Several gear descriptions for the JK Rubicon Rear gear sets offer one set for 2007 and another model for 2008+. What is the difference between the 44s from 07 and 08? Thanks!

 

Some early 2007 ring gears on the D44 used 7/16 bolts and sometime into the 2007 model year they switched to 1/2 bolts. Most ring gear sets are tapped for both bolts but I just got a Superior 5.13 gear set tapped for 1/2" only. Luckily when I went to do gears (this last weekend), my D44 was using the 1/2" bolts so I did not have to drill the carrier to use the 1/2" (though I did buy the 17/32 drill bit in case I had to).

That is the only difference that I know of but it is kind of a biggie for those with early 2007 model JKs with 7/16" bolts in their rear end. They must get a gear set tapped for both. Unfortunately the only sure fire way for 2007 owners is to pull the cover and see as I have heard of later year builds with 7/16". Sucko!

 

Yup, I'm gonna have to agree with RC...I'd say it's due to the 7/16" or 1/2" ring gear bolt sizes....as stated, many aftermarket ring gears are dual tapped...though if they are differentiating between model years for a certain brand I would suspect that brand has specifically made ring gears either tapped for 7/16" or 1/2". I do believe if you wound up with a ring gear tapped for 7/16" bolts and your Locker was already drilled for 1/2" you can get sleeves that will make up the difference in the locker ring gear holes.
Other than that...I don't believe they changed anything else relative to sizes or anything unusual.