Dana 44 or 8.25?

[jstandle]

Here's my situation,

I'm currently running a Dana 35C in my XJ and want to swap it out for something stronger and I have two options right now,

#1 Remove a Dana 44 from a Scout my friend has, regear it, redrill the axle for bolt pattern, mini-spool it and change all the perches and shock mounts. Cost would be around $400-500 when I'm done and it would still be 1" narrower on each side and the pinion would be 1" farther off than it is. (could I still run a CV shaft like this?)

#2 Buy an 8.25 29 spline axle I have a lead on. It's got a detroit locker (type that replaces spiders), 4.56 gears and setup to drop right into my XJ for $500. Then just regear my D30 up front.

I'm just not sure what I should do, I wish the scout 44 had the exact dimensions, I'm afraid of the pinion being off because I want to use a CV driveshaft and a SYE when I lift it more.

Thanks for your input.

Jordan

[jstandle]

anyone?

[XJ Sean]

This make just add to the issue, but http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141512&highlight=scout+rear+44+xj a few threads down he lists how he used a scout house and XJ shafts and brakes to get the right bolt pattern.