Building An Unbreakable Dana 44

Ok, I get it. Nothing is unbreakable but would you click on a video that said "building a pretty strong Dana 44"?... I might click on that 😂. This axle is underrated due to JK and TJ versions but they are actually really strong when built correctly! I think that you will agree when you see my receipe for an "unbreakable" Dana 44, that it's a damn good build. Some of the parts I list are definitely lesser known options for strong axle building.
For all you one ton fans, I'll be doing a version of this for the Dana 60 later this year! Everything can be built better then stock. Enjoy!
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DISCLAIMER:
Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
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#dana44 #dana60 #axle

[@gibson5056]

REAL WORLD ANSWERS TO REAL WORLD PROBLEMS, BEST JEEP CHANNEL

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@coolHandLuke5150]

Bingo!

[@Sickler_1]

I second that. The amount of knowledge spread upon me by this channel is crazy.

[@scottevans4015]

just started watching your vids! great job! not a bunch of fillers just to the point!

[@trentkamden2094]

Instablaster.

[@apexpredator_jku]

Already looking like you made the right decision quitting your Job and doing this full time!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks brother! 👍

[@nacholucero8919]

Coming from another Union brother, hell ya homie you made the right choice. Hopefully someday I’ll be doing the same.

[@justinninke6405]

Union Steamfitter, I give you props and jealous at the same time. Want to do the same someday. Love the vids, keep them coming.

[@xmo552]

I need this info for a rear Dana 44. How to hybrid the old iron Dana 44 vs the JK/Passport/Titan Dana 44. Trying to bypass the ZJ Dana 44a. Thanks sir.

[@immelting9834]

@@xmo552 it's been a year, what did you do ?

[@twisted4good]

You’re killing it with the content. Glad to see you getting 100% for the 110% you give.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@nickvitale7452]

Actually had this conversation with my fabricator at work today, he’s quick to push 60s on everyone but doesn’t take the time like you did to thoroughly explain how and why about the whole deal. Really appreciate that. Keep up the great content!

[@wheels.and.wrenches]

A 60 rear axle is a 30 spline 3/4 ton axle. And they are terrible 👍

[@brmcain]

Wow!!! Just quit your job and now posted a video 40min ago with 1.2k views. Great job, I think you got a good thing going!!!!!!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! I hope this is what the future looks like lol. I'm in the shop putting together the next video as we speak 👍

[@seanbenson4668]

Built a 77’ ford front D44 in my XJ. Removed stock tubes installed 1/2” thick walled tubes, auburn elocker chrome axles and stubs race polished 4.56 gears with a bolt behind the ring gear to stop deflection. I beat the hell out of it. With a stocked 4.0l and atlas II transfer. And 35” tires. I’ve been saying this for years but can’t seem to get anyone to agree. Finally glad to see you and Matt talking about it. I like your info better and may use those shafts you mentioned if I do break one I have. Very good channel keep it coming. Thanks!!!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! Sounds like you have a well built axle!

[@jimmyallen8210]

I love it. It’s broken...ish and you keep wheeling 4 more trips before opening it up. And a plug for RCV. This fella knows his stuff and is doing some real wheeling.

[@williamcooper1023]

Carl Jantz is a genius and an awesome dude. I have talked to him at the 4x4 swap meets in Puyallup. He also has a KZbin channel with info on the Jana 54 and others

[@xmo552]

Good stuff

[@ronthompson2366]

Always good information... back about 100 years ago... in the Tri Cities.. we wheeled around with the PNW4WD Association... don't know if they are still around. But I seem to remember that everyone wanted 44's on the front and if you had it a 60 in the rear.. and change from open knuckles to closed or vice versa can't remember now.. to many years ago... we used to like a limited slip in the front unless it was purely a hard corps off road rig and then we had a full locker, but that was a sacrifice of turn ability...trusses were very important along with limiting straps to prevent axle drop... we also liked having both the front and rear wider than stock and set as far forward on the front and back in the rear to increase wheel base in width and length.... anyway, long long long ago lol... enjoy your programs, informative and brings back a few old memories lol...

[@mattdummer5700]

My roommate is a 44 hater to the bone and I have a 44 and only broke my shafts on one occasion and upgraded to chromalies and trashed my spiders once. This will allow me to build it over time and show him it’s a long of all axles! Love this video

[@cesandvik]

..."you know, like smart people do." Great line! I've gotta use that one! great content. Before I did a 60 swap on my K5 this year, I built up the stock 30 spline 10 bolt with knuckles, x-over steering, upgraded brakes and good gears. I punished that thing for 3 years, sold it and the current owner is beating on it in his K5 without issue. People hate on the 10 bolts more, but the later models can be built to work hard too, and parts are plentiful and cheap!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man! Lol. I agree the 10bolt can be built pretty decent 👍

[@michaelsteelepix]

44% of me misses my tj. Brilliant again, Nate!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks!

[@juddsmith236]

Nate packs a ton of info into a short amount of time. Normally, I would get bored, but he is authentic and makes it interesting. Totally DIG your channel!!!

[@fwschnaar3179]

Keep the Great content coming... Too many of Us that can’t afford the 100,000 Jeeps. Making what you’ve got... Better... Is something that Lots of Us will really appreciate ! 😃

[@GladiatorGang]

Funny because was just discussing the stock 44’s on the Jeep Gladiators and someone was asking us about just trussing it etc to beer it up instead of swapping to tons. But in the long run, depending on your uses, it could end up being a lot more cost effective to just go to 60’s right off the bat. Because if you swap later, you’re gonna have to switch wheels (most likely 8 lugs) more cost. You gonna have broken or extremely abused 44’s worth less now. You’re gonna have to pay to have more labor done etc. There’s so many pros and cons to beefing up 44’s vs upgrading. We are gonna push our 44’s to the absolutely MAX stock just to show exactly what they are capable of before swapping. There’s a lot more to this and could go on and on. You’ve covered so many good points didn’t even think about.

[@larryparga6824]

Gladiator Gang always beer it up! 🍻

[@Jacob-kd1yh]

With so many channels covering wrenching projects on trucks/jeeps, there are a lot that are hard to watch. Thanks for being watchable as a presenter, and taking the production quality into consideration. Sometimes I'll even watch stuff on your channel I don't even plan on doing (like fabrication) haha!

[@jonbarbier8660]

I like pushing the fact that a 44 is strong. But.... if a guy is building a rig from scratch, the 60 price point is better. The axle itself will be cheaper than the 44 rcv’s, and you can get a set of shafts for around 800$. Tubes, knuckles, hubs, are all stronger. Something to consider. If you were to dump 4K into an axle, I would spend it on a 60 rather a 44. Love the content non the less! Come out to nor cal and run fordyce sometime

[@Daveinet]

I dealt with Carl on a Dana 70 in a custom chassis FWD motorhome. I had a 502 w/MPFI and never broke it. The stock 70 broke 3 times before that. Only motorhome I know that would chirp the front wheels between 1st and second at 50 mph. Carl is a good guy. Something else that we did was cryogenically treat everything inside the case. Cryo doesn't make it stronger, but it does make it more rigid without being more brittle. This helps to keep stuff from flexing and loosing mesh. We also had the bearing girdles and the special cover to stabilize the case.

[@johnletuce2815]

I watch a lot of your videos Made me start building a 97 tacoma useing dana44 useing most of your idea, I never do this before but you made me want to do it Thank you

[@ianmburke]

Instantly clicked.... Just an awesome channel and content! Keep it coming man 👊

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@tiredofinsanity]

Good info! Currently using a 79 bronco 44 in my xj with 40s..always hear the "that's gonna break" comments on our Oregon trails.🙄 Hasn't happened yet. Wish I could say the same about my 60 in front of my suburban... The jantz stuff was new to me so kudos for that!

[@street_legal_go_kart7356]

Absolutely love that video. Running a 14 JK carbon built rockjock 44 Detroit Locker and the rear Dana 44 with a Torsen LSD both carbon chromoly shafts. I do like to gas on it I like to play on the fuel I like to get sideways on the pavement. Been planning on 35 for a long time. 488 gears. But now and then I do think about a 37 but don't completely trust it and I don't want to be stuck in the middle of the woods with a broken Axl.

[@burntkat]

So good to hear you speak well of the Jantz gear- I have been considering it for years, and am finally ready to tackle R&P work.

