35 spline dana 44?

[GaryMB]

I'm looking into getting some mosers for my Jeep, and noticed that Moser will make me 35 spline axle shafts for my rear dana 44 and ARB makes 35 spline carriers. However, I've heard a few draw backs about this, and have no idea if they are true at all. First I heard that 33 or 35 spline shafts are not compatible with sealed bearing-style rear ends, and if the rear end has sealed outer bearings, new outers will need to be installed. If the bearings are lubed with gear oil then there are no problems. Then I heard that no matter what, you need to install *dana 60* outers to use larger than 30 spline axle shafts. Then I heard that the 35 spline dana 44 ARB's are notoriously weak and defeat the purpose of installing big axle shafts. What I have are 1978 Scout II dana 44's, and I'm hoping to run mosers in at least the rear. Does anyone know anything about running 33 or 35 spline axle shafts in a rear dana 44 with an ARB? I'm not finding much info on the net about it.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I'd drop in a 60 before I spent money or time on upgrading to new expensive shafts and locker. You'll likely come out time, money, and strength ahead in the long run.

That being said, I'd check out the specs on the Super44 kits, if they're compatable with both types of bearings you should be okay. Moser should be able to tell you what works as well.

 

[Utah_jeepster]

Well I will say from personal experience that the Superior Dana 44's 33 spline axles and the 33 spline ARB work great.
When you order your kit it should come with a complete master install kit with new bearings and seals for the bigger axle shaft diameter.
I have had them in for over 1 year after dropping out my Detroit locker and OEM axle shafts, going to 4:56 gears with the new set-up.

The only problem you will have is pulling the outer bearings and seals. A good axle bearing puller that attach's to your slide hammer is worth its weight in gold. Pull the seal out at the same time you pull the bearing.
Greasing the seal when you install it helps it slide in and helps you see it seat as the extra grease squirts out of the back. A little 80-140 gear lube on the shaft when you slide it in, supporting the shaft so it doesn't ride on the seal will make sure you don't have a rear axle marking your driveway.

if you have any questions on installing then please stay tuned because I will be posting a write up on a friends jeep where I installed a super 35 kit and a super 30 with ARB's.

 

[Junkpile]

I like these upgrades. I really like D44s but sometimes they are just out of their league. These kits and new parts help bridge the gap. A new carrier and some 33 spline superior shafts combined with the best R&P gears you can afford and a full truss would be sweet. It would make most D60s look stupid until you started talking about 38.5"-39"+ tires.

 

[Utah_jeepster]

I would agree junkpile but how many daily drivers are going to run 38's or 39's on thier jeep?

 

[GaryMB]

I hadn't realized that Superior made a 33 spline axle shaft+ARB kit. Well I've been trying to compare Superior and Moser, and what I've found is on this website: http://www.funtigo.com/virginia4x4?g=967307&cr=1&rfm=y
So it looks like 4340 through hardened steel is better than induction hardened 1541h steel, and induction and through hardened 4340 is the best. Also, apparently induction hardening does not harden the flanges. What I can't figure out though is what materials Moser and Superior use. I'm thinking that, if Superior still uses induction and through hardened 4340 like the article states, I will just go with the Superior kit so I have some insurance. I'm thinking that the 4340 33 spline *might* be as strong as the 1541h 35 spline, but don't know. Anyone know which is stronger, what materials Moser and Superior use, and where I can find a Superior dana 44 kit so I can price it? Oh and I already picked up some Yukon Gear 4.56 gears on ebay (new)...any input on how strong these are?

As for the axle build, I know a good rear end shop that has reasonable prices that I will prob. just give my axles and parts to to have everything assembled (I've never shimmed helical gears before, and don't want to screw up). I'll also just have them truss the rear housing while they have it, weld the tubes, and have them rotate the front knuckles to get proper caster.

 

[GaryMB]

Well apparently Moser uses their own "special alloy" that is induction hardened, which makes me think it something close to 1541, and Superior does use 4340, but does not make 33 spline shafts for the Scout dana 44. Anyone know where I can get 33 or 35 spline 4340 axle shafts for a Scout rear end?

 

[fred]

Well apparently Moser uses their own "special alloy" that is induction hardened, which makes me think it something close to 1541, and Superior does use 4340, but does not make 33 spline shafts for the Scout dana 44. Anyone know where I can get 33 or 35 spline 4340 axle shafts for a Scout rear end?

How about a full floater?
binderbulletin.org/images/techlib/wff/wff8.jpg
This is my first post so no sites or pics yet.

 

[jps4jeep]

I would put a 60 in there too. You can get a Semi Floating 60, redrill the flanges and make a disc brake set up with rear calipers from a 84 eldorado for the same price at just those shafts, and have an equally strong axle with greater amout of upgradability. Not sure if it is the same with the 35 spline 44 shafts (or 33 spline) but because the increased diameter, yes you need to run a smalled bearing, and with the 9" with 40 splines, they recommend not driving more than a couple miles because the bearings get so hot that they are toast after just a couple hundred miles of driving.