D44 Homework for a 92 exploder sport

[PaleBlue90]

sometime during summer i would like to SAS my exploder. from what i read a D44 would be best. i am keeping the stock 8.8 for now. i will check my axle code tomorrow for my ratio on gears. my main question is wich 44 has the same bolt pattern as my 8.8. i kno i want a open knuckle 44 beacuse (from what i read) they are easyer to maintain and offer tighter turning. correct? any advice would be greatful.

 

[AKBroncoII]

None will have the same bolt pattern. You are stuck with either getting different rear shafts with 5x5.5" pattern, running adapters, or swapping your rear out.

 

[Sunk]

AFAIK, the D30 is the only solid front axle available with 5x4.5.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Some 1/2 ton dodge d44's will have the small 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern, but they have cartridge wheel bearings and no hubs IIRC.

 

[crawlin91]

I would do full width hi pinion dana 44 and a full width 8.8(f150) or a 9"

 

[rangerguy1996]

you can swap ur rear axles for 5 5.5 for like 300 bucks and they will be alot stronger than stock 8.8.

 

[ziptie]

I am running adapters on my 8.8 after swapping an early bronco dana 44 into my ranger. I don't recommend them where they have been coming loose and snapping wheel studs. I will be spending the money and getting the custom 5x5.5 shafts.

 

[wahlstrom1]

It all depends on where you get your adapters from. I had mine built by a fellow forum member and they have yet to lose an inchpound of torque since I first installed them over 20,000km's ago. I'd reccomend talkin to Racin' Ranger on RPS if you wanna go that route, but I've had nothing but good luck with mine!

-andrew

 

[dusto2]

wait i thought newer jeeps have a d44 option that has the same bolt pattern as a ranger/explorer and are almost the same width

 

[wahlstrom1]

TJ rubicons have a hybrid D44, mostly a modified D44 centersection with D30 unit bearing outers etc. The new JK's have a 5 on 5 bolt pattern.

-andrew

 

[dusto2]

cool thank you for the correction, i didnt relize that never looked into it that much other than reading that they offer a d44 as an option.

 

[ziptie]

Andrew, are your adapters made from steel or aluminum?