[@Halscamp]

Came across your channel and subscribed right away. Unbreakable Dana 44 really caught my attention. I have something going on in my rear end when driving along pavement, driving up a gravel hill to a ski hill parking lot or even driving along a gravel road with my Dana 44/Detroit Lockers/Cromonly axle or something. It snaps loud enough to make you think the rear end blew up and it almost drives you across the road to the opposite lane. Has been doing this for a while and I almost think it is happening more often as time passes. I don't drive her very much now because of the issue. 95YJ, 360 AMC V8, Holley 4 barrel, Elderbrock intake manifold, 4 speed manual, Dana 44 front and rear with Detroit lockers, Cromoly axles, 4.27 gear ratio and I currently run 35's on her. Hope you cover rear end noises, snaps, crackles, pops and the likes in one of your future videos. Keep up the good work at your new full time job.

[@jamesmoore8271]

7 years on my dana 44s ZERO ISSUES on 37s under my s10. Bought a dana SD50 and a e350 semi float 60 for dumb cheap Of course all my buddies say its basically a 44. ( referring to the 50) and im gonna shit the axle shafts yadda yadda yadda. Good video man.

[@squeakin3]

Hey Nate, Huge fan, the K4 kit is for low pinion 44 housings only. It’s an 8.9in ring gear that came in the rear of a JK. So it can only work on Chevy 44s, waggy 44s, all the low pinion ones. The Jana 54 is a high pinion gearset for high pinion 44s and a 9in ring gear. With that said you can put a JK carrier in an older housing and still go 35 spline. The ford hi pinion 44 is the best 44 you can get IMO. I have seen them take years of abuse on many different style rigs and put one under my SAS Hummer H3 with a 5.3 and 40s with no R&P issues. I ended up building a custom D70 front end because I got the invite for Ultimate Adventure and they were concerned about the 44 under a big rig. Thanks again for all you do! Hope to see you at KOH! We toured the podcast guys around last time one of them came down and I heard you might go going with them!

[@mrcr125er]

Love it! I’m running a DV8 housing, RCVs, Reid knuckles, Eaton, and 5.13s on my JK and was considering going to 40s in the future but was skeptical. This makes me much more confident to move from my 37s to 40s. Awesome videos by the way

[@AdventureAwaits4u]

We did the JKR Ring and Pinion upgrade in the rear of my LJR and it is important to note I still got to use my stock TJ/LJ Rubicon locker. This is a no brainer upgrade for TJ Rubicon guys but you never see it and no one seems to know about it. Just upgrade the R&P and reuse your stock locker and chromoly or stock axle shafts. Thanks for sharing the info Nate. Hope to see you on the trail one day.

[@wrm3016]

Well, the one thing about video's like this... it gives me too many ideas! lol. Right now I have an LJR on 37's with chromo's and Artec truss and C-gussets. Peeps keep telling me I'm gonna break it. Which makes me watch video's like this. Haha. But being retired and on a budget it's staying like this for now. But certainly good info. for the future! Thanks Nate. Keep up the great work and trail vids! Moab in 2 weeks! Woot!

[@UpanovrOffroad]

Couldn't agree more. I had a CJ on a D44/9" combo that was bulletproof for my driving style on 36" SX's. That's what I'm leaning toward for my current XJ.

[@jlunn900]

Right foot has alot to do with it. I think the main reason 60s break is because the driver thinks he has a tank so that individual is more abusive. I have 44s. Had a 25 that never broke but i was nice to it

[@Korruptionen]

I am not a jeep guy, but just wanted to say good luck striking out on your own and sharing knowledge with the world. Best of luck!

[@joashtunison351]

I have a 79 wagoneer, front and rear 44s. Odd duck passenger drop. I want to keep the "stock" drive train but beef it up as much as possible. Don't like the way 1 tons make the tires stick way out on a waggy, and i'm only interested in running 35s. This gives me some ideas for the future, even if the cost will be high. Some of us just don't want to go to big heavy 1 tons. Thanks for sticking up for the old 44!

[@tslucam]

Can't wait to see the update to the video when you try to run a heavy JKU with 40's, LS swap, Atlas on D44's and beat on it. Good luck.

