new rear diff, possible?

Yes, there is a limited slip that will fit your D44.

Will the Vari-lok fit the dana 44? I believe the vari-lok was an option for my model jeep, so it seems logical that they could replace my open diff with the vari-lok?

Yes, your Dana 30 and Dana 44 axles are the same as those in the Quadra-Drive models, minus the Vari-Loks of course. Should fit no problem.

Unless you confirm the warranty thing, you might be better of with something like a TrueTrac:

Grand Jeep wrote:

I'm no metallurgist, but the housing sure looks like cast iron and not aluminum. Of course, this is based solely on external appearance. :)

I've checked several dealers in the area, and I get a different answer from each one. Some say yes it can be done, others say no. Seems like it should work, as I said, the vari-lok was an option for my model year and style of grand cherokee, so I'm assuming they can just swap out the diff gears. Of course, I'm no mechanic, so I probably make it sound easier than it really is.

Cost is the next thing, as you mentioned, I'm sure a dealer would charge BIG bucks to perform such a swap..... I'll call around a few other dealers out of town and see what happens.

Ah yes, the Detroit TrueTrac is not available for the 226 RBA (rear bar aluminum) Dana 44. My err.

I do believe however, that unless Quadra-Drive Grands are now coming with iron 44s, the Vari-Lok would be compatible with the OP's Grand. Tracklock is another OEM option for a limited slip in the aluminum 44.

Steve

Jerry Bransford wrote:

Scratch the surface to see.

Grand Jeep wrote:

Maybe they switched to the cast iron version for the V8 models. The

Jerry

Grand Jeep wrote:

The speed sensing gerotor pump is fully contained in the differential and uses the diff oil to engage the clutches in response to pressure differences. It's 100% mechanical with no remote electronic or hydraulic control.

Incidentally, the 2005 Grand does away with Vari-Lok (except as a 2wd option) and introduces an electronically controlled system for all three diffs.

The Vari-Lok name is a Jeep thing. It's actually a Dana Spicer Hydra-Lok, also found in the Dodge Viper.

Steve

L.W.(ßill) Hughes III wrote:

Good idea with the magnet. The main housing appears to be aluminum, as my magnet did not stick. But the cover (bolted on at the rear of the diff) appears to be metal. Dang aluminum!!

So from what you're saying, I should be able to swap out the standard diff gears with the vari-lok and everything should fit?

Also, I called around to some local 4x4 shops and got quoted about 600-800 dollars for a new limited-slip unit (purchased and installed) One mentioned it was an actual DANA limited slip diff that designed for D-44 axles???

Well, not quite everything. Found this parts site:

Probably talking about the Dana Trac-Lok. It was an OEM option on Grands prior to 2002, so it should work with your axles, housing, and gears. It uses friction clutch packs that need to be replaced periodically and it doesn't perform as well as a Vari-Lok: