Are the rear D44's a regular old D44, or are they specific to Xterra's?
So if I were to buy an aftermarket gearset/locker for a D44 is that going to work? I'm mainly wondering because I remember when R&P's came out for the H233B a while ago and they were ~$450 a set.
Just some pre-(possible)purchase research...

The D44's are specific to Nissan and you are right, R&P's are more like $500 a set for first Gen X's and the only locker available is the ARB.

If you buy the OR model then you don't need to get a locker for the rear.

So basically you're stuck with what is there and cannot use the hundreds of D44 options already offered? I can't believe that the R&P's for the 233 haven't gone down at all in ~5 years.

If we buy new we're thinking of the OR, but I've never been crazy about electric lockers.

It is amazing with all the D44's out there, but not a lot is made for the 33 spline Nissan rear end. Two companies make gears, and only ARB makes a locker.

Some have swapped out the axles, so they can use the 31 spline lockers, but by the time you have done all that, you may as well spend your money on an ARB.

The 233 is a pretty stout axle. I have heard of no prolems with it at all. At least two have already grenaded the front aluminum axle housing on the on the new X's.

Thanks, I dig some searching this morning and found out just what you said, on the "mutant" 44. The availability of gearsets is just what turns me off.

The only thing I really liked about the 233 is the fact it's a drop out 3rd. So much easier to carry a spare already setup...

It also makes it easy to set up. Install everything and take it someplace that can set the preload and backlash. Something that I did not feel comfortable doing myself. Also, you can unbolt the halfshafts in front and drop the front diff and do the same thing.