I have a quick question. I have a front dana 44 out of a Grand Wagoneer that I need to gear to 4:10s. I have had a few people tell me that I am going to need a new carrier for those gears. It currently has 3.27s or something real close to that. So my question is do I need a new carrier and if so why? Thanks

The carrier break is at 3.73 for the 44. So you will need either a new carrier, locker, arb etc to run your new 4.10s

Can any one explain why??

Because that is the way Dana made it?????

Carriers can be had for cheap. Not a big deal. Or you can use the opportunity to pop for a spool, Detroit, whatever.

If you wanted to spend more, you can get "thick" gear sets that will fit on the small carrier. But is looks tto be cheaper to just buy a new or used carrier & regular gears?

Look into "thick gears" -
"DANA 44 STANDARD CUT THICK GEAR SPECIFY 4.10 4.56 4.88 5.13 GEAR AND SPECIFY YEAR OF FRONT END, FIT ON 3.07-3.73 carriers 4.56, 4.88, 5.13 require carrier ring gear bolt holes to be enlarged to 9/16" and the use of D44 9/16" RING GEAR BOLTS which are included with purchase. 4.11 does not require modification Install kit is a STANDARD KIT NOT FOR 1985 AND NEWER DODGE!!!!!!"]DANA 44 STANDARD CUT THICK GEAR SPECIFY 4.10 4.56 4.88 5.13 GEAR AND SPECIFY YEAR OF FRONT END, FIT ON 3.07-3.73 carriers 4.56, 4.88, 5.13 require carrier ring gear bolt holes to be enlarged to 9/16" and the use of D44 9/16" RING GEAR BOLTS which are included with purchase. 4.11 does not require modification Install kit is a STANDARD KIT NOT FOR 1985 AND NEWER DODGE!!!!!!

So my other question is can I use gears out of another standard rotation 44 or are they specific? Thanks for the help by the way.

YOu can use the gears out of another D44 even if they are originally from the "other" carrier as long as the gear ratio and carrier match.

i bought a 3.92 open carrier for $50

You can either buy a new carrier and use gears from another d44(non thick gears), or buy the thick gear set and use your stock carrier.