So I just learned that some 5.2L Grand Cherokees had a D44 that the center of it is aluminum, and my first thought was that it would be good for handling. Reduce unsprung weight.
It is a c-clip, with not so much aftermarket support, but should still be enough strength, and easier to weld a torque arm bracket onto.
Anyone have any good reasons I shouldn't ditch my 8.8 for one of these?

 

No torque arm bracket.
Non-standard parts, little aftermarket support.
The offroad forums bashed the snot out of it as unreliable, many warrantee replacements.

If you are already running an 8.8, I don't know you'd get much better in strength or reliability switching to a D44a.

 

The Dana 44 has a 8.5 inch ring gear, which is smaller than your 8.8.

 

MoJoe,
Thanks, but I don't care what this axle can't do bashing over boulders, as our cars don't get abused that way, and neither should any sheep lacking a traditional ladder frame separate from the body. A Grand Choker isn't a real sheep anyway.

 

But at an initial HP goal of 540, on 315s that are not drag radials nor race slicks, is the 8.5 enough? Maybe with a load bolt?
Besides, the 44A is really the 44HD aluminum, do it's a bit over the 8.50" of the classic D44. I'm seeing numbers from 8.537" to 8.8" for different versions of the 44HD. Confusing.
I found a Trac-Loc, which is like an Eaton Posi, a Spartan locker, which is like a Detroit for your open carrier, and an Aussie locker, not sure what that's like, and gear ratios of 3.07, 3.08, 3.54, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, and 4.88.
Blue Torch makes a rear cover, but it isn't a girdle.
I guess I need to get weights on my 7.625", my 8.8", and a D44A.

 

What is the housing width? Is there a gear bias diff available?

 

How are the axle tubes held in the center casting? This can be a weak spot.