2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44 Rear Axle For Sale: The Ultimate Guide for Off-Road Enthusiasts

2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44 Rear Axle For Sale: The Ultimate Guide for Off-Road Enthusiasts jeeps.truckstrend.com

For anyone deeply entrenched in the world of off-roading, the mention of a Dana 44 axle immediately conjures images of rugged durability, enhanced performance, and a significant upgrade over stock components. When paired with the venerable Jeep Cherokee XJ platform, particularly a late-model like the 2000, a Dana 44 rear axle transforms an already capable vehicle into a true off-road beast. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for those seeking to acquire a "2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44 Rear Axle For Sale," delving into its significance, how to find one, what to look for, and everything in between.

The Legendary Dana 44: A Cornerstone of Off-Road Performance

2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44 Rear Axle For Sale: The Ultimate Guide for Off-Road Enthusiasts

The Dana 44 axle is a legendary component in the off-road community, revered for its strength and reliability. Compared to the more common Dana 35 or Chrysler 8.25 axles found in most Jeep Cherokees, the Dana 44 offers a significantly larger ring and pinion gear, stronger axle shafts, and a more robust housing. This translates directly into greater resistance to breakage, especially when running larger tires, tackling challenging trails, or installing an aggressive locker.

For the 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ, the Dana 44 rear axle was an extremely rare factory option, typically found only in models equipped with the "Up Country" suspension package or certain heavy-duty towing packages. Its scarcity makes it a highly sought-after commodity in the aftermarket, often referred to as "unobtanium" by enthusiasts. Owning a true XJ Dana 44 means less worry about breaking an axle shaft on the trail and more confidence in your rig’s ability to handle demanding conditions. It’s not just an upgrade; it’s an investment in your vehicle’s long-term off-road viability.

What Makes the XJ Dana 44 So Special?

The allure of the Dana 44 for the Jeep Cherokee XJ goes beyond simple strength. Its factory fitment means fewer headaches during installation compared to adapting axles from other vehicles. Here’s why it’s so coveted:

• Superior Strength: The larger ring and pinion (8.5-inch vs. 7.5-inch for the Dana 35 and 8.25-inch for the Chrysler 8.25) and stronger axle shafts significantly reduce the risk of failure under stress, making it ideal for aggressive off-roading.
• Direct Bolt-In: Unlike axles from other platforms (like a Ford 8.8 or a TJ Dana 44), the XJ Dana 44 is a direct bolt-in replacement, meaning spring perches, shock mounts, and control arm mounts are in the correct location for the XJ chassis. This saves considerable time and fabrication costs.
• Enhanced Reliability: For those running 33-inch tires or larger, a locked differential, or simply pushing their Jeep hard, the Dana 44 provides peace of mind that a weaker axle cannot.



• Aftermarket Support: The Dana 44 platform enjoys immense aftermarket support, with a vast array of lockers, gearing options, chromoly axle shafts, and disc brake conversion kits readily available, allowing for further customization and strengthening.

While the 2000 model year specifically doesn’t add unique features to the Dana 44 itself, its existence in a late-model XJ means it likely benefits from slightly newer components (though still 20+ years old) and potentially less overall wear than axles from earlier XJs.

Identifying a True XJ Dana 44 Rear Axle

Given its rarity, it’s crucial to correctly identify a genuine XJ Dana 44. Many sellers might mislabel axles, or you might confuse it with Dana 44s from other vehicles.

1. Differential Cover Shape: The most obvious visual cue is the differential cover. The Dana 44 has a distinctive, somewhat oval-shaped cover with 10 bolts. The Dana 35 has a more rounded, oblong shape with 8 bolts, and the Chrysler 8.25 has a flat-sided, semi-circular shape with 10 bolts.
2. Tube Diameter: The Dana 44 axle tubes are generally larger in diameter than a Dana 35.
3. Brake Type: From the factory, all XJ Dana 44 rear axles came with drum brakes. If you see one with factory-style disc brakes, it’s likely an aftermarket conversion or an axle from a different vehicle (like a TJ Rubicon, which will not bolt in without modification).
4. Tag/Casting Numbers: Look for a metal tag attached to one of the differential cover bolts. This tag will often have "D44" or "44" stamped on it, along with gear ratios and production codes. You can also look for "DANA 44" cast into the axle housing itself, though this is less common on the XJ rear.
5. Spring Perches & Mounts: Confirm that the spring perches, shock mounts, and control arm mounts are in the correct locations for a leaf-sprung rear axle, typical of the XJ.

