Mr. Goatman wrote:The plan is a D44 diff with D60 tubes sleeved to the original D44 tubes, then use D60 shafts cut down with the splines extended to make the rear a FF D44. (Keeping the D60 outer stuff) Seems a little out of the way to go but it will retain the D44 ground clearance and the stock narrow track width. I did not think the D44 would be a problem power wise, and this would get rid of the D44s capability to depart from the housing without warning. Do you think there is a power problem from the little Isuzu diesel for the D44?
I think it would be way cheaper and easier to just narrow a D60, and then shave the bottom. Its very easy to get D44 clearance with a D60.
The weakest part of the older D44's is the tiny pinion (Assuming there is a locker that replaces the spider gears), which you will be stuck with. I guess I would never personally put that much work into a D44.
And I know the engine you are putting in makes roughly 325lb ft of torque stock, which isnt a ton, but its at a low RPM. But even at that, it will probably be fine unless you are going to be towing a lot.
I am just saying for the same or less money, you can have a D60 with the same clearance, and NO custom parts outside of the short side axle shaft. And actually depending on how much your narrow it, you could end up with two equal length shafts. From the factory one is longer. But then you have standard hubs, bearings, all that. And shaving the D60 to pick up the 3/4" difference is easy. Getting more gets to be more work. But matching a D44 isnt tough.