Thinking again about the deal

Thanks Brian. Considering the work that I would need to do to the D44 do you think this is a good deal at $300 or would I be better off finding a 44 from an XJ. A local junk yard wants 750 (w core which is an issue in itself since this is my DD) for a D44 with 3:55s, which would allow me to not need to re-do my front until I want to put new gears in both the front and rear. I have a good grinder; and a lot of patience, but not a plasma cutter. I do have a MAP gas torch; but I do not think that is the type of torch you are referring to.
Would a set of gears from a D30 with a low pinion fit into the carrier of a D30 with a high pinion? Or will I need a new carrier - this is the case, I do not know if it is worth me buying the D30 for the extra $100 to get the matching 3:73 gears for the $300 D44.
Is the dial indicator and shims the only tools I will need to set the gears? Would the same dial indicator be used for the D44 and D30? If so, that may not be the worst purchase for me in the long run since I do not have the $ to do the locker and gears the way I would really like at this time.

Thanks again for your help!