D44a from 96-98 ZJs

[Ben H.]

I'm looking for a rear axle from a 1996 to 1998 ZJ with the V8. It will be the D44a or the D44HD, just depends on who you ask. It should have the 3.73 gears. Prefered would be an open differential. If you have one or know of someone parting out a ZJ, let me or them know.

[kd4yor]

I believe those were aluminum center sections, correct?

[Ben H.]

Yes. That is what the "a" stands for.

[kd4yor]

that should be the one. From what I'm told a TJ 44 will also bolt up.

[Ben H.]

I would need adjustable control arms to get the pinion angle correct. I would also have to add modify the spring mounts. I would have to move the track bar mount as well. I'm not sure about the shock mounts. Plus, TJ D44s are very expensive.

The ZJ D44a is a direct bolt in, cheaper, gives me rear disks, and except for the aluminum center section, is stronger then a TJ D44. Thicker ring gear, D60 pinion, and 30 spline shafts.

[kd4yor]

and except for the aluminum center section, 

I think you've answered your own question. There out there. Pull a Part in Norcross had a few ZJ's 2 weeks ago.

[Ben H.]

and except for the aluminum center section, 

I think you've answered your own question. There out there. Pull a Part in Norcross had a few ZJ's 2 weeks ago.

I plan on trussing it and adding a diff. skid to counter-act the weaker center section. And all of this should be cheaper then swapping in a Ford 8.8 while still allowing me to run 33"s or larger.

[Chris Hyde]

Ben, since you run a fairly small tire and only have 2" of lift, why would you worry about upgrading your rear axle?  Do you have other plans as well?

[Ben H.]

The locker I want to buy for the D44a is being discontinued. So I figure that I can go ahead buy the locker and the axle, install them both and not have to worry about anything else. Then later on, regear it, truss it, and skid it without having to worry about an axle swap.

And I forget to mention, it's an Aussie Locker.

[Ben H.]

Bringing this back from the dead. Anyone know of where one of these axles might be? I'm checking junkyards and the such but if one of ya'll know about one, let me know.

[redneckmike]

What are you offering for one.  I just happen to have a 96-98 grand cherokee that I am gonna part out.  I also have an old man emu 4.5 inch lift kit with shocks, and trans case drop brakets, a set of 35x12.5x15 a/t's with good tread.  on black steel rock crawlers or wagon wheels, with the 44a rear and what ever the front is.  Also for sale is the trans and torque splitter, both drive shafts, and a decent body and pretty good leather interior.  Needs an engine and front and rear bumpers.  The bad part, the boss tthinks the parts are worth gold.  If you need anything I got call me at 678-616-5021 I am mike, and maybe we can make a deal, the jeep is in loganville.