gear compatibility, dana 44

Hi,
I stole (bought complete for $20) a complete dana 44 w/ flanged axles out of a latemodel cj. The diff housing is offset just like the original 44 in my 59 cj5, so i know the housing will bolt in. What I'm wondering is if I can use the ring and pinion from the original rearend with the carrier from the late model unit. The late model unit appears to be 30 spline and is in great shape with no perceivable play in it. I'm not sure the spline count on the original rear.
Various jeep parts places list different part numbers for the 5.38 ratio between the two-piece and flanged dana 44s, but the 3.73 ratio is the same part number. This leads me to believe the ring and pinion are interchangeable and perhaps the part numbers are different because 5.38 gears weren't always available for one of the two rears. Any thoughts?

 

5.38 is the standard ratio for the :hurrican: . as far as i know the gears are the same only difference is the spline count and carrier break (3.73down, 3.92up).

 

Yep watch for the carrier break and don't try and use TJ 44 gears in a CJ... Don't ask how I know

 

I think the only difference between the gear numbers for flanged/tapered is the number of splines on the pinion shaft for the rear axle yoke.
Tapered will have a course spline; flanged will have a finer spline.
someone will correct me if I am misfirng here

 

Thanks for all the info! I'll certainly do the axle swap before I get into the lift and tires - so maybe a good early winter project.

 

Your original Dana 44 is gonna have 19 spline axle shafts, so those parts aren’t gonna interchange. Also, I don’t think the carrier for the 5.38 gears will work for 3.73’s and visa versa.
Looking at Collins Brothers, http://www.store.yahoo.com/collinsbros/reardanmod44.html, the stock carrier looks to be good for 3.92’s to 5.38’s.
Same for your newer Dana 44, http://www.store.yahoo.com/collinsbros/reardanmod441.html.
If I’m clear on what it is you’re look’n for, that is.