Several variations of the Dana 44 have been used as the rear axle in
Jeeps, all of them use a 8.5" ring and pinion. The Dana 44s used with
CJs are
one piece shafts with 30 spline axle shafts.
The R&P ratio ranges supported by the carriers are 2.87-3.73 and
3.92-5.89. Not all ratios are available for all the variations of the
Dana 44. Common ratios
for the CJs were 2.73 and 3.31 but was available in 3.54 and 4.11
CJ Dana 44
Starting in 1972, the Dana 20 transfer case was used which has the
rear output shaft centered, so the rear axle has the differential in the
center. From 1972-1975 the Dana 44 was used with a 30 spline flanged
axle shaft. This Dana 44 uses 11" drum brakes and the most common
ratio is 3.73.
In Late 1985 and all
of 1986, CJ production was
coming to a close AMC 20s were in short supply, so they used wide track
Dana 44s in some of the '85 and '86 models. Bolt on compatible with any '76-'86
CJ, but wider than earlier narrow tack AMC 20s. Use of the Dana 44 in
1986 began somewhere between serial numbers ending with 049379 and
054173. Common ratios were 2.73 and 3.31 but was available in 3.54
and 4.11
All CJ Dana 44s use a 5 on 5.5" wheel bolt pattern.
Other Dana 44
The Dana 44 used in the military M38, M38A1, M170, Willys Wagon, and
Willys Pickup was the same was the version used in the CJ vehicles
during that time period. Willys Pickup and FC trucks had a couple others
optional rear axles used with models with higher GVW. The Dana 44 was
the light weight model for the Willys Pickup and FC trucks. All these
Dana 44s use a 5 on 5.5" wheel bolt pattern.
The Dana 44 was standard in Wagoneers, full size Cherokees, and J
series pickups. A wide track version was introduced for the Cherokee and
Wagoneer in the 80s. The Cherokees and Wagoneers built from 1974 on use
a 6 on 5.5" wheel bolt pattern. Models built before 1974 used a 5
on 5.5" wheel bolt pattern. Most rear ends before '74 use the
weaker 2 piece shafts, but some of the later ones uses 1 piece shafts.
The early Wagoneer and Cherokees used Dana 30 and Dana 27 front
ends.
The Dana 44 used in the '72-'73 Jeepster Commandos with the one piece
shafts is an excellent low buck swap from '76-'86 CJs. It bolts right
on, has 30 spline one piece shafts, and is narrow track width.
| Model/Version |
Spring Pads |
Wheel to Wheel |
Years |
| Dana 44/CJ Wide Track |
36" |
54.5" |
'86
| |
*See verbage above for exclusions and
descriptions.
