Dana 44 Ring and Pinion: How to Choose the Right Ratio

Dana 44 Ring and Pinion: How to Choose the Right Ratio

Dana 44 Ring and Pinion: How to Choose the Right Ratio

Choosing a Dana 44 ring and pinion ratio comes down to three questions: how much bigger are your tires, will the axle you are changing need a different carrier, and does the other axle have to change too? Get those three right and the ratio itself is simple math.

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Dana 44 ring and pinion sets by ratio and axle position; each listing names the axle and vehicle in its title.

Browse more: Ring and pinion sets | Differentials | Axles and yokes

Step 1: do the tire math

Bigger tires make the effective gearing numerically lower, so you regear to restore it. One off-road guide gives the formula as (new tire diameter x old ratio) / old tire diameter = new ratio (Offroadium). The same guide notes that higher numerical ratios multiply torque but reduce top speed, while lower ratios favor highway speed with less low-end pull.

Worked example using that formula: a vehicle with 3.73 gears and 32 inch tires moving to 35 inch tires needs 3.73 x 35 / 32 = 4.08, so a 4.10 set restores roughly the original gearing. Moving from 32 to 37 inch tires gives 3.73 x 37 / 32 = 4.31, which lands between 4.10 and 4.56. The arithmetic only tells you the target; your engine, transmission and use decide which side to pick. Use your own current ratio and measured tire diameter.

Quadratec's regearing guide approaches the same problem with an rpm-at-65-mph chart and advises matching your new tire size to the closest rpm to get a minimum recommended ratio, and notes that an automatic's rpm will be higher than the chart because of converter slippage (Quadratec). For Jeep Wrangler tire-size recommendations, see our 35-inch tire gear ratio guide and the 37-inch guide.

Step 2: know the Dana 44 carrier break

This is the Dana 44-specific part that catches people. As the numerical ratio goes up, the pinion gets smaller and the ring gear has to be thicker. At some point it is cheaper for the manufacturer to change the carrier deck height so the ring gear can be thinner; that point is the carrier break. Differentials.com lists the Dana 44 carrier break at 3.73 / 3.92: carriers for 3.73 and numerically lower use a 2.090 inch deck height, and 3.92 and numerically higher use 2.410 inches (Differentials.com). If you are going from a 3.73 axle to a 3.92 or higher set, you need a different carrier.

That is why there are two kinds of 4.10 sets. Quadratec's listing for the Revolution Gear D44-410TD thick-gear set shows a carrier break of 3.73/3.92 and says it needs a carrier rated for 3.73 or lower, with ratios from 3.73 to 5.89 offered in that family (Quadratec). A thick-gear 4.10 on your existing low-ratio carrier saves buying a new carrier; a thin-gear set needs the high-ratio carrier. Check which carrier is in your axle before ordering.

Revolution Gear & Axle Jeep Wrangler JK Dana 44 Rear Axle 4.56 Ratio Ring & Pinion Set - D44JK-456
Revolution Gear & Axle Jeep Wrangler JK Dana 44 Rear Axle 4.56 Ratio Ring & Pinion Set - D44JK-456

Step 3: change both axles

On a four-wheel-drive vehicle the front and rear ratios must match. Quadratec describes its front-and-rear kits as providing matched ratios for both the front and rear axles to ensure smooth, synchronized 4WD operation (Quadratec kit listing). Front and rear Dana 44 sets are different parts, so you order one set per axle. The listings in our catalog name the axle position and vehicle in the title: for example, the JK Rubicon Dana 44 front 4.56 pairs with a 4.56 rear set.

Step 4: the parts that go with the gears

  • Bearings, seals and hardware. Yukon's Dana 44 set is sold as the gear set only; complete kits with bearings, seals and hardware are offered as a separate upgrade (Quadratec listing for the Yukon JL Dana 44 rear set, here). See our Dana 44 master install kit vs bearing kit guide.
  • Setup. Offroadium warns against mixing ring and pinion components from different gear sets and says accurate shimming and backlash adjustment are essential to longevity.
  • Carrier. Only if you cross the 3.73/3.92 break, as above.

Which ratio fits which job

  • Staying at or below 3.73-class ratios (e.g. 3.54): keeps the original carrier; suits mild tire growth and highway use.
  • Around 4.10: the thick-gear set lets a 3.73-and-down carrier stay, which is the cost-effective step for 35 inch tires per the formula above.
  • 4.56 and higher: expect to need the higher-ratio carrier unless you use a thick-gear set designed for the lower carrier. Check the listing.

Cost and effort framing

Quadratec lists a Dana 44 ring and pinion install as Level 4, experts only, taking about 4 to 6 hours per axle. Plan on both axles, a setup tool or shims, and a gear pattern check. If you are not equipped for backlash and pattern setup, have a driveline shop do the install and buy the parts yourself.

Ready to order? Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Thick Gear Rear Axle 4.10 Ratio Dual Drilled Ring & Pinion Set - D44-410TD; Revolution Gear & Axle Jeep Wrangler JK Dana 44 Rear Axle 4.56 Ratio Ring & Pinion Set - D44JK-456; Revolution Gear & Axle 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK Rubicon Dana 44 Front 4.56 Ratio Ring & Pinion Set - D44RS-456RUB.

Confirm axle, carrier break and vehicle fitment from the listing before ordering; ratios and positions are stated in each title.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dana 44 carrier break?

3.73 / 3.92. Carriers for 3.73 and lower have a 2.090 inch deck height and those for 3.92 and higher have a 2.410 inch deck height, per Differentials.com.

Do I have to change both axles?

On a 4WD vehicle, yes: front and rear ratios must match. Matched front and rear kits are sold because mismatched ratios bind the drivetrain in four-wheel drive.

What ratio do I need for bigger tires?

Use new ratio = (new tire diameter x old ratio) / old tire diameter, then pick the nearest available ratio that suits your engine and use.

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