Be wary of sellers claiming an axle is a Dana 44 based solely on a "D44" casting on the differential case itself. The case might be a Dana 44, but the entire axle assembly needs to be correct for the XJ application.

Where to Find a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44 Rear Axle For Sale

Finding a true 2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44 rear axle for sale can be a challenging scavenger hunt, but persistence pays off.

• Specialized Jeep Junkyards/Salvage Yards: These are often the best places to start, as they might specifically pull and categorize sought-after components. Call ahead and be very specific about what you’re looking for.
• Online Forums and Social Media Groups: Dedicated Jeep Cherokee XJ forums (e.g., NAXJA, Cherokee Forum) and Facebook marketplace groups (e.g., "Jeep XJ Parts For Sale," "Jeep Cherokee Classifieds") are goldmines. Many enthusiasts upgrade their axles and sell their rare factory Dana 44s.
• Local Classifieds (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace): Regularly search for "Jeep XJ Dana 44," "Cherokee Dana 44," or "Jeep Cherokee rear axle." Be prepared to travel.
• Off-Road Shops/Axle Builders: Some specialized shops might occasionally have one in stock, or they might be able to source one for you. They often come pre-built or refurbished, which can justify a higher price.
• Word of Mouth: Let your local off-road community know you’re looking. You never know who might have one sitting in their garage.

Key Considerations When Buying

Once you’ve located a potential 2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44 rear axle for sale, a thorough inspection and careful consideration are paramount.

• Condition:
  • Housing: Inspect for cracks, bends, or severe rust. Minor surface rust is common, but deep pitting or structural damage is a deal-breaker.
  • Axle Tubes: Ensure they are straight and not bent.
  • Differential Cover: Check for leaks, damage, or stripped bolts.
  • Pinion Seal: Look for leaks around the pinion input.
  • Mounts: Verify that all spring perches, shock mounts, and control arm mounts are intact and not bent or cracked.
• Gearing: Ask about the gear ratio. Common factory ratios include 3.55, 3.73, and 4.10. Ensure it matches your front axle’s gearing if you plan to use 4WD, or be prepared to re-gear.
• Locker Status: Some rare XJ Dana 44s might have come with a factory limited-slip differential (LSD), but most will be open differentials. Inquire if an aftermarket locker has been installed.
• Axle Shafts: While the Dana 44 shafts are stronger than Dana 35, inspect them for twists or damage if they’re still in the axle. Many buyers plan to upgrade to chromoly shafts anyway.
• Brakes: As mentioned, they will be drum brakes. Check the condition of the drums, shoes, and wheel cylinders. Plan for a disc brake conversion if desired.
• Price: Be prepared to pay a premium for a genuine XJ Dana 44. Prices vary wildly based on condition, included components (shafts, brakes), and location.
• Shipping/Pickup: Consider the logistics and cost of transporting a heavy axle.

Installation & Upgrades

While the XJ Dana 44 is a direct bolt-in, installation still requires mechanical aptitude and proper tools.

1. Preparation: Clean the axle thoroughly. Inspect and replace worn components like bearings, seals, and U-joints (if applicable).
2. Gearing: If the gearing doesn’t match your front axle or your desired tire size, this is the ideal time to re-gear.
3. Locker: Consider installing an aftermarket locker (e.g., ARB Air Locker, Detroit Locker) while the axle is out of the vehicle.
4. Axle Shafts: Upgrade to chromoly axle shafts for even greater strength, especially with larger tires or a locker.
5. Disc Brake Conversion: A popular and highly recommended upgrade. Kits are readily available to convert the factory drum brakes to disc brakes, offering superior stopping power.
6. Mounts: If your build requires specific lift heights or custom suspension, you might need to adjust or replace spring perches and shock mounts.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

• Scarcity: The biggest challenge is simply finding one.
  • Solution: Be patient, set up alerts on online marketplaces, and network within the Jeep community.
• Cost: Due to rarity and demand, prices can be high.
  • Solution: Budget accordingly. A well-priced XJ Dana 44 can still be cheaper than a custom-built axle from scratch.
• Condition: Many axles will be old and rusty.
  • Solution: Inspect thoroughly. Factor in the cost of new bearings, seals, and potentially brake components into your budget.
• Shipping: Shipping a heavy axle can be expensive.
  • Solution: Prioritize local pickups or be prepared to pay for freight shipping.

Price Guide: 2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44 Rear Axle For Sale

The price of a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44 rear axle can vary significantly based on its condition, included components, gearing, and the seller’s location. This table provides estimated price ranges.

