OVERSEAS DANA 44 FOR A YJ

OVERSEAS DANA 44 FOR A YJ

- VERNE SIMONS

Q I came across an SJ rear Dana 44 on eBay, which are super rare near me (I’m a service member in England, so there are zero American axles around me), and I jumped on it without much thought. It’s from a ’78 SJ, narrow track width, 4.09 gearing, coming out of a Quadra-Trac vehicle. So, the rear differential is offset, which I’ve never heard of until now, and I couldn’t really tell from the pictures. I can find astoundingly little information on this axle or people who have successfully swapped it. Most magazine articles reference how great old Wagoneer axles are, without mentioning to steer clear of the Quadra- Trac ones with rear offset differentials.

Now that I’m stuck with it, what are my options? Try to get rid of it? Can I run it with the offset diff? Double cardan driveshaft? Or should I just pay a shop to center the diff by replacing/cutting down the axletubes? Obviously, I’d have to shorten one axleshaft and replace the other. I’ve been hunting for axles for my YJ for a while, especially the rear, to replace the Dana 35. I’m just planning 35-inch tires and a locker ... for now. I’m open to ideas. And I’m open to coughing up the money to make a good axle, without any heartburn. Live and learn, and think about taking a better look at the eBay pictures next time. Now I know.

A I’d like to start out by saying thank you for your service. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated.