What's stronger?

[MasterDrazhar]

The ford 8.8 or a dayna 44?

I want to eventually run 36's and know the stock 30/35 axles I have now won't last long.  I don't want to re-fab everything either - bolt in is best for me or as close to it as possible, so would I just be better off trying to find a used 44 from a similar year TJ?

Also, what options are there for the front?  I'm looking at maybe trying to get an HP 30 but is there something better I should look at, again, should be as close to bolt in as possible...

 

[cjshloman]

Both have + and -.  tubes both vary in thickness, 8.8 uses a c clip deal I think, 8.8 will be tad smaller, but not noticable, 44's can be got to be a bolt in, 8.8 cant, needs brackets.  I think you should think money for what you can afford to put under than strength, they both are good, I would go easier.  The HP 30 for the front is a bolt in for the tj, just get non vacumn, strong if built.  Ask Steve, he did a write up.  Thats all I really know though.  Bull.

 

[NomadJeep]

they say the 8.8 is stronger, but then it does use a C-clip to hold the axle in.  However, this becomes less important being they right year 8.8 have disc brakes so it will hold the axle in.

8.8 is stronger, but it all depends on how strong you need.

A 44 for you will bolt in, and is very easy.  The 44 is strong, and can be upgraded with Chrome Alloy shafts...  it goes on and on, but both axles will handle the tire size you are looking at for down the road.

 

[MasterDrazhar]

Sounds like I'll end up going with 44's - should I do 44's front and rear or do 44's rear and hp 30 in front?

Do they make an HP 44? or HP 35? if so, just for the front? or front and rear? (*Ive only found HP30's for the front, so not sure if they make em for front and rear or just front*)

I know next to nothing about axles as you can tell...  I know how diff's and lockers work and could do an install or change ring/pinions, but when it comes down to the different axle options/types etc, I'm clueless...

 

[jon]

HP 44s would not be bolt in, they would need to be cut down and have the perches welded on.

8.8 has thin tubes and stronger ring gear.  dana 44 has strong tubes and weaker ring gear both have the same aproximate strangth shafts due to the 8.8 neckdown.

bolt in 8.8 can be bought. 

dana 44 front bolt in would have to be a rubicon dana 44.  rear is more available.

 

[Erik S.]

Hmmm

The D44 has a 8.5, and the 8.8 is well 8.8.  Not a huge difference.

The 8.8 is a 31 spline in some applications.  The D44 is 30 for everything you will use.

Yes, some 8.8s have disc.  There are cheap disc brake conversions for the D44.

There is more aftermarket support for the D44.  Locker choices, diff covers, etc.

Fords used a HP D44 for the front that would be on the proper side.

If you want to wait a year or two, the new '07 Wrangler Rubicons will be coming out with a HP D44 front.  It will be wider than what you have now though.

Erik

 

[MasterDrazhar]

Hmmm

The D44 has a 8.5, and the 8.8 is well 8.8.  Not a huge difference.

The 8.8 is a 31 spline in some applications.  The D44 is 30 for everything you will use.

Yes, some 8.8s have disc.  There are cheap disc brake conversions for the D44.

There is more aftermarket support for the D44.  Locker choices, diff covers, etc.

Fords used a HP D44 for the front that would be on the proper side.

If you want to wait a year or two, the new '07 Wrangler Rubicons will be coming out with a HP D44 front.  It will be wider than what you have now though.

Erik

I'd rather not go wider, would like to stay curent width.  Know off hand what fords had the HP 44's?  and how much one would/should go for?  and what would I get a d44 out of for the rear the same width as my stock, and price range?  do they make an HP 44 for the rear?

.

 

[PaulW]

dana 60

 

[Erik S.]

I can't remember if the Dodge D44 is a HP or LP.  It's passenger side, so it doesn't matter.

 

[bobnoxious]

I can't remember if the Dodge D44 is a HP or LP.  It's passenger side, so it doesn't matter.

All low pinion. 93 and up Rams are driver's side.