[@iaahner]

You're spot on with all of this! The only thing I will point out is that even though the D44 is cheaper than the D60, the overall cost to build this ultimate D44 is still huge. I was about to go this route, but when I started adding it all up, I could get a dana44 to be just as strong as a stock D60, and stronger in some regards, but I couldn't get it nearly as strong as a D60 for the same price. A superduty D60 with all the brakes and everything can be had for $500. It takes a TON of money to get a D44 up to even that starting point. But it is nice to have options! Great video!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Absolutely! The ultimate d44 come with a ultimate price tag 👍

[@jr78racer]

Completely agree with all the talking points in your video. There is one thing I would add to your ultimate 44 build: a rigid cover with adjustable carrier bearing supports, if you have the steering clearance to do it. That type of cover adds a tremendous amount of rigidity to any housing.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Great suggestion 👍

[@AttwoodsGarage]

I've got a re-worked JKR44 in mine. Bought it in pieces, new thick wall (3/8') DOM tube, a selection of Barnes and Ballistic mounts/truss, but otherwise stock other than 4.88's. Built it myself, and still a good penny into it. Went 8.8 out back.

[@patterry7757]

Loving the channel Nate. I have a 1976 F250 LP D44 going into my YJ...using the Jana K4 kit. That kit is designed for LP D44 axles, the other kit (swapping D50 gears into a D44) is the HP housing kit. Keep up the great work, it takes guts to do what you're doing brutha.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! Damn, for whatever reason I thought the JK axles were high pinion lol. I bet I wont hear the end of this! 😂

[@patterry7757]

@@DirtLifestyle I don't see any big deal. There's a provision from Jantz for either one (HP gets beefier D50 gears, LP gets JK D44 rear gears). Win/win, glad you are pointing out Jantz's kits...he has the coolest stuff.

[@Wildman4x4nut]

@@DirtLifestyle The front axle on a JK is a high pinion BUT it has the same size ring & pinion as the Ford axles. The rear is the axle that has the larger R&P. Karl talked about all this on Pirate when he was coming out with the kits. I can give you a link to the discussion if you want. Also ARB make a 35 spline for the D44 so you can still get those 35 spline shafts if you want.

[@0731mm]

This is what happens when you UNLOCK your inner genius. Nicely done. I like this thinking

[@matthewc3617]

Pretty much what I plan on doing with my 44 minus the RCVs because they are too expensive. JANTZ kit with chromoly axles. Nice to see someone actually supporting the 44. Most forums just say don't bother get a 60 when you ask for advice. Some of the GM housings are good too but they are passenger diff low pinion. Mines out of a 76 3/4 ton suburban. 3 inch circumference with 1/2 inch tubes. Should be pretty decent with 35s or 37s.

[@ericgalloway461]

Dana 44 is truly the best housing for most wheeler. Excluding the jk units. Excellent video.

[@travisbrown8099]

I really appreciate the short, "If you don't know what i'm talking about, or you're new to this..." tangents. Quick , informative, doesn't distract from the rest of the content. Well done. Keep it up! I hope your adventure away from plumbing goes better than planned this year. You've made a follower out of me!

[@steven_farmer89]

I don’t know anything about lifted jeeps or upgrading axles but you broke it down so even I could understand. Good job

[@tousyt7545]

Awesome... light & strong!... Wish I kept my '77 ford big block shortbox... loved that truck!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Those are truly great trucks! Good parts and great looks in my opinion 👍

[@silentjde]

The 78/79 Bronco/F150 axle housings have cast wedges on the axles tubes and the can’t be removed unless you retube it. The 76-77 wedges were welded on and as you can be removed.

[@bantzkemper3673]

Love the channel man! Most informative Jeep channel out there imo. Keep up the great work and stay safe on the trail!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks brother 👍

[@marcuspoulin3074]

Great info. I just pick up a scout with Dana 44 front and rear. Those upgrades are now on the list.

[@normlenhart9565]

Great info on the 44 and congrats on going solo. Ford guy here, but have been enjoying your vids for a while now.

[@bajamedic]

Smart video. I went to UD60’s but I really like the info in this vid. You should build one to show the process.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! I'll probably be using this build strategy but in a dana 60 later this year 👍

[@jeepsolo7218]

Great video, I've watched it several time for ideas. Finally building a set of Dana 44s. JL Rubicon front and JK 44 for the rear... to be put in the ZJ. Thanks for sharing.

[@tedhargiss1056]

Good stuff Nate. Thanks for sharing. I'm in the middle of an LS swap in my TJ. But, I stuck with the D30 up front with chromoly shafts and a truss (that I haven't welded on yet. I'm dreading having to do that.) I did upgrade the ring/pinion and carrier. We'll see how it holds up. I'll come back here when/if I need to replace it. I'm running an 8.8 in the rear.

