Yukon Gear Replacement Standard Open Carrier Case For Dana 44 / 30 Spline / 3.73 & Down

Yukon YC D706024 is a new standard open carrier case for Dana 44 axles with 30-spline shafts and ring and pinion ratios of 3.73 or lower (3.73, 3.54, 3.31, 3.07 and so on). It is the case to order when the old one is worn out, not the gears: an oval cross-shaft bore, a damaged bearing journal, stripped ring gear bolt holes or a crack after a hard hit. Buyers are usually rebuilding a Jeep, Ford, Dodge, GM or International 4x4 Dana 44 and want the axle back to factory open-differential operation.

What the carrier case does in a Dana 44

The ring gear bolts to the case flange. Torque from the pinion turns the ring gear and the case. Inside, a cross shaft carries two spider gears that mesh with two side gears, and the side gears are splined to the axle shafts. The case turns as one piece, and the spider gears let the left and right wheels turn at different speeds in a corner. The carrier bearings ride on journals at each end of the case, and shims behind them set backlash and preload. Dana 44 cases come in two ratio groups. A 3.92 or deeper ring gear is thicker and needs a different case, which is why this one is listed for 3.73 and down only.

Symptoms that mean the case has to go

• New spider gears that still knock or wear fast because the cross-shaft bore in the case is worn
• A cross shaft that walked out after its roll pin broke, scoring the case bore
• Ring gear bolts that will not torque because the threads in the flange are pulled
• Carrier bearing journals scored or undersized from a spun bearing
• Large pieces of metal on the drain plug, often with a clunk when you get on and off the throttle

Ring and pinion whine from worn bearings is the most common Dana 44 complaint, and it is often found when the carrier is out. The Dana 44 problems and rebuild cost guide helps you decide what to rebuild at the same time.

How to confirm before ordering

Pull the cover and carrier, then check the cross-shaft bore, bolt threads and bearing journals. Count the axle splines, because early Dana 44s used 19-spline internals that do not go in this case. Read the ratio from the axle tag or count the ring and pinion teeth. If you are near the 3.73 / 3.92 split, the carrier break explainer walks through it. If you are regearing for bigger tires to 4.10 or deeper, you need the other case series.

Fitment

Yukon lists YC D706024 for Dana Spicer 44 with 30-spline axles, standard open, 3.73 and down ratios only. Yukon does not publish a vehicle table for this case. Jeep JK and JL Dana 44s, and some front axles with disconnects or factory lockers, use their own carriers. Match the spline count, ratio and the casting on your old case, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it.

What is in the box: The case only. Spider gears are not included. Yukon's description for this number does not list carrier shims, a roll pin, ring gear bolts or a cover gasket, which come with the YC D706024-X version. Order this one if you are reusing good hardware or buying a full kit.

Install notes

• Install a Yukon Dana 44 30-spline spider gear kit, or reuse your side gears and spider gears if they are in good shape.
• Use new carrier bearings. The Dana 44 carrier installation kit supplies them. A master overhaul kit adds the pinion bearings and seal.
• Use new ring gear bolts if the old ones stretched or the threads are suspect. Use thread locker, torque them in a star pattern and confirm the roll pin is seated.
• Shim for preload and backlash, then check the tooth pattern with marking compound before closing it up.
• Refill with 75W-90 gear oil, or 75W-140 if your service manual calls for it when towing. An open case needs no friction modifier.

If you want traction rather than an open differential, look at a limited slip or locker of the same spline and ratio range instead of this case.

Does YC D706024 include spider gears?

No. It is a case only. Order the 30-spline Dana 44 spider gear kit or reuse your side gears and spider gears if they are in good shape.

What is the difference between YC D706024 and YC D706024-X?

Both are the same 30-spline, 3.73-and-down Dana 44 open case. Yukon lists the -X with carrier shims, a roll pin, ring gear bolts and a cover gasket. This number's description does not list that hardware.

Can I run 4.10 or 4.56 gears in it?

No. It is for 3.73 and numerically lower ratios. Dana 44 ring gears of 3.92 and deeper are thicker and need the other case series.

Will it fit a 19-spline Dana 44?

No. It is machined for 30-spline side gears. Count your axle splines before ordering.

Does it fit a Jeep JK or JL Dana 44?

JK and JL axles use their own carrier designs. Match your old case or send us your year and VIN before ordering.

What gear oil goes back in?

75W-90 gear oil, or 75W-140 where the service manual allows it for towing. An open differential does not need friction modifier.