I got in my hands a Dana 44 rear (with matching front) which I plan to swap into the rear of my HB so I can go with 5.38 gears and 35" tires.

Would keeping my h233b rear with 5.12 gears and 33" tires be a better option? Anybody has any comments on this?

Costs are an issue, regearing the d44 is around $230 and the h233b around $500.

If I go with d44 rear, I want to us the OX locker that is activated via a cable. If I keep the h233b I plan on getting a lock-rite locker.

Which way would you go?

You already have the H233b gears?

If there're no fitment issues, seems like cheaper gears, selectable locker are the way to go. I don't understand the 33" vs. 35" issue, why can't you put the 35" tires on either? The ratio isn't that different, is it?

Of course, you might find it easier to sell the 44 rear, but on the other hand, seems like the H233b might be coveted by those poor C200 owners.

-Spike

I don't have the gears for either.

I have a 4cyl engine, so any little bit helps on the gears. With 5.12 gears I would only go up to 33". With 5.38 I could easily go to 35" tires.

I'm thinking in the long run it's going to be cheaper to build-up the dana44.

Which is stronger?

In the R&P department, the H233B is at least 50% stronger than the D44. In the axleshaft department, the D44 and H233B are comprable. The D44 can be easily upgraded to 31 or 33 spline (up to 40 spline w/a Spool!), as well as full float (anything above 33 splines requires custom shafts). I stuck w/the H233B. I have 5.14 gears in it, and will be running dual cases and 40" tires (I also have the 4 popper). I ran 33s w/stock 4.375 gears for years, only wishing to have a lower low range. Hwy was fine.

If you already have the D44, build that up. But if your thinking of going out and buying a D44 to install, I'd say stick with the H233b. It would cost you just as much to go out and buy a D44 and rebuild it as it would be to just stick gears in your H233b and you end up with a stronger axle. There isn't much diffrence in price with comparable lockers. Lockrite for D44 and for H233b are about the same. But with the D44 you do get the option for OX type lockers, but they cost alot more.

I choose to regear the H233b to 4.88. I run 35s with the VG30. Mines a daily driver so I needed stock gears. Currently have the stock LSD. But I picked up an open diff with 4.37s for free. Plan to put the lockright in it this year.

Danimal (94 KC)is picking up his 5.14 gear H233b with ARB Wednesday. He going to run 36s. Hes got the VG30 also. Recent SAS swap. Maybe He will chime in here...

My total cost for regearing my H233b and installing an ARB was about $1800.

The H233b is an extremely strong axle, which I needed to keep considering the weight of my truck.

i went d44 and im happy with it.

of course i bought a truck that waas sitting on its frame and had no axles so for me i was going to have to pay either way..

I bought both front and rear d44's our out of a wagoneer for $300. I would like to go with 5.38 gears and 35" tires.

I really like the OX locker, and for the same price as the ARB, I think I will go OX.

Mostly I wanted to know about how strong was the d44 compared to the h233b, which I'm now tempted to sell the rear d44 and build the h233b with 5.14 gears.