This summer I'm looking to install a RC Dana 44 Ford front axle and a grand waggy rear Dana 44.

What would be the best gear ratio to go with? It is my everyday driver and the Jeep I take on the rocks at Paragon.

I want to spool the rear and Detroit the front. I'll run 36" super swamper TSL/SX's. Any advise on gearing would be greatly appreciated. A friend of mine has a set of 5.38's. Would that work out well? How close is it to matching the Ford?

(I'm running 4.56's now, have a HO Clifford built 4.0, Jacob's ignition system, Borla s.s. headers and exhaust, Rock-it air tube and k&n, will do the bored out TB and TB spacer...now I can use 5th gear with acceleration. AX-15 and NP231 with the JB SYE kit. Right now I actually get better gas mileage than stock Jeeps- 17 city & 19 hw miles to the gallon.)

Thanks for your advise! Might have to do this swap sooner...my D35 is vibrating so badly now... :nuke:

If you're not changing tire sizes or engine/tranny stuff, and your current ratio works well, use that ratio :rolleyes:

I do like my current set up, but I'll be moving up in tire size from 33's to 36's and I was concerned about the additional weight. It would be nice if the Jeep crawled slower. Will I sacrifice on road performance if I geared lower? Need to drive to work everyday...
Thanks again

why dont you just get the dana 60 out of the same Ford you get the 44 out of(assuming it has one). or wait until you find a truck that has both and get them. it shouldnt cost anymore than a waggy 44...


- jake

5.38's would be good if you are keeping the 5 speed. The performance should be about the same as now, but you will turn about 200 rpm more on the highway.
However, anything lower than 4.56's might be a little weak in a rear D44.
Also, you will have to change front or rear lug pattern.

I run a locked 44 front and a spooled 9" rear with 36's and 5.13 gears. I run within 100-200 rpm of when my jeep was stock. I'm not sayin I will win any drag races, but I like it.