waggy front 44???

[blown XJ]

how beefy are the waggoneer dana 44s? i dont really wanna switch to a lp 44 for the front but i can find a hp44 front that is close enough to stock width for a xj. any help or suggest would be great

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The waggy d44 uses lighter axletubes than a full-width d44 you would find in a truck, but they're still heavier than a d30 or a Rubi d44.

I run a Waggy front d44 and I've had enough of the low pinion. I've got a HP44 in the garage from a fullsize Ford truck, a local 4x4 shop has quoted me $300 to narrow it to Waggy width. I will then build it with my Waggy shafts and highsteer knuckles, everything that is on my current axle.

$300 isn't bad to upgrade from a LP to a HP and get a stronger housing.

 

[blown XJ]

yea i dont like the idea of going to a low pinion front end. what years are good years for the high pinion 44s in the ford trucks? and what bolt patern would i have to switch out to? i got a jeep xj dana 44 in the rear. but im pretty sure i could either redrill for a different bolt pattern or order different shafts. this winter i plan on upgrading to some 37 inch boggers so the d30 has to go.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The rear d44 would be easiest to redrill to 5x5.5" lug pattern, and you can build a front d44 with the same lug pattern using Scout or maybe Ford parts.

'78-'79 for the HP44 front axles in Fords, not sure what other years.

 

[blown XJ]

ok thanks.

 

[blown XJ]

have you had any trouble breaking front shafts with your 36s? im planing on getting 37s and run mostly in deep mud/clay and on the sand dunes. im also thinking about getting either a detroit tru-trac or an ox locker what are your opinions on that? think its to much tire for a d44?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I haven't broken anything in the d44 front, but that's mostly due to only running a hopped up 4banger. I run standard shafts, no hi-zoot hardened stuff here.

 

[blown XJ]

yea, im planing a 4.6 liter stroker too. i know it will hold up alot better then my d30 will