Dana 44 Vs. Ford 8.8

[TheHighHeat]

ok i did a search, i didn't really find what I wanted,
i have a jeep cherokee with a I6, i'm gonna be running 35s i need opinions on which i should run here's what i've got
ford 8.8 - rear disk brakes - c-clip
dana 44 - direct bolt in, super 44 kit(when i get $$$), non c-clip

[CannonBall]

I dunno about the super 44 kit, but stock to stock the 8.8 is a stronger axle. The c-clips aren't a big deal, and if you break an axle the disk will hold it in. the 44's a semi floater and easier to bolt up and probably cheaper, I dunno man. Just go with whatever is cheaper, I'm sure the super 44 kit will bring it close to 8.8 strength.
-Nate

[Idaho XJ]

Yeah, the 8.8 is a c-clip, but when have you heard of someone breaking a 8.8 with the 4.0? Also, buy the time you have the super 44 kit in it, you will have more in the 44 than you would have if you bought the 8.8 and all necessary hardware, and you will still have drum brakes.

[CheaseMuddin]

8.8
Benefits:
Larger ring gear
Thicker tubes
31 spline
Availability
Disc brakes

Disadvantages:
c-clip
Less ground clearance
Not exactly Jeep width
Not bolt in, so you better learn to weld and get good at it



D44
Benefits:
Bolt in available if you have a TJ
More ground clearance
Larger aftermarket support

Disadvantages:
Drum brakes
30 spline
8.5"? ring gear
Smaller tubes
More expensive if you are getting one from a TJ


I don't think it can really be argued that the TJ D44 is stronger than the 31 spline 8.8, but both are better than the mighty D35.

[makeupqueEn]

Well, My BF is probably picking up a D44 for the rear of his yj for 100 bucks or so soon, so for him, it was really a no brainer. He also has the option of picking up an 8.8, but thats gonna cost more like 350 bucks, and it still needs calipers and a couple other things. Im sure knowing him, he will do the super 44 kit on the rear D44 when he gets the money...
Stacey

[JMyerz]

Originally posted by JeepingGirlfriend
Well, My BF is probably picking up a D44 for the rear of his yj for 100 bucks or so soon, so for him, it was really a no brainer. He also has the option of picking up an 8.8, but thats gonna cost more like 350 bucks, and it still needs calipers and a couple other things. Im sure knowing him, he will do the super 44 kit on the rear D44 when he gets the money...
Stacey

Thats my plan, I'm gonna slap a D44 in my TJ and save some cash for the Super Kit. The Super 44 kit is suposedly near the strength of a D60... at least that what they claim.

Also, if you get a D44 from a scout, you can find late model axles w/ disc brakes or you can buy the parts for a simple bolt up.

-JM

[Po' riggity]

Originally posted by JMyerz


Thats my plan, I'm gonna slap a D44 in my TJ and save some cash for the Super Kit. The Super 44 kit is suposedly near the strength of a D60... at least that what they claim.

Also, if you get a D44 from a scout, you can find late model axles w/ disc brakes or you can buy the parts for a simple bolt up.

-JM

I have a question... what do you mean I can find LATE MODEL axles w disc brakes? from what donor? And does anyone know if Drivetrain Direct will make custom length axles for a super 44 kit, in order to make it work with a scout 44?
Scott

[JMyerz]

Not that Scout guys can be trusted but...

According to some scout guys around these parts, some of the last scout came with disc brakes (rear) from the factory. And that you can buy parts from GM that are an exact bolt on to change from drums to disc.

Thats a good point on the custom shafts, I hadn't given that a thought. My plan was to find a D44 for reeeaaaal cheap and have custom made tubes put on. This will acomplish two things, the first being that I won't have to worry about those shitty Scout tubes twistin' on me. Second, I won't need to get wheel spacers to even out the track width. I believe that the SII D44 are somewhere in the area of 58" wide, like the ford 8.8


I think that if everything goes right, which it won't , that the Super D44 kit will be an exact fit!

I still need to price it all out, I may just be better ging with a 8.8 or 9". 35's are in the TJ's near future and I want something that can handle it.

-JM

[Po' riggity]

Dude, I know what you mean... Id like to swap tubes as well, but I know thats not feasible.. and its easier to just stick some 39 dollar adapters/spacers on there to even out the track width. As far as the tubes bending and twisting.. thats what a truss is for.. at least thats what I plan on doing.. as far as disc brakes.. that would be way cool!

