft Diameter = 1.626"
Ring Gear Bolt Count = 12
Pinion Spline = 29
Cover Bolt Count = 10

Dana 44 a
Ring Gear Diameter = 8.5"
Pinion Shaft Diameter = 1.625"
Ring Gear Bolt Count = 10
Pinion Spline = 29
Cover Bolt Count = 10

Dana 44 Iron
Ring Gear Diameter=8.500"
Pinion shaft Diameter=1.376"
Ring Gear Bolt Count=10
Pinion Spline=26
Cover Bolt Count=10

Ford 8.8
Ring Gear Diameter = 8.8"
Pinion Shaft Diameter = 1.625"
Ring Gear Bolt Count = 10
Pinion Spline = 30
Cover Bolt Count = 10
Axle shafts = 1.32" 31 spline