I am looking at a '79 waggy with a D44 in front 360cid and an auto tranny. The thing has the quadratrac t-case and I made a strange discovery in the glove box. The "emergency use only" switch. it had a warning saying that all tire diameters and pressures should be the same otherwise resulting in poor performance and noises. And that the switch should only be engaged when the vehicle is really stuck. To me this seems characteristic of a locking differential. maybe I am wrong. Will some one shed some light on this for me. Does the D44 differ from others? or does this switch do something to the t-case? I appologize if this question is elementary to Jeep enthusiasts but after doing a search and coming up short.........I had to start somewhere.:beer: :smokin:

It has nothing to do with the Dana 44. The Quadratrac t-case is a limited slip t-case allowing it to be full time. Without the limited slip the t-cae would eventually bind running on dry pavement. The emergency lock actually locks the t-case making it act like a regular t-case. If you aren't stuck, or lock it on dry pavement it will bind and possible break the case.

So the D44 is the same as any other 44 except for the width. correct? Is it very easy to convert to manual hubs? suggestions?

I could actually use that switch... let me know if you're interested in selling it!

apeters89@hotmail.com

Originally posted by Jackass Meote
So the D44 is the same as any other 44 except for the width. correct? Is it very easy to convert to manual hubs? suggestions?

You would have to change the t-case and upgrade the hubs.:jeep2:

Originally posted by Jackass Meote
So the D44 is the same as any other 44 except for the width. correct? Is it very easy to convert to manual hubs? suggestions?

If you just want to swap the axle into something, then yes, it's very easy. Just replace the slugs with hubs. If your asking about converting the Wagoneer to part time, then you either have to swap out the T-case or install a part time kit in addition to the hubs.