Hey guys, I have a 49 Chevy 5 window that I am turning into a rat rod. I want to stay with 6 lug, and the Rodeo d44 looks like a really attractive option. Width is close, factory disc brakes, it's a D44...so anyways, I am gonna running a turbocharged chevy 5.3, and I want to be able to cruise down the interstate a pretty low rpm, so I am curious if I can get a ring a pinion that will fit the Rodeo rear end that has something more like a 3.54 or even like 3.23. 3.73 would be the absolute lowest I would want to go. Am I dreamin? or is it possible? Where can I find it if it is possible?

Thanks

Another quick question for you Isuzu guys. This is not really related to the first post but kind of. I also have an 88 Isuzu 2wd pickup. I have read in some places that these were equipped with a GM 7.5" or 7.625" ring gear. Is this true? If this is true, is it the same style rear end just with different width and 6 lug? The reason I ask is because I am curious if I can use a Torsen carrier out of a late model camaro in this housing and use a higher ratio ring and pinion out of an S10. I know the Torsen works in an S10, but will it also bolt the the Isuzu ring gear?

The lowest D44 gears I have heard of in an Isuzu are 4.10s. Not sure if lower gears can be swapped in, not something I've looked into...

I read somewhere that some of them had 3.73's, is that true? I am waiting to hear back from East Coast Gear Supply on a replacement ring and pinion with higher gears, but no word yet.

Pretty sure the Rodeo 44 has thick gears, so it is basically the numerically lower gear carrier.
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i read that only the later ones were thicker.

Pretty sure they're all thick. There's a really good thread around somewhere about how to regear Rodeo 44s. Talks about all the differences. IIRC, the pinion is what differs from standard D44 stuff.

Pre 98, I believe you can use any standard Dana 44 3.73 or numerically lower gear set.

Anyways, I searched for that thread and couldn't find it again. I can't remember if it's on here or if I found it with google/yahoo. Something like "Isuzu Dana 44 gear install"
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Found it
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=603807

Since this article is about 98+ Isuzu D44s, is that to say that 97- uses a standard ring, pinion, and carrier?

Yes, the early Isuzu D44 uses standard R&P and carriers. They come stock with thick gears and the corresponding carrier.
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Awesome info! So I just got off the phone with Independent4x in Richmond, VA. From what I gather I can use a R&P of any ratio (out of a standard D44...say from something built in the 70's) in my Early Isuzu D44 housing as long as I also use the carrier from that older rear end and the Isuzu-specific pinion bearing. I am right?

Indy4x would know.

as long as I also use the carrier from that older rear end and the Isuzu-specific pinion bearing. I am right?

That's the way I've always understood it.

As for your '88 pickup, I think that was made in Japan and will use an Isuzu 10-bolt rear end. Not 100% positive on that though. If it's a third member type, it will be Isuzu.

that's the way i've always understood it.

As for your '88 pickup, i think that was made in japan and will use an isuzu 10-bolt rear end. Not 100% positive on that though. If it's a third member type, it will be isuzu.


if the 88 pickup was made in japan it has a modified 10 bolt rear end , if made in the u.s it has the small gm axle like used in the s10. Vin no starts 4s1 u.s. Made

IDK if you'd be interested but I have a 2 sets of D44 3.31's and and one set of 3.23's sitting in my garage right now ready to ship.

Also I have the Carriers to go with them

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=903788&highlight=