I'll take a poke at giving the basics of the "modified" D44. The one used in the 2nd gen Rodeos and Passports ('98+) uses a larger diameter pinion than a standard D44. This is the main thing that sets them apart. This is only a problem if you want to re-grear.

Also, for some reason or another, none of the available "drop-in" lockers seem to fit the 2nd gen open carrier <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Don't ask why <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre