Anybody have any strong opinions toward the best rearend between a d44, d60, 9 inch, 12 bolt, 14 bolt or others? I've got the venerable d35 and id like to swap in something strong but im haveing a tough time deciding on an axel. Weights not really an issue but id like to know about how much id be gaining and i'd like to save ground clearance. I don't mind doing alot of fab work/welding, id like to do this on the cheap so the shafts need to be strong in stock form, as I have a heavy rig, a heavy foot and strong V8. Thanks in advance for any advice. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

It really depends on your tires, you want to run the smallest axle for the tires. Running a 14 bolt with 33's would be a huge waste, and running 44's with a 44 would end in certain demise... The rear end needs to be matched to the tires.

For 33-37" tires I would go with a 9" ONLY if I could get one of those trick high-pinion aluminum centers. Other wise I would get a 44. Unless you are going HUGE, a 44 will hold up fine.

Sorry, I plan on running 35's. What are some good rear 44 donor vehicles. I know of the grand wagoneer, 1/2 ton Dodge pickups?, some cherokee's?, others?

if you're not going to use custom axleshafts, how are you going to match up the bolt circle to the 5 on 4.5 front if you use anything other than a later model jeep 44?

why not an 8.8?

custom shafts in front <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I built a 9" from the junkyard and have no need for a high pinion 3rd member. It's plenty strong for the 33's I run. I have about 15,000 miles on the rear axle since I finished it about 10 months ago. No problems so far.

I assume your post was in regards to the high driveshaft angle you get with the low pinion of the stock 9" 3rd member. I run a 4.5" spring under lift with a 1" body lift to accomidate my clocked flat t-case and flat skid plate. I have no vibration problems at any speeds. I usually run my Jeep on the highway at 70-75 MPH with frequent long road trips. I can get it up to 85 and still no driveline vibes. The only thing I have encountered is a bad u-joint after 7,000 miles. I run a CV in the rear and angled the 9" upward a few extra degrees before welding on the spring perches. I just serviced the 3rd member and everything was a-okay including the pinion bearing (which some people worry about starving).

I would go with the 9" but that's becuase I am a little bias. I am sure a Dana 44 would suite your needs just fine.

Chris

Actually the drivline angles aren't too much of a concerne, its the low to the ground pinion. My brother has an old bronco up at our cabin and the pinion catches anything that can be caught. In all actuality, i think 9" are GREAT axles. Shafts are stong, the 3rd member is suer easy to work on, its just they are sooo low to the ground...

my old chevy had a 14 bolt d-44 combo. i ran 39.5 tsl swampers pushed by a 454 bb. they were both open diffs. even with a heavy foot the only trouble i had (that really wasn't trouble) were the axle tubes started to pull out of the pumpkin. i think that had more to do with the crapo lift i ran than anything else. huge soa blocks. with so much wrap on off camber situations the spring twist worked the tubes out. i've been considering putting those axles under my jeep for a while, bt i've heard that a bit of ground clearance is lost with the 14 bolt. the 14 bolt has a huge pinion and brakes, and is nearly indestructable.

I don't know why you wouldn't want to go with an 8.8.

It has the right bolt pattern, close to the same width, disc brakes, and the strength of the Dana 44.

It is a c-clip axle, but there are retaining plates which will keep the axle in place should it ever break.

A 14 bolt is way overkill for 35's. I drag mine with 37's and it's been shaved as well.

Alright, I'll keep the 8.8, d44, and 9 in. in mind and do a little more research on these three before making my decision. What about a full float d60 from a ford p/u? Lots of lost clearance and added weight? Anybody, know where to find actual numbers dims and specs like this for axles? Weight, clearance, etc. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />