Axle swaps?

737 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Caboobies, Feb 15, 2002

Caboobies

Discussion Starter · Feb 15, 2002

I have a YJ. I know early bronco axles (dana 44) are good, maybe even explorers, wagoneers, etc, but what about ANY D44? Those ones are ideal for a swap, but would it be worth it to get a GM one or whatever else and make it work with a little effort? There's lots of dana 44 and dana 60 axles (for the rear) out there but should I hold out for something from specific vehicles or go with whatever is a good deal and put in the time/effort/work/etc to make it fit? Any opinions would be good, thanks.

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-'95 YJ

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lars

· #2 · Feb 15, 2002

I think a D44 is fine for the front, especially if it's a reverse cut unit. Dana 60 for the rear is perfect.

I'm considering a D60 for the rear of my Jeep but I'll wait to see if I break an axle shaft first. I'm pretty easy on the throttle and so far haven't had a problem (knock on wood) with 35" radials.

...lars

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19911995409993004:144444.103512.58274

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cwate

· #3 · Feb 15, 2002

You could use pretty much any junkyard D44 or D60. People like the EB/Waggy/Scout axles mostly because they're about the right length to swap in without shortening.

If you pick up a Chevy or Ford fullsize D44/D60 pair (for example), you could just run the axles full-width with some wide fender flares. If you're only swapping in one axle, or you don't like the full-width look, you'd have to have the axle shortened. This will cost you maybe $300-$500 CDN or so, depending on whether you do both sides or just one, and it may mean that you end up running a custom-length axle shaft, which could take a while to replace if you broke it.

Chris

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lars

· #4 · Feb 15, 2002

Originally posted by cwate:
If you pick up a Chevy or Ford fullsize D44/D60 pair (for example), you could just run the axles full-width with some wide fender flares.

As Jonthan found out with Project TJ, he can't get flares wide enough to cover his Ford full-size axles. An