View Poll Results: What should I do for the rear diff on my 03 WJ?

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  • Rebuild D44a

    1 100.00%
  • Install a Ford Explorer 8.8

    0 0%
  • Burn it to the ground

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Thread: 2003 WJ rear axle dilemma - need your input

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  1. #1 2003 WJ rear axle dilemma - need your input 
    Member Lifetime Supporter Varkyl's Avatar
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    Hello Mallcrawlin',
    I need your thoughts on what to do for a rear axle on a new to me 2003 WJ with a D44a Quadra Drive. It needs to be rebuilt as it has 205k miles on it and the drive wheel bearing is toast. The Hyrda-Lok (or Vari-Lok) was binding but I don't know if the previous owner put the right fluid and additive in it.

    Do I rebuilt the current D44a or do I go with a Ford 8.8 and 2" spacers/adapters?

    The Jeep was purchased as a mechanics special off of Craigslist for $500 due to a check engine light from a random misfire. We bought it for my son's first vehicle and we have a year and a half to get it in shape before he can get his license. So we have the time to do all of the repairs needed to get it into good shape.

    A little about the WJ:
    2003 Limited with 4.7 HO
    205k with some rust in the rockers (it started lift in the mid-west)
    Has some minor body damage that we will take care of.
    The steel brake lines need to be replaced due to rust.
    Blend door needs to be fixed.

    TL;DR - Should I rebuild the stock D44a or install a 8.8?
    initial plans is budget boost and 265/70R17's let him get some seat time (when I complete the 5.3L/HP44/9.5" SF 14bolt swap into my 96 ZJ).

    Thanks for reading and your input.
    '96 ZJ slightly modded with more in the works (5.3L HP44 and SF 14b)
    '03 WJ Limited 4.7HO - just starting the journey
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  2. #2 Re: 2003 WJ rear axle dilemma - need your input 
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    BigDaveZJ's Avatar
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    Sounds to me like 44A will be enough for what the rig will be used for, keep it simple.
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  3. #3 Re: 2003 WJ rear axle dilemma - need your input 
    Senior Member Grand Slam West Planner K2's Avatar
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    Junkyard axle, swap it. For the cost of a full rebuild you can buy a few at the yard. If you are doing the rebuild, then it may be more cost effective, but to pay someone else and not do different gears or a locker seems like a waste.

    EDIT: An 8.8 needs spacers/adapters and is still c-clip, more locker options. The 44a is listed in use under both the Corvette and Viper (year depending).
    Last edited by K2; 02-19-2019 at 06:07 PM.
    02 WJ, Lift, dents, noise and smoke.
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  4. #4 Re: 2003 WJ rear axle dilemma - need your input 
    Senior Member Grand Slam West Planner Mtn WJ's Avatar
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    Stay with the 44A as its a WJ and you will need to find a solution for the speedo to work if you do an axle swap. WJs use rear axle ABS tone rings for speed sensors. This considering its a modest build, otherwise JK axles are an easier swap. I have a Currie 9 and adapted my front tone rings to keep speedometer working, There are a couple other ways to do it. Otherwise the 44A has locker options these days and you can truss it for strength. 33-35s will be ok on the 44A, anything more than that or you plan to wheel it pretty hard then do a swap.
    Ask not what your country can do for you; but what can you do for your country. JFK Jan 20th, 1961

    TnT Customs Long Arms, 33" BFG KM2s, Magnum 9k winch, Ready Welder, Custom HP 30/30 front with ARB, Currie HP 9 rear with Detroit
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  5. #5 Re: 2003 WJ rear axle dilemma - need your input 
    Member Lifetime Supporter Varkyl's Avatar
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    Thanks for the input gents. Since this is his first vehicle we aren't going wild with it. At some point we may go with a Clayton's kit and true 33's but it shouldn't see anything that my "Super 35" hasn't already endured for multiple years.
    '96 ZJ slightly modded with more in the works (5.3L HP44 and SF 14b)
    '03 WJ Limited 4.7HO - just starting the journey
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  6. #6 Re: 2003 WJ rear axle dilemma - need your input 
    Member Lifetime Supporter Varkyl's Avatar
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    So after all of that. The current D44HD wasn't a good candidate for a rebuild. So we pulled a 8.8 out of a 2001 Explorer with 3.73 gears and a LSD. Now to get all of the adapters to get it installed in the Jeep.
    Gotta love 50% off weekends at the pick and pull yards. We got the axle complete for $95 out the door.
    '96 ZJ slightly modded with more in the works (5.3L HP44 and SF 14b)
    '03 WJ Limited 4.7HO - just starting the journey
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  7. #7 Re: 2003 WJ rear axle dilemma - need your input 
    Senior Member Ken L's Avatar
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    Do you have a plan to make the speedometer work?
    Ken L
    '96 ZJ with stuff
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  8. #8 Re: 2003 WJ rear axle dilemma - need your input 
    Member Lifetime Supporter Varkyl's Avatar
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    The two options I was contemplating is splice into the front sensors or install a 231 t-case (info here).
    I already have a built 231 with the wide chain and 6-planetaries in my ZJ that I've thought about swapping out for a 241c. I can swap the 231 into the WJ and grab a 241c for my ZJ.
    '96 ZJ slightly modded with more in the works (5.3L HP44 and SF 14b)
    '03 WJ Limited 4.7HO - just starting the journey
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