1. On the plug of one I looked at, it says "Dana 44336." An uneducated guess would lead me to believe that meant that it's a D44 with 3.66 gears? But aren't the nearly-round ones with a plug D35's?

2. I looked at one that had the vertical links to the sway bar replaced - would that be a sign of damage or a possible wreck?

3. Is there a place to run a VIN and find out all the original specs?

Thanks!

If anyone can tell me how to properly post a pic, I took several of the undersides of Jeeps I'm looking at buying...

If you only looking at stock TJ rear axles then a simple way of doing it is by looking at the fill plug.

Rubber fill plug & round/oval diff cover = D35c

steel fill plug and a more edgy/octagonal diff cover = D44

However, the best way is by looking on the tag is held on by the diff cover bolts. That tag will clearly read "D44 3.73 6***** " or "D35 3.55 6***** "

Stock gear ratios range from 3.07-4.10. Most 3.73 geared TJ's have D44's, you will only find 4.10's in 4cly TJ's or Rubicons.

As for the sway-bar links being replaced....is the Jeep lifted? If so, thats why. If not, I still dont belive thats would be a indication of a wreck.

Thanks, Renegade...

I guess I didn't look hard enough for the tag. I knew it's supposed to be there, just couldn't see it. Any clue what the plug's label meant by "DANA 44336?" I'll bring a rag and some cleaner and check the diff tag next time!

As far as the swaybar link, this Jeep is stock. I just thought it was wierd that the links would be replaced and not the entire bar.

Also, does anyone know of anyplace you can look up a VIN and get the factory specs?

Your local dealer should be able to run the VIN, or at least give you the phone number of the place that can. I did it when I checked on my wife's Jeep when I got it a few months ago. They didn't mind doing it for me, if your dealer gives you a hard time, call another.

Good luck,
Mark

Excuse the mud but this is what a dana 44 looks like

quote:

Originally posted by ThisSideUp:
Thanks, Renegade...

I guess I didn't look hard enough for the tag. I knew it's supposed to be there, just couldn't see it. Any clue what the plug's label meant by "DANA 44336?" I'll bring a rag and some cleaner and check the diff tag next time!

As far as the swaybar link, this Jeep is stock. I just thought it was wierd that the links would be replaced and not the entire bar.

Also, does anyone know of anyplace you can look up a VIN and get the factory specs?

The numbers on that drain plug are just a part number for the drain plug.

Most of the times the dealers replace the way bar links because they are either squeeking or the ball and socket joint on them wears out. No sense replacing the full sway bar.

Renegade: PART NUMBER... right. I knew that, sure .

SprungTJ: Ok, that makes sense. Just one of those curiosity bugs you know?

Rockram: Thanks! Forever seared in my memory!

You guys are great - this is probably the best, most newbie-friendly board I've been on, for any subject. Great community!