How to identify rear axle on TJ

[dirtbean]

I'm going to see a 97 TJ sahara on Monday. Custom rims were sub'd for stock rims at dealership with original purchase,... so how do I tell if it had the big wheel package? More importantly, how do I tell if it has the D44 that would have come with the big wheel package?

So, that's my question, how do I tell a Dana 44 from a 35 on a TJ?

Thanks

[dirtbean]

I think I may have found the answer... D44 is more circle and D-35 is more oval. D44 has ridges in cover plate and D35 doesn't really. This is based on sketches from:
www.jeepz.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Howto&file=drivetrain_axle

[Truro Offroad]

finding a 97 with a D44 would be like finding a needle in a haystack..only way they came that way was special order then..and i dunno if that option was available in canada..I know it was in the states

[dirtbean]

It was purchased in Texas, but that is a good point... I was kind of wondering when these options became available. Perhaps I should have asked that too.

The point, then, is that I should't be too dissapointed if it's not a D44. Thanks.

[underwhelmd]

I'm used to seeing an ID tag on the axle. Maybe look for that if it hasn't rusted off. Did Jeep put stickers on the doors with gearing info?

But like you say, visually they would be different.
best I could find was this:
www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.htm
scroll down to the axle sections.... and that's not the dana 44 you are talking about.
gotta be something for jeeps out there similar to that.