Component/Feature	Description	Estimated Price Range (USD)	Notes
Bare Housing	Axle housing only, no internals, no shafts, no brakes. Requires full rebuild.	$300 – $600	Best for those planning a complete custom build (new gears, locker, shafts, disc brakes). Saves on initial cost but requires more investment later.
Complete (Stock)	Includes housing, factory ring & pinion, open differential, factory axle shafts, and factory drum brakes. Good working condition.	$800 – $1,500	Most common offering. Gearing will vary (e.g., 3.55, 3.73, 4.10). Expect to replace wear items like seals, bearings, and brake components.
Complete (Upgraded)	Includes housing, aftermarket gearing (e.g., 4.56, 4.88), aftermarket locker (e.g., Detroit, ARB), chromoly axle shafts, or disc brakes.	$1,800 – $3,000+	Price heavily dependent on the quality and brand of upgrades. An axle with a new ARB locker and chromoly shafts can easily exceed $2,500. A highly desirable option for serious off-roaders, as many costly upgrades are already done. Always verify the quality and brand of installed aftermarket parts.
Shipping Costs	For freight shipping across states.	$200 – $500+	Varies significantly based on distance, carrier, and whether it’s shipped to a business or residential address. Often a significant portion of the total cost for out-of-state purchases. Local pickup is highly recommended to save on these costs.
Installation Labor	Professional installation, assuming no major issues.	$300 – $800	Varies by shop rates. This does not include re-gearing or major fabrication. If re-gearing is needed, add another $500-$1000 for parts and labor per axle (if doing both front and rear).
Additional Parts	New seals, bearings, U-joints, brake components, fluid, disc brake conversion kit (if applicable).	$200 – $800	Even with a "complete" axle, plan for these consumables and potential upgrades. A disc brake conversion kit alone can range from $200-$500, not including labor.

Note: Prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on market demand, regional availability, and the seller’s urgency. Always try to inspect the axle in person or request detailed photos and videos before committing to a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the Dana 44 a direct bolt-in for any Jeep Cherokee XJ?
A1: Yes, the Dana 44 specifically from an XJ is a direct bolt-in replacement for other XJ axles (Dana 35, Chrysler 8.25) in terms of mounting points. However, ensure the gear ratio matches your front axle if you plan to use 4WD.

Q2: How rare is a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44?
A2: Extremely rare. It was an optional upgrade, typically tied to the "Up Country" package or specific tow packages, and only a small percentage of XJs received it. Finding one can take significant time and effort.

Q3: Can I put a Dana 44 from a Jeep Wrangler (TJ) into my XJ?
A3: No, not directly. While both are Dana 44s, the TJ rear axle uses coil springs and has different mounting points. Adapting it to an XJ would require significant fabrication, welding, and suspension modifications.

Q4: Do all XJ Dana 44s come with disc brakes?
A4: No, factory XJ Dana 44s came with drum brakes. If you see one with disc brakes, it’s either an aftermarket conversion or an axle from a different vehicle. A disc brake conversion is a popular upgrade.

Q5: What gear ratios were available for the XJ Dana 44?
A5: Common factory gear ratios include 3.55, 3.73, and 4.10. The specific ratio will usually be stamped on a metal tag attached to the differential cover bolts.

Q6: What’s the benefit of upgrading to chromoly axle shafts?
A6: Chromoly (chromium-molybdenum alloy) axle shafts are significantly stronger than factory steel shafts. They are highly recommended if you plan to run larger tires (33 inches or more), install a locker, or engage in aggressive off-roading, as they greatly reduce the risk of breaking an axle shaft.

Q7: Should I rebuild a used XJ Dana 44 before installing it?
A7: It is highly recommended. Even if the axle appears to be in good condition, replacing seals, bearings, and checking the condition of the ring and pinion is good practice. This is also the ideal time to change gear ratios or install a locker.

Conclusion

The pursuit of a "2000 Jeep Cherokee Dana 44 Rear Axle For Sale" is a quest that speaks volumes about a true off-road enthusiast’s dedication. This elusive component represents a significant leap in durability and capability for the beloved XJ platform, offering peace of mind and unlocking new levels of trail performance. While the journey to acquire one may be fraught with challenges due to its rarity and the need for meticulous inspection, the reward of a robust, factory-fit axle is immeasurable. By understanding what makes it special, how to identify it, where to look, and what to consider during the purchase and installation process, you can confidently navigate the market and equip your 2000 Jeep Cherokee with the legendary strength it deserves. Happy hunting, and may your trails be conquered with confidence!