Dana 44 Deal - Yay or Nay?

[Dan The Video Man]

So this Dana 44 rear axle has been on marketplace close by me for a little bit now and the price is right ($500). I don't have the funds to get it at the moment, but I'm not too concerned about that as it's been up for at least 2 months. It needs to be cleaned up outside and I would re-gear, get new shafts and install a locker in it if I got it (has 3.73 currently). What do y'all think and would you get it? It should be an easy direct swap right? Pictures from the listing below.

 

[TheBoogieman]

"I would re-gear, get new shafts and install a locker in it "
IMO, a used Dana 44 axle is only worth the money if it's geared to what you need. Otherwise, just get an S35 the way you need it. Regearing, lockers and shafts aren't cheap anymore.

 

[Dan The Video Man]

Yeah, I hear that. S35 was and still is my plan. Either way it's not going to be cheap, haha. I just wanted to get peoples thoughts and opinions.

Thanks!

 

[Strizzo]

If you're already planning on gears, a locker, and shafts, the end result will be more than $500 better if you start with the Dana 44.

When i did mine, I had to replace the brakes as well as it came with no rotors, calipers, or brake lines, so that added to the cost.

 

[Dan The Video Man]

For sure. Appreciate the responses. In addition, if anyone around the SE Michigan area is looking for a rear Dana 44, here's the link!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqsVJBwBx/

 

[mrblaine]

For sure. Appreciate the responses. In addition, if anyone around the SE Michigan area is looking for a rear Dana 44, here's the link!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqsVJBwBx/

That axle isn't worth a penny more than asking unless you are in dire need and can bolt it in and go.

 

[Dan The Video Man]

Probably why the listing has been consistently showing up during my marketplace browsing escapades and why it's been listed for so long.

 

[Plumber1]

Is it out of a TJ or something else ? The Rubicons came with rear disc brakes

 

[Weasellee]

With it being a drum brake unit I’d offer $350 and see what happens. Definitely not more than $500. I have one here factory disc that is already stripped of shafts and gears. Basically a blank slate. I can’t see it being worth more than $500

 

[mrblaine]

Is it out of a TJ or something else ? The Rubicons came with rear disc brakes

TJ from 97-02 came with drum brake D-44 as an option.
03-06 TJ Rubicon came with disc brake D-44 standard.
04-06 TJ Unlimited with very rare exception came with disc brake D-44.
03-06 TJ had the option of D-44 with discs. Rare in 03, more common later. Most 03 non Rubicon D-44 were drum.

 

[jeepguy03]

That thing looks like it has been sitting at the bottom of the ocean.

 

[Dan The Video Man]

That thing looks like it has been sitting at the bottom of the ocean.

Haha, totally.

 

[Strizzo]

TJ from 97-02 came with drum brake D-44 as an option.
03-06 TJ Rubicon came with disc brake D-44 standard.
04-06 TJ Unlimited with very rare exception came with disc brake D-44.
03-06 TJ had the option of D-44 with discs. Rare in 03, more common later. Most 03 non Rubicon D-44 were drum.

Weren't the Unlimiteds typically LSD 44s as well?

 

[mrblaine]

Weren't the Unlimiteds typically LSD 44s as well?

Probably, but as a traction improver, it barely qualifies.

 

[sierradmax]

I've cleaned up worse. However, TJ Dana 44 axles are coming down in price. Seems like the JK axles, and now JL/JT axles are becoming the more popular choice to swap, which IMO, is reflecting TJ axle price points.

 

[Weasellee]

That thing looks like it has been sitting at the bottom of the ocean.

Being you are from Connecticut I’m surprised you would say that that thing looks like gold for the area of New York. I’m from.

 

[jeepguy03]

Being you are from Connecticut I’m surprised you would say that that thing looks like gold for the area of New York. I’m from.

All the TJs rotted out here years ago, so I don't see TJ axles for sale anymore.

 

[TheBoogieman]

that thing looks like gold for the area of New York. I’m from.

That's just the color of the rust.