[JMyerz]

Nice part about the SII D44 is if you look really hard you can find one for about $50

After you sell parts off your D35 you'll have coverd the cost of the new axle and have some beer money too!

The brackets will be free because you can cut and weld from your existing setup.

So basiclly the only thing you'll be buying is a R&P Setup!

-Justin

[Josh 89XJ]

Yep, D44s can be WAY cheap and easy if you don't mind scrounging around a bit. I despise c-clips so I really wanted to stay away from the 8.8, not to mention the fact that all of the yards around here want my left nut for one of them. My D44 on the other hand, was free I've got less than $300 into it for brackets, all new brakes, new shafts, blah blah blah. I can't argue with the shafts being of equal length either. 1 spare and you have both sides covered, SWEET! Disc brakes can be swapped in easily too, I've just been lazy and the 11" drums should work fine for right now anyway. Unless a 31 spline 8.8 with discs popped up for a really good deal, I would spend the time looking for a 44

[Po' riggity]

Well said Josh! My thoughts exactly. Of course, if I found an 8.8 for the 100 bucks Im getting my 44 rear for, Id be all over it like white on rice
Scott

[SactoXJ]

Run the D44. Yes, you'll still have drum brakes, but they are larger than the ones on your D35. I also installed larger wheel cylinders when I did the swap (much improved braking) I'm running 35's on mine and it stops fine. Later on you could add ZJ discs with some minor work

[JEEP_TJ_FREAK]

I would never own a super anything that requires a totally custom shaft for an OE housing, I think that is just nuts. Do you SD44 vs. 8.8" with the f#ckup fairy in the mix.

Got water in diff find it too late:

SD44 totally at the mercy of superior, you cannot get a replacment carrier anywhere else. Dependent on superior for shafts too, unless you want Moser or another custom.

8.8" any junkyard anywhere $50, shafts too.

That is the crap I think about when doing this stuff.

[Josh 89XJ]

$50?!?! What yard do you go to? Around here in the Seattle area, you are lucky to find one for less than $300 for the older units with wasted brakes. Newer ones will run in the 450-500 range.

[JEEP_TJ_FREAK]

Originally posted by Josh 89XJ
$50?!?! What yard do you go to? Around here in the Seattle area, you are lucky to find one for less than $300 for the older units with wasted brakes. Newer ones will run in the 450-500 range.

Well I sell whole housings and all for that price, I guess if you need a spare carrier head down south.

[DE Jeeper]

Well, here is a reponse from someone that actually has an 8.8 under there YJ.


My finally cost on the 8.8 was $850 with 4.10 gears and complete with e-brake cables. It took me 5 hours to line it up and weld the spring and shock perches on and another hour to figure out the e-brakes. It is a very simple swap for a YJ or XJ. It is 60.5" long compared to the a 61" stock axle. The width is a non-issue. As far as strength the 8.8 shafts are 1.32" at the smallest point of the diameter. A d44 is 1.19 at the smallest point, which is actually the same size as most 30 spline d60 axles from the factory. I know because I am using cut down d60 axles in a custom d44 FF in the ass end of a offset d44 flattlie. You also get one more spline with the 8.8. It is a personal prefference and money issue for the Jeep owner. There is no right or wrong answere. If you are going to run a 35" tire, either of these axles are a good choice. If you can get the d44 cheap then get it if not, apples for apples the 8.8 is stronger. Also, I don't see why the c-clips are a big deal. You will not break an 8.8 axle with a stock 4.0l unless you dive like an a-hole IMHO.

BTW, some food for thought. There is a Super 44 kit because people break d44 shafts. There used to be a 8.8 FF kit, I know I got one , but Warn no longer sells it because of lack of demand. This is more proof that the 8.8 shafts are strong.

[Beast40]

Originally posted by DE Jeeper
Well, here is a reponse from someone that actually has an 8.8 under there YJ.



BTW, some food for thought. There is a Super 44 kit because people break d44 shafts. There used to be a 8.8 FF kit, I know I got one , but Warn no longer sells it because of lack of demand. This is more proof that the 8.8 shafts are strong.

The reason Warn stopped making the 8.8 floater is because not many people who have an 8.8 wheel them and therefore have no need for the floater. (maybe if they flat tow) 8.8s in Jeeps is a recent trend and the new found popularity could spawn Warn into rereleasing the floater kit. As for the Super 44 it makes sense because a ton of people run D44s and they come on stock jeeps. With the jeep aftermarket as large as it is upgrades to the front and rear axle and every other part are abundant not because they break but because people will buy them.

Maybe because the Super 44 kit increases the strength of the 44 beyond your 8.8 in every department besides ring gear size is the reason you are hating.

[H8monday]

Originally posted by Beast40




Maybe because the Super 44 kit increases the strength of the 44 beyond your 8.8 in every department besides ring gear size is the reason you are hating.

The 8.8 not only has a larger ring diameter, it also has has 1.62" pinion shaft, and even that, doesnt tell the whole story. If you remove the ring and pinions from a D44 and an 8.8 and side by side compare them, you will without a doubt, know which one is built to handle more abuse. the 8.8 is huge in mass compared the 44.
Warn did a break test on stock D44 and 8.8 axle shafts a few years ago in one of the off road rags. The results had the D44 breaking at about 4200 pounds per foot of rotational twist, but with the 8.8 they couldnt get an actual result..... because at the 6400 lb limit of the machine, the 8.8 axles were still holding tight.
I can only imagine what a set of high Strength Superior shafts would hold up to,(they are about $120 a side). The Superiors are supposed to be at least 20% stronger.
The D44 will easily handle a 35" tire, but the 8.8 is far stronger in strength, and if built up propperly with a full carrier locker, and a few other easy modifications, it will reliably handle tires to the 38" range.
It took a 300 hp act of stupidity and 38.50 SX tires to finaly snap a stock axle shaft in an 8.8. I beat the piss out of my 8.8 for more than 3 years with no mechanical failures.


Edit: I am looking through some of my files and notes, and it looks like the numbers for the axle strength breakage, was the D44 @ 4600 lbs
8.8 @ maxed out the machine at 6200 lbs.
Someone posted the article about a year or so ago, on this board.
In any case, the Super 44 Kit may strengthen the D44 axle to close to the stock 8.8 specs, but its not gonna be stronger than an 8.8 also upgraded with stronger high strength shafts.

[DozerDan]

Originally posted by JMyerz
Nice part about the SII D44 is if you look really hard you can find one for about $50

After you sell parts off your D35 you'll have coverd the cost of the new axle and have some beer money too!

The brackets will be free because you can cut and weld from your existing setup.

So basiclly the only thing you'll be buying is a R&P Setup!

-Justin

Actually that is exactly my plan. I just found one for $50 too. I just need to buy gears and have them set up. Was going to do it myself but $100 for gear set up was too good to pass up.

So I am at $150 plus gears, ill weld my perches on, get my hands on some CJ rims and hope i dont get a flat.

I plan to do this all for under $400

I am also goign to make a truss for it. I have $200 from making and selling the last set of rock rails and will sell my D35 shafts and gears. D44 here i come.

[Po' riggity]

Originally posted by H8monday


The 8.8 not only has a larger ring diameter, it also has has 1.62" pinion shaft, and even that, doesnt tell the whole story. If you remove the ring and pinions from a D44 and an 8.8 and side by side compare them, you will without a doubt, know which one is built to handle more abuse. the 8.8 is huge in mass compared the 44.
Warn did a break test on stock D44 and 8.8 axle shafts a few years ago in one of the off road rags. The results had the D44 breaking at about 4200 pounds per foot of rotational twist, but with the 8.8 they couldnt get an actual result..... because at the 6400 lb limit of the machine, the 8.8 axles were still holding tight.
I can only imagine what a set of high Strength Superior shafts would hold up to,(they are about $120 a side). The Superiors are supposed to be at least 20% stronger.
The D44 will easily handle a 35" tire, but the 8.8 is far stronger in strength, and if built up propperly with a full carrier locker, and a few other easy modifications, it will reliably handle tires to the 38" range.
It took a 300 hp act of stupidity and 38.50 SX tires to finaly snap a stock axle shaft in an 8.8. I beat the piss out of my 8.8 for more than 3 years with no mechanical failures.


