aftermarket front dana 44 vs. built dana 30

bigwyrm · 03-01-2009, 09:33 PM

I was checking on prices of aftermarket front dana 44 that bolt straight up to a TJ. What are the negatives and positives of swapping this axle or strengthing the stock dana 30? With all the upgrades that come with the dana 44 the prices between the two was not that terribly much.

Airborne4X4 · 03-01-2009, 09:36 PM

HP30 is a great option. Steal it out of a non-disconnect XJ. Build that. I like the high pinion 30 over the 44 because you're not running on the coast side of the ring and pinion. Only down side, I think the hp30 is 4.88 as the lowest gear set available. D44 can go lower.

2005X · 03-01-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airborne4X4

HP30 is a great option. Steal it out of a non-disconnect XJ. Build that. I like the high pinion 30 over the 44 because you're not running on the coast side of the ring and pinion. Only down side, I think the hp30 is 4.88 as the lowest gear set available. D44 can go lower.

exactly what im doing, i have a HP30 ready to go in, although im staying with 4:56 gears as that is what i was already running. and yes 4:88s is the lowest with a D30

**LOCKED UP** · 03-01-2009, 09:38 PM

If you can get a high pinion D44 that fits flat top knuckles for close to the price of a D30, I'd jump on it.

But, you will need different wheels (new bolt pattern) and you'll have to get something done in the rear to fit the same bolt pattern.

**fratis** · 03-01-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airborne4X4

HP30 is a great option.

had one myself, didnt much like fixing it. im fully aware of the standard rotation vrs. reverse rotation argument but both ring gears of either 30 are tiny. i think its pretty silly doing all that it takes to swap an axle assembly for the minior difference between the two.

you are assuming all 44s are standard rotation. a 44 is a nice trail jeep front axle.

ive always loved jeeps but feel that 44s front and rear should have been standard for years. everything over the years has been improved and beefed up except the devices that last see the torque to the ground.

**Unlimited04** · 03-02-2009, 06:37 AM

what are the specs of your jeep?

while a HP D30 is a reasonably cheap upgrade for a TJ, you're very limited by gears. If you've got a 42RLE, you're limited by 33" tires and 4.88s. If you've got a 5 or 6 speed manual, you can probably get away with 35s and 4.88s. If you want to go deeper gears and bigger tires in the future, an aftermarket HP D44 is probably a good investment.

never monday · 03-02-2009, 07:29 AM

A stock LP30 is worthless over 35's. An XJ HP30 can be built for 35's easily. If you have the ability to go with an Solid44 or other aftermarket built 44. It will live a lot longer on 35's. If your going bigger than 35's. Then you need to start looking at 9's and 60's

bigwyrm · 03-02-2009, 08:10 AM

Thanks for all the input. I currently have a 6 inch lift, stock 4.0, 5 speed transmission, rear dana 44, and would like to run 36-37's with 4.88 gears.

**Unlimited04** · 03-02-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwyrm

Thanks for all the input. I currently have a 6 inch lift, stock 4.0, 5 speed transmission, rear dana 44, and would like to run 36-37's with 4.88 gears.

time to think about D60s or at least a mid 70s Ford HP D44 and a 9" rear, or an aftermarket D44s of sorts. something with big OD and thick tubes.

pyrotyro · 04-04-2011, 12:02 PM

Sorry to bring this thread back, but I am thinking of doing the same thing as well. I want to be on 37s. Will an aftermarket 44 hold up to decent abuse on 37s?

I currently have a HP 30 up front and a D44 out back (alloy 30 spline shafts). I figured it would be ideal to be on 37s and 44s vs 39s and one tons. The clearance under the axles, ease of installation, tire cost, etc etc

Thoughts?