ZJ D35 Vs Al D44

[baldwinwb11]

A buddy of mine just purchased a 98 ZJ with the stock D35 in the rear. I was wondering if anybody knows what is the stronger axle, the steel D35 or the Al D44.

[SHNIPE]

i would assume you would be better off with the al d44 due to the axles being larger. Only have to worry bout the housing flexing??

That's a D44AL or maybe they call it a D44A. Anyways, it's an aluminum centre section D44 that doesn't use a normal D44 carrier - and there's not much aftermarket for it. Also, it has D35 tubes/outers, so it's horrid weak. I'm also tempted to say they aren't 30 spline. Anyways, the consensous on them is they BLOW.

SO my ASSumption is just makin me look like an ***

[GLEN REAMS]

the 44 is stronger brace that axle and your good to go

[lancetkenyon]

Hard to find parts for the Al 44 though.............

[SHNIPE]

the 44 is stronger brace that axle and your good to go

its not a regular d44. Its the one they used in the isuzu rodeos. It doesnt use the same internals and the gears have to be thick sets.

[FlexyXJ]

This is the ONLY case where I condone a D35. The AL44 is a JUNK axle, shares NOTHING with any other D44 (it has c-clips) and they have huge problems with spinning axle bearings. I have a D35 in my 94 ZJ and frequently tow 5K Lbs with it. If he has to make a choice, get the 35, then upgrade to a 8.8 or TJ 44... Ewww.... AL D44... I think I just threw up in my mouth...:eek:

Joe



i would assume you would be better off with the al d44 due to the axles being larger. Only have to worry bout the housing flexing??



SO my ASSumption is just makin me look like an ***

[FlexyXJ]

Wrong. They are not the ones used in the Isuzu/Honda. Those have cast iron centers, and 6 bolt wheel mounting. They are actually a good swap candidate for a YJ!!! They do however use a odd 4.30 ratio, and a flange style yoke, but other than that they use all normal 44 stuff. And they ARE NOT A C-CLIP rear!!!!:D


Joe


its not a regular d44. Its the one they used in the isuzu rodeos. It doesnt use the same internals and the gears have to be thick sets.

[OlneyJeeps]

I thoutht you (Joe ) were supporting th AL44 (ZJ guy who broke his):confused: :confused:

[FlexyXJ]

I have them ALL in stock. They break ALOT!!!!:D

Hard to find parts for the Al 44 though.............

[FlexyXJ]

Nope. I dont think so. I got rid of a 5.9 Limited ZJ, because I got sick of breaking that damn rear axle. If I support them, Its cause they are fun to rebuild......They are WORSE than the D35C.

Joe



I thoutht you (Joe ) were supporting th AL44 (ZJ guy who broke his):confused: :confused:

[SHNIPE]

Thanks for clearing it up Joe. I always know theres a chance im reading stuff incorrectly. I did go to school in Wickenburg after all :D

So the AL44 came out of other jeep models?

[FlexyXJ]

The AL 44 (aka dana 44 HD) Was used in the 96-98 ZJ as a C-clip axle. In 99 with the intro of the WJ, It became known as the "Super 44". It lost the c-clips, changed the ring gear bolt diam. It is truely a turd. The center section was also used in the Corvete, and believe it or not, the viper..:eek: Whats really funny, is when people compare them to the Aluminum Rock-Jock....:D

Joe



So the AL44 came out of other jeep models?

[baldwinwb11]

Thanks for the replies. I'm only able to access the internet when my neighbors wireless signal is strong, so I haven't been able to reply yet. My brother-in-law bought the jeep with a D35 and we were considering the Al D44 as a cheap upgrade, but it appears that is not a good idea. The Ford 8.8 is an inexpensive axle, but the brackets can get pretty expensive. Maybe in a few years the price for the TJ D44 will go down since these are becomming more and more common.

[pitch]

I'll echo the same sentiments from above. The al44 is undeniably a stronger axle than the 35. The 30 spline shafts are good, the R&P are both larger than the standard 44 too. They without a doubt eat bearings a lot faster. If you are going to keep it a DD with 32's or smaller, keep the D35. Larger tires, consider the al44. Regardless, the 8.8 is probably a better choice, and usually just as reasonable.

My al44 is holding up well to 35's, but it does eat bearings quickly. But then again, that may be due to the spool:rolleyes: .

[vwkaferman]

Stealing internet. Nice. One of two things, he either allows you to steal/ borrow it and you have an agreement with him, or you are stealing. Integrity-gone in this day and age. Sweet. I could always be wrong. It's rare.

James

[rockwerks]

its not a regular d44. Its the one they used in the isuzu rodeos. It doesnt use the same internals and the gears have to be thick sets.

you are wrong my friend. I have built several zuzu dana 44's, as long as you change out the carrier to a full detroit or ARB the standard dana 44 parts work fine. GM just used corvette carrier and gears to get rid of them. once the carrier is changed to a standard carrier there are no issues

(same detroit part #s and same ARB part #s for the isuzu d44 compared to all the other d44's (except for the AL44)

[rockwerks]

Stealing internet. Nice. One of two things, he either allows you to steal/ borrow it and you have an agreement with him, or you are stealing. Integrity-gone in this day and age. Sweet. I could always be wrong. It's rare.

James

using avaliable WiFi signal is not stealing.

If you let your signal bleed and dont protect it then its free game.

My Del laptop is designed to constantly search for open systems.