D36-44 swap
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 5
From: Greensburg PA
D36-44 swap
my dad found an 88 [same year as mine] vette 4+3 that was totaled. Gonna check out if the rear end is salvageable. Can anyone give me a list of everything I need to swap out my 36 for a D44?
thanks in adavance
thanks in adavance
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 5
From: Greensburg PA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
The 88 (4+3) should have 3:07's. 3:07's were the performance gears for all auto's (standard gears for the 84). I think you should be able to use your C-beam and drive shaft. The ones off of a 4+3 won't fit if you have an auto. The D44's every one wants are the ones out of the 89 up 6spds (better gears).
Last edited by zr1fred; May 4, 2009 at 10:16 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 5
From: Greensburg PA
I have a base model vette, i doubt it has the "performance" 3.07's. Is there a way to check it according to VIN?
Im not too concerned about he rear, any D44 will work, and is an improvement over my worn D36.
Im not too concerned about he rear, any D44 will work, and is an improvement over my worn D36.
Last edited by Alan777; May 4, 2009 at 07:29 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,348
Likes: 2,728
While you're removing everything from the "donor" you want to take the speed-sensor & gear from the 4 + 3 also. It's what you will need for the 3.07 ratio and the drive gear (internal to the trans) is the same. You'll need the 42 tooth gear and the sensor is required for 40+ teeth. It's a "good find"! People "invert" the 39- sensor but it's certainly not the desired install.
If the "donor" is hit either side or front "hard" you need to inspect the "through bolt" bores on the D44 closely and the "bat-wing" needs a real good going over. They're not "fragile" but they're easily damaged. Finding the damage "after the buy" could really ruin your day!!
If the "donor" is hit either side or front "hard" you need to inspect the "through bolt" bores on the D44 closely and the "bat-wing" needs a real good going over. They're not "fragile" but they're easily damaged. Finding the damage "after the buy" could really ruin your day!!
Last edited by WVZR-1; May 4, 2009 at 09:01 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
Surest way to figure out your rear gears is to jack up the rear, put the car in neutral, and count the driveshaft rotations compared to the rear wheel rotation. I amended my original post because of some confusion.
Last edited by zr1fred; May 4, 2009 at 10:19 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,348
Likes: 2,728
The 88 (4+3) should have 3:07's. 3:07's were the performance gears for all auto's (standard gears for the 84). I think you should be able to use your C-beam and drive shaft. The ones off of a 4+3 won't fit if you have an auto. The D44's every one wants are the ones out of the 89 up 6spds (better gears).
Explain please!
A D44 C-beam is a fit all C4's with D44 regardless of year!
Last edited by WVZR-1; May 5, 2009 at 01:53 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
I meant better ratio's, though there are some slight differences in the cases (I'm fairly certain there is no dimensional differences between the two 44's, although both of mine are out of 6 spd cars). I was under the impression that the differences in lengths of the Cbeams and driveshaft were due to the differences in transmission sizes. I think you have shown me (to be) wrong. 
Last edited by zr1fred; May 5, 2009 at 02:12 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,348
Likes: 2,728
Wasn't out to show anyone "wrong" and I meant to mention it in my earlier post but didn't want to create an issue. I only mentioned it because of the later thread regarding it!
Regarding the housings, I've always been told that the early were the more desirable if you were shopping for a build. They certainly appear to be a bit more "stout". Are they? Don't know! Physical attaching points are the same.
Regarding the housings, I've always been told that the early were the more desirable if you were shopping for a build. They certainly appear to be a bit more "stout". Are they? Don't know! Physical attaching points are the same.
Last edited by WVZR-1; May 5, 2009 at 02:23 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
The 88 (4+3) should have 3:07's. 3:07's were the performance gears for all auto's (standard gears for the 84). I think you should be able to use your C-beam and drive shaft. The ones off of a 4+3 won't fit if you have an auto. The D44's every one wants are the ones out of the 89 up 6spds (better gears).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
As WVZR-1 mentions a D44 beam will fit any D44 installation because as the diff head is longer , the beam has to be shorter .
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,348
Likes: 2,728
Everything you have sounds fine. Just check everything for "damage", do the 6 u-joints "just because" you're there and pay particular attention to the install of the "through bolts"of the c-beam on both ends! That can't be stressed enough! Either buy beam-plates or make sure you use new "prevailing torque" nuts!