Edit: I am looking through some of my files and notes, and it looks like the numbers for the axle strength breakage, was the D44 @ 4600 lbs
8.8 @ maxed out the machine at 6200 lbs.
Someone posted the article about a year or so ago, on this board.
In any case, the Super 44 Kit may strengthen the D44 axle to close to the stock 8.8 specs, but its not gonna be stronger than an 8.8 also upgraded with stronger high strength shafts.

H8 Those are all good points.... Very good. I know you've beat the piss out of your rig with the 8.8... But... Like I said.. my plans are calling for some 36" swampers... I figure that 44's front and rear will be plenty. Also, Like I said earlier, the 44 rear is gonna run me 100 bucks... so... It was an easy choice since people are getting around 400 for an 8.8 in these parts.. but you are seriously wavering my decision
Scott <><

[bigdude]

I beat the bejesus out of my 8.8 with 36 SX's and never look back, it's a great axle. I read the comparison article mentioned earlier (you can get it from MORE when you order the install kit for an 8.8) and that is what sold me on the 8.8.

A suggestion I have is to look for a small shop specifying in Fords, or just Explorers. I found a guy who does 90% of his business on Explorers, he had 4 disc brake 8.8's sitting at his shop.

I got mine for $300 complete, brakes were perfect and all I did was slap some 4.88's and a detroit in it.

Total cost was $300+$150(brackets)+$500(detroit)+200(gears)= $1150

I don't think you can buy a 44, put a super 44 kit in it, gears, brackets, and rear discs for cheaper. If you can let me know.

So throw out the super 44 kit and just get a detroit with stock axles and you're not going to be as strong, but at around the same price.

I've got the shops #, it's in Thorntown, IN. If anyone wants it pm me. He may be asking $400 now, but I bet you can talk him down, plus he always knows where to get axles if he hasn't got them.

[H8monday]

Originally posted by 1badjeep

H8 Those are all good points.... Very good. I know you've beat the piss out of your rig with the 8.8... But... Like I said.. my plans are calling for some 36" swampers... I figure that 44's front and rear will be plenty. Also, Like I said earlier, the 44 rear is gonna run me 100 bucks... so... It was an easy choice since people are getting around 400 for an 8.8 in these parts.. but you are seriously wavering my decision
Scott <><

If price is the main issue then the D44 wins. And it is a good axle.
But you should factor in the cost of the Super 44, since you will no doubt upgrade to it at some time, if you are pushing the rig hard. I have seen a few D44 axle let go, in situations that didnt seem to warrant a failure. On the other hand, my double axle failure of my 8.8 is the only axle failure I have witnessed. And that incident might have even destroyed my 14 bolt shafts.
Dont get me wrong though, like i said the D44 is strong, Im only arguing the case that the 8.8 is stronger.

[DE Jeeper]

H8, thanks for the back up and Beast40 right back at you. You need to get your facts right NEWBIE before you open your trap. Just because the Super 44 has 33 spline shafts doesn't mean it is stronger then the 8.8. I just got off the phone with DTD and it turns out the shafts are still going to be a diameter of 1.29" with a cold rolled 33 spline and heat treated. The axles still are not a high alloy. The 8.8 still has larger carrier bearings (bigger then a d60), the tube are thicker to prevent flex and the reasons H8 stated above. You are also limited to two lockers when you get the Super 44 and you are at the mercy of DTD. You also have to get one of the 2 lockers because there are no spiders available to set up an open carrier. At a price of $1339 for the OX and $1249 for a Detroit kit, I think each individual should make there own choise based on acurate knowledge.

Also, there are a ton of Bronco's that wheel with an 8.8 rear, so don't think there is no market for a FF kit. Actually 2 things facilitated the end of the FF, one was lack of demand and the other was that Warn no longer wants to produce a kit that is non reversable (8.8 kit requires tube mods). The thing is, if people were breaking the shafts Warn would fill the void in the market with a redesigned kit.

1badjeep,
I agree with your reasoning. I think for you the d44 will be the best choice because of your ecomomics and function.

[Po' riggity]

Originally posted by DE Jeeper

1badjeep,
I agree with your reasoning. I think for you the d44 will be the best choice because of your ecomomics and function.

Well.. economics was a major concern of mine.. since Im a poor college student. For now, Im going SOA on the D30 front, and I'll stick some 95 yj shafts in it, with 5-760's, then stick the 44 rear back there with 36" swampers.. and leave it till it breaks.... Then comes the 44 front.
Scott <><