800 Dana 44 vs Scout II Dana 44

[gillis51]

What are the differences between a rear Dana 44 for an 800 vs a Scout II other than width and spring perches.

Is one stronger than the other? Parts availability,

Is one more desirable than the other.

End result my 800 will have Dana 44 front and rear. If I use scout II Dana 44's I plan to narrow them so the tires fit in the wheel wells. Tires will be either 31x10.5 or 33x9.5

Thanks

[Afireinside2285]

What year 800? Early were 19 spline and later were 30 spline. Scout II are all 30 spline

[gillis51]

Mine is 1969 aristocrat. Is one stronger than the other

[George Womack]

Your '69 should have the late 30 spline Dana 44 with flange axleshafts. If there is no nut holding the hub to the shaft, then you have the late flange axleshafts. The late rear end uses the same wheel bearings as Scout II. If this is what you have, I don't think you would gain anything by going to a Scout II 44.
If you did swap to a Scout II rear, I wouldn't bother narrowing it. It's only 1 5/8" wider than the late 800 unit. Keeping it stock would make for much easier axleshaft replacement in the future.