Dana 44 Gear Set Question

Since I have little that I can do, I figured I would start a parts list to fix the Jeep. 1st on the list is to get the rear axle to the same gear ratio as the front. (Background) I have replaced my rear AMC m20 axle with a Dana44. My gear ration was 3.54 but the Dana is 3.73. There are many replacements out there, Yukon, USA Standard, Motive, Omix-Ada, Precision Gear, SVL drivetrain, Dorman, and Dana. I'm sure there are more.

Here is my conundrum, All listed above except Dana match dimensions, except for the Pinion shaft dia. All list it as 1.375. But Dana lists it as 0.983
Then there is this, G2-2033-354 With no spec's listed anywhere.

Until I tear my axle down, I won't know exactly what I have. And I won't be able to do that for at least another month. I was hoping to get the parts here and waiting in stead of the other way around, but I don't want to buy the wrong stuff. Can anyone shed some light, ....

 

What specific rear axle did you install ?
Is this a narrow track from a 1972 through 1975 cj ?

Also have you considered changing the front differential unit and ratio to match the 3.73 rear ?

I can sell you a excellent front D30 series IV differential for $35 plus shipping if you prefer 3.73’s.

 

wow I can't believe I forgot to give all the info. Yes this is a Dana 44 out of a 1975 Cj-5. And no I don't want the 3.73's. When I drive cross country I usually get 10 - 11 mpg. On the trip home with the 3.73, I got 8-9. So I definitely want to go with the 3.54's

I am still trying to figure how to make the parking brake work

 

Contact Daryl, he may have a used set ,
Or theres a bunch of used 3.54 D44 r+p sets on eBay.
Like this;
Jeep Wagoneer J Truck Cherokee 66-91 Dana 44 3.54 Ring Pinion Gear Set OEM | eBay

 

here is something to think about. It sounds like which ever gear ratio you go with you will need a new carrier

 

That ratio difference is no where near enough for that mileage change... there is another variable you need to account for.

 

Changing from 3.73 ratio to 3.54 does not cross the carrier break. Therefore a new case I not needed.

 

Ed sometimes I mess up the simple math.

 

Don't feel bad, I do too.

 

So the question I was trying to answer is about the pinion shaft diameter.
is the dana 44 differential the same for all, and the difference in shaft diameters is compensated for in use of a different bearings?

 

there are different generations almost of axles, new and old gears i don't think interchange. as far as i can tell.

 

Personally I believe you are over thinking this. Others may say I'm wrong but it worked well for me. Pick your manufacturer of choice. In my case it was Yukon. Select the gear set for the ratio you want. Also, purchase along with the gears set their installation set which will include all shims and bearings needed for the installation. This will eleviate all the guess work putting the ball in their court.

 

Alas........I'm of example here . Your never going to do much better than 10-11 MPG with our rigs setups. IE: Tires, the ' Brick ' itself , Soft tops, & towing.

 

Agreed with a carburetor and set up the way it is I never expected to get much more than 10 or 11 however with a 2 barrel carburetor and the stock manifold I did use to get 15 when the Jeep was brand new

 

But But miles per gallon was not my discussion here it was the diameter of the pinion shaft so I assume from what others have said if you buy a Yukon and all of their bearings the fact that it has a 1.375 thick pinion gear is not an issue if you buy a Dana set of gears with a point 985 diameter pinion shaft I would assume their bearings would work just as well.
So that is the Avenue I have pursued bought a set of gears off eBay and I'm looking for bearings before I start the task.
Thanks all for your help

 

I've used the Novak site for reference , also.