Reverse cut gears?

[GaryMB]

OK, I already bought a set of standard cut gears for the rear dana 44 for my CJ, and am looking to buy a set of gears for the front d44 now, too. I know that reverse cut is stronger than standard when used in the front, but can reverse cut be put in just any front axle? Or if the axle came with standard rotation, then do I need to keep standard rotation in the front? Also, I'll be putting 4340 shafts in the rear, but what about the front? Is it worth the money to upgrade the front shafts?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

RE: Are you a Democrat, Republican or Southern Republican

Reverse cut HAS to be put in a high-pinion axle, can't be used in a standard rotation diff.

I'd recommend the hardened shafts in the front since you're running 35" tires, but a lot of that depends on how aggressive the tires are and how you wheel.

 

[GaryMB]

So the diff housing is what determines whether or not reverse cut gears are used? I'll be needing to install a new carrier in the front anyway b/c of the low gear ratio (possibly an ARB if I can bare to spend the $$$$$ on two of them). Tires will more than likely be BFG Mud Terrains, and I'll be wheeling the Jeep as hard as it lets me (but within reason; I take heed to wheel hop).

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Did you say wheel hopping: www.hawt.net/viewvideo.php?id=1273

Yes, the style of diff housing determines reverse cut or standard.

There are some 'thick' D44 ring&pinion sets available that will allow the use of your current high ratio carrier, but I think 4.88 is as low as the thick gears go. Check this link out for them and a ton of other D44 parts: www.completeoffroad.com/products/c-2_dana_44.html

 

[Utah_jeepster]

to determine if you have a reverse (high pinion) cut front is to look at your front diff housing. if the pinion shaft/drive line enters the housing above the center line of the whole axle if it was set flat than you have a high pinion axle, and I.E. will need reverse cut gears.
But I was told that reverse cut gears are weaker....something about its easier to slip off the convexed side of the gear than the concaved...some one here know the truth of that rumor?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

RE: External Dimensions, Help please. . .

Reverse cut gears are weaker if used in the rear axle, and actually the stronger setup to use in the front. The front axle is actually spinning the opposite direction of the rear axle in relation to the direction the power comes from.

 

[Junkpile]

That's why I love the D30 in the front of a YJ. There's no point in swapping in a low pinion D44, just build the D30. I can see it if you're trying to match junkyard axles, but I get irritated everytime I see a custom built low pinion D44 in the front of a YJ. Wasted money just to have to carry around a heavier assembly.