My Xterra is made to be as low as possible and still flex out decently with 33/10.50's. The High Pinion 44 fit under there all full stuff... by limiting full stuff a bit.
Funny thing.. just happened to have most of the parts laying around to build a new Low Pinion Dana 44 (with a few "next build" tweaks). The added "low pinion" clearance should allow another inch or so of up-travel.
Is this ring and pinion weaker? Yep.. However, I have seen low pinion 44's hold up to 37's up front on Nissan Hardbodys. 33 inch tires are not a stretch from the 31 inch tires that came with these axles from factory.
I built this axle earlier on the thread.. re-post the pics to go with this post.
3 1/2 inch tubing with 1/3 wall.
welding done kinda... added some mounts for a sway bar before it was installed.
Sway bar mounts/brake lines....
In process of relocating sway bar... checking axle for fitment. Actually moved axle ahead a bit.