Yukon Gear High Performance Gear Set For Dana 44 in a 4.56 Ratio
Most people shopping for the YG D44-456 have just bolted 33 or 35 in. tires onto a Jeep, Scout or full-size 4x4 and found that the truck no longer pulls overdrive, the transmission runs hot, and first gear feels like second. This new Yukon Gear & Axle 4.56 ring and pinion brings the effective gearing back for the standard-rotation Dana Spicer 44, front or rear, from the Wrangler TJ rear axle to Scout II, early Bronco, Dodge Ram and Chevrolet K-series fronts.
The pinion in a standard Dana 44 enters low and meshes with an 8.50 in. ring gear bolted to the carrier by 10 bolts. Yukon's 4.56 set uses a 26-spline pinion and is the 4-series design, so it mounts on the carrier Dana builds for 3.92 and deeper ratios. A 4.56 ratio turns the pinion four and a half times per axle revolution. Compared with a common factory 3.73, that is about 22 percent more torque at the contact patch, which roughly cancels the loss from going about 21 percent taller on tire diameter, for example 29 in. stock tires to 35s. The trade is that a 4.56 pinion is a smaller gear with fewer teeth, so correct setup matters even more for strength and noise.
Start with the axle tag or a tooth count to identify the existing ratio and whether the axle is a Dana 44 at all; the axle ratio and code guide shows how. Then pick the ratio from your tire size, engine and transmission with our regear after bigger tires guide. If you are not sure the noise is the gears, the Dana 44 problems guide covers bearing and spider gear failures that sound similar.
Yukon's table for this set covers standard-rotation Dana 44 axles including the 1997-2006 Wrangler TJ rear, 1986-1993 Cherokee XJ rear, CJ5 and CJ6 rears, Comanche, Wagoneer and J10, 1971-1980 Scout II front and rear, 1971-1977 Bronco front, 1994-2001 Ram 1500 disconnect front, 1994-2002 Ram 2500 front, Ramcharger and W-series fronts, and Chevrolet and GMC K-series and Blazer fronts through 1980. The front and rear must end up at the same ratio, so a TJ with a Dana 30 front also needs a matching 4.56 front set. TJ Rubicon axles use a different carrier and have dedicated gears such as the TJ Rubicon 4.88 set. High-pinion reverse fronts take the Dana 44 reverse-rotation 4.56 set. Confirm with your axle tag, or send us year and VIN.
If the axle came with 3.73 or lower gears it has the smaller-ratio carrier, and you will need a 3.92-and-up case or locker, such as the Yukon YC D706025 open carrier or a 30-spline 3.92-up spool for a dedicated trail rig.
Pair the gears with a complete bearing and shim kit; for a 30-spline front, the YK D44 standard-rotation front overhaul kit fits. Yukon's setup chart starts the Dana 44 pinion at a 0.042 in. shim with 14-19 in-lb of preload on new bearings. A housing spreader is the right way to pull and seat the carrier. After setup, fill with 75W-90 or 75W-140 gear oil, using friction modifier with a clutch-type limited slip, then follow the break-in procedure: short loaded drives, a cool-down, and an oil change after the first few hundred miles.
| Brand | Yukon Gear & Axle |
| Part number | YG D44-456 |
| Fits | Yukon Gear High Performance Gear Set For Dana 44 in a 4.56 Ratio |
| Type | Final Drive Gears |
| Condition | New |
| Ships | Same business day (in stock), from the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
It is a popular choice for 33 to 35 in. tires on Jeeps and mid-size 4x4s with factory engines. Larger, heavier rigs on 35s or 37s often step to 4.88.
No. This 4-series set needs the 3.92-and-up Dana 44 carrier, so a 3.73-or-lower axle needs a new carrier, locker or spool.
Rubicon Dana 44 axles use a different carrier and take Rubicon-specific gear sets. This set is for the standard TJ Dana 44 rear and other standard-rotation 44s.
Yes on any part-time 4x4. Both axles must be the same ratio or the drivetrain will bind when 4WD is engaged.
75W-90 or 75W-140 GL-5 gear oil, with friction modifier added for a clutch-type limited slip. Change it after break-in.