[@alanfaulkner5266]

I have a '77.5 crew cab f250 with the HP 44 this really encourages me to keep the original and upgrade it. stroking the original 351m to a 7.3 as well

[@peterwatson8295]

I like how you have an a cam and b cam on your talking bits, it makes it look super professional. Also, I love axle videos, more would be awesome!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@dmg9971]

I really enjoy it when people actually know what they're talking about. Great video as always. Now, tell us about that 1-ton project haha

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol more info soon 👍

[@allanwagner4570]

Nate I wholeheartedly agree with you on this issue The Dana 44 is a GREAT platform for most applications I have upgraded my 05 TJ with Dana 44 G2 housings chromally Shafts twin lockers currently running 35s I was told by all my buddies not to waste my money JUST DO 60s that’s what they all said I like the stock width And lower weight I have with my 44s I also believe I can run up to a 40 in tyre without an issue however I would not be able to get it in the garage 🤣🤣🤣 Great vid keep up the great work

[@DirtLifestyle]

These are really good for builds like yours and mine. I know the garage struggle very well! Before we bought this house I was airing down to fit in the garage 😂

[@skutter713]

Very well spoken and great content! Looking like my new favorite Jeep Channel. Keep up the great content!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@zgmurph]

I'm not a jeep guy but I love watching videos about this. If I ever SAS my truck I think a d60 is overkill so nice to know a 44 can be beefed up. Good video

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks brother!

[@Maxxis1941]

A new video on a Monday? Someone must have quit their job.👍 Great info Nate. I've had beefed up 44s in a TJ build before and same as you, never worried about them. In fact, like you, I beat the dickens out of them on 38s and 5.13s. Never an issue. Personally, I've found most of the people hyping "go 60s!" are just repeating what they've heard from others and have no real world experience with 44s. Keep em' coming. Every vid is a "must watch".👍👍👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks brother! Sounds like your in the d44 club too 👊

[@hobbyjumpers]

This was a helpful video. I have a set of Scout axles in my side yard to build up for my Sidekick... A lot of people kept telling me to go Yota or d60's. Those were both much more expensive. Not to mention the d60's would be heavy for my lil' 1.6 liter motor!

[@DirtLifestyle]

I'm happy to help and I'm jealous. I've always wanted a sidekick!

[@thesavior2398]

i can confirm his point on 70's ford dana 44's being strong. i have a 1978 ford bronco with a fully built 460 aluminium heads solid roller cam everything! on the dyno it making 600 hp and 700 ft... the Stock dana 44 up front has held up to that much power with 37x12.5 tires... and i jump this thing regularly! those high pinion dana 44's are NO joke!

[@nathanbrewer7378]

Super happy you left the plumbing, love these videos dude. Keep them coming!!

[@geekytechycool]

Full-time KZbin Nate is the shit! Great information and being a JKUR owner I've been saying it for some time. Build the right axle with the right mods and you can make them survive.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man!

[@one4x4nut]

I've always been envious of yours and Matt's 44 holding up to 40's..lol I broke a stock stub 2nd trip, had to warranty a set of yukon's and would take out a spicer u-joint every 3rd trip and tried an OX super joint and it only lasted 5 trips. Thats under a light chopped top Bronco 2 with a little 2.9L and 38's, its currently getting tons and 40's so I can probably keep breaking it like the 44 because that's how my life goes...LOL

[@DirtLifestyle]

Damn! Sounds like you need rcvs! Unfortunately dependability comes at a cost

[@u00djb]

Dirt Lifestyle RCVs are a great upgrade but the upstream weak link may be a more expensive and debilitating failure, gears?

[@wesalexander4844]

I’m running 37” boggers on a 78 bronco, original 44 front locked, and haven’t broken anything on it. Rocks, mud, sand, snow, it has held up good

[@hesserdude07]

Best axle video I've seen. Exactly what I was looking for!!

[@denny244]

Black magic brakes kit. Upgraded on my Rubi tj 44. Dual piston and bigger knuckle. Highly recommend.

[@guitarman864]

Dana 44s used to be the most wanted,, I've ran them on my 06 tj now for 7 years on 36" super swamper tsl's and Ls with no issues,, and I'm using aussie lunch box lockers..

[@BryanGrey]

This is a good video man! I like how you reference some of our local WA companies too. Jantz, Yukon

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@aaronthompson9771]

Lots of good information here Nate. I run a Dana 44 rear, think that JK ring and pinion is in it future along with 35 spline shafts. One thing ya won’t ever be able to talk me into is any kind of locker that runs on air (seen way too many buddies have leakage issues haha!) Love this channel not only for good information but your cool attitude as well, take care man.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks brother! The auto lockers like a detroit are more dependable in my experience. But it's really nice to turn the lockers off! Lol. It all depends on the build. I think I'm going to keep selectable on my tj but use automatics for my jeep truck. 👍 thanks for watching

[@rile5960]

Your hitting homerun’s with your video’s! Keep em coming.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@Gettinbentoffroad]

Definitely one of the baddest jeeps out there built by the man, the myth, the legend @dirtlifestyle

[@swampsnipe8790]

Your editing is looking nice, man. Keep up the good work.

[@McDaniel4wd]

As always great video brother. Another big Benny of selectable hubs is no more replacement of unit-bearings. Instead just a simple service and roll.

[@rogermarshall8991]

First step I've got to get a set of power stop calipers & roters. My 2011 JK Feels weak in the nose for stopping power. Good info video.

[@lilt525]

You made the correct choice by leaving bleeping Jeep, dude you are very good at what you are doing, keep it up

[@JeepingNet]

I've got a wagoneer Dana 44 in my garage just waiting for my Tj Dana 44 to bite the dust. It's amazing how thicker these axles are.

[@wesbarcus3761]

VERY good video, almost had a d44 from 79 Ford and d60 full float rear 60 10 years ago. Down side to this mod is they are becoming very hard to find. They are still out there, so keep looking. Watch for donor trucks parked by some farmer's barn. In the mean time, driving carefully can make a good d44 last longer. My ultimate solution, Prorock 60. The weight requires more hp, happy wheeling.

[@zannyerb1]

I have a Dana 30 and want to upgrade on my JK, but don’t want the Dana 60 HP. This video gives me hope to find a Dana 44 and build it up strong.

[@Michael-sb7ye]

I laugh when people say oh it’s a Dana 60 it won’t ever break

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol me too 👍. It needs expensive parts just like everything else

[@stevej6824]

I’ve seen 2 1/2 tons break on a full-size Chevy that was running 40’s with a mild 350. Everything can be broken.

[@Paiadakine]

That’s way I carry spare 35 spline alloys for my D60. Shit happened.

[@ivanfromtheeast4709]

Pay Way like when JK G&G snapped his Dana 60 at the trail to SEMA, yeah it isn’t that hard

[@hushluck]

There is an audio hiss in the background brotha. Haven’t heard this before on your other videos... just bringing to your attention. Love the channel, it’s very informative and edited well! Keep up the good work my friend!💪🏼🇺🇸

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you I will check it out👍

[@4122inc]

My personal favorite video so far! So informative; did not realize some of these upgrades were available for 44's!

[@tommybartels5898]

I wish this video would have been out b4 I just built my 44 last year. Gotta caged xj and I stuffed it with Yukon but I knew nothing about the pinion upgrade definitely would have went that way

[@markriley79]

Great video, It was awesome seeing your jeep on the trail to sema. This answered some questions I had for sure.

[@jeremyrios6575]

Love axle swap information, theres so many ways to go its hard to choose. Did not know you were running one really impressed.

[@hillbillyhangover]

Great info!!!! Still looking for my 44! Keep them coming!!!!!

[@americanwildchilds3992]

All good info. I knew there were plenty of upgrades for the D44, but didn't realize the weak points of the newer version. I understand the lighter axle for sure. A D60 is a heavy pig. All that being said, the D60 has a bunch of upgrades as well. If you upgrade a D60 with the same parts as the ultimate D44, the only downside would be the weight. I went D60 for my TJ. 87 F350 king pin, added a truss, conversion to the gm HD brakes from a 2004 2500. Haven't decided on what differential to use, or if I'm going to upgrade the axles right away or not.

[@tjwallace9520]

Great video bud! Love hearing different ideas and ways to build things. Especially as I am just starting to build on my CJ7. Keep it up!

[@michaelval7264]

Nate... Keep this kind of stuff coming. Loved your long arm informational and the show and tell between the 30, 44 and 60. I like to read the Jeep forums, but searching for a good thread sux. Videos give way better context to the subject too. BTW, is this your first video free of the daily J O B?

[@DirtLifestyle]

Yes it is!

[@shawnpuffy]

New subscriber because I enjoy your channel and content. You are a natural at this and definitely made the right choice! This is your destiny because The Boss said so!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@nicholascooper1193]

When everything on the inside is upgraded, the splined part of wheel hub on that style D44 will twist off. Takes a lot, but it happens.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Damn! That must take alot of force!

[@tagalog101]

A lot of force, yes, but that can be solved also. The teraflex 8 lug hub runs a 35 spline stub shaft and RCV builds a kit that has a 35 spline stub shaft for the teraflex kit and 35 spline inners for the JK 44 locker with a 35 spline sleeves. This is how I have my rig setup. It’s way lighter than a D60.

[@nicholascooper1193]

even more turd polish. and a good way to have a $6000 dana 44. Also no way it's significantly lighter than a 60, after all the components are upgraded to the same physical size as a 60, and enough trusses and gussets are welded on to keep it half way straight (in the case of a JK axle)

[@tagalog101]

Cooper scooper, you don’t have a cogent argument. If you’re running enough power or big enough tires with low enough gears to twist off the splines of a wheel hub, you shouldn’t be running a D44 in any iteration. Otherwise, A Currie housing ( 3” tubes and reinforced Cs) and the other guts I mentioned comes out to around 210 lbs ( I have weight it) vs a fitted out D60 at 335lbs (I have converted and weighed it too) Yes, it’s significantly lighter.

[@ConradBrander]

@@nicholascooper1193 He specifically states the problems with the JK axle and tells you NOT to build it (use a late 70's Ford). And of course it's lighter.

[@travisgomes4473]

Minor correction the JK4 kit is for the rear low pinion gears out of a JK the Dana 50 kit is for high pinion Dana 44. Great episode though!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Your right! I messed up 👍

[@thelonewrangler1008]

I appreciate your vids. Having an archive of very useful info to tap into when I have an odd question is invaluable

[@christopheradams7309]

New too the channel very happy I found this channel will be watching a lot of your videos and definitely supporting your channel thank you for all your knowledge I just bought a 2000 4runner for over landing with my family and really think at some point I want to do a straight axle swap

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! Welcome aboard!

[@zacharybarlow3960]

Are there "static" sounds in the background of this video or is it just me? otherwise, great video!

[@jesseneal9584]

Didn't hear it until you said it. Now I can't NOT hear it.

[@dorsk84]

I was thinking you had tinnitus.

[@zacharybarlow3960]

@@jesseneal9584 Sorry, I hate it when that happens!

[@spinachchin3452]

I hear it too.

[@williamhart6062]

Superjeep!!! Carl really knows his stuff.

[@rabblepeasant2676]

Great job. Really like the way you explain everything. Show that you know what your talking about.

[@modelerrrrr]

you should do a video explaining the difference between dana 44, 60 and so on

[@DirtLifestyle]

Believe or not I did! Here is a link 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4mnm4yHeL6KrpY

[@rcjeepers]

Keep them coming!!!! Be at 100k subs in no time!! Your content and delivery is top notch!

[@subculturenm]

10 years of hard use on my JK Rubicon’s 44s, seven of those years on 37s, nearly four years with the 4-speed Atlas. Knock on wood, they’re hanging in there.

[@mikehancho5286]

Rubi 44s can last if built right,and treated well.

[@04JALD]

You really do great videos. I dont know much about this but i listen to your videos to the end. Thank u

[@twiz8789]

My AMC 360 in my '75 CJ5 says, "hold my beer, I'll trash a 44" lol. I run a 44 from a narrow width waggy in front and a 44 rear from a Scout. My 44 in front holds up ok, but I have spit out short side axles and hubs. I have piles of the axles and hubs so I carry a spare and deal with it. Thats with welded diffs front and rear. I just leave the driver side hub unlocked till needed. I twin sticked my Dana 20 T-case and can do front digs as well. I drive with finesse and a light pedal and it lives just fine. Never spit a R&P, only short shaft and an occasional hub, and I'm running 38.5" TSLs