Back in the Saddle!

[Axle]

Well, I guess I just couldn't stay away for too long...  I went and pulled the trigger on an 01 Grand Cherokee Limited.   

And yes, the most important question, she has a Dana 44 rear!  No Ford 8.8 axle swaps this time around.  I'll post some pics when I get around to it.  She's all stock for now, and it's going to be a while before I can build her.

Sure miss you guys!  At least the old crusty members still on here that knew me!!!  It's been nice being able to ride my bike year round down here in SE Georgia.  Already made a few trips to the beach, but the water is still cold and will be for a few more months. 

Some ideas right now for future mods:

Rock Krawler 5.5" Long Arm
33X12.50's
Super 30 and 44 kits with ARB's
Current gear ratio is 3.73, either put in 4.56's or the Tera Low 4:1.

That's the meat and potatoes.  I'm sure there will be plenty of other doodads as well.  Keep on wheelin' folks!!!

Justin

[BlacXJeep]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe we have had this conversation before on this site and determined that the dana 44 in grands is the 44a, which refers to aluminum. If this is the case you Aren't going to want to put any money into that Axle, Axle. Just something to look into, I hope I'm wrong man!

[Axle]

Well thanks!  I did not know that.  I will have to do some digging and find out.  I tried looking for tag or plate on the axle, but it's 10 years old, so that got me no where.  I've been looking at a WJ site and there is a lot of good info.


********OK so I just looked up what you are talking about, and it seems that it has an aluminum center section.  Which means under heavy load I would most likely spin one of the tubes.  Oh well, my name ain't Axle for nothin'!   

[BlacXJeep]

I'm almost positive all the limited WJs have this axle, and the only company that even makes a locker for it was Aussie, and I dont know if they even do anymore. It's the center section that is aluminum. I'm sure you could find a dana 44HD or FE at a junkyard to swap in. Really unfortunate if this is the case man, but its still better than a dana 35!

[Seabee_BUC]

Ahhh...A family friendly trail rig! I myself have been looking to scratch the Jeep itch again...  Glad to hear you're still alive Justin!

[skibum]

I'm almost positive all the limited WJs have this axle, and the only company that even makes a locker for it was Aussie, and I dont know if they even do anymore. It's the center section that is aluminum. I'm sure you could find a dana 44HD or FE at a junkyard to swap in. Really unfortunate if this is the case man, but its still better than a dana 35!

Yes you are correct that all WJ's(& also ZJ's) with a d44 had an aluminum center section. I would also highly recomend NOT sinking any cash into this axel. Just wheel it till it blows. Call it an iderance test.

Another thing to look into is that right now there is a big recall for frame rot (Recall only in salt belt areas) on the Honda Passport (aka Isuzu Rodeo) & I have seen 5 already bought back from Honda & thats just at my dealer. All the Honda passports have a D44 & feel there is some easy way to make this fit into many jeeps & other rigs. There all to be sent to the crusher & nothing is to be sold off them but im shure a Junk yard will make a deal with you. Just food for thought

[rocket]

Glad to hear you've got a jeep again!  And you shold be jelous of us up here in the cold north; My lawn hasn't seen daylight for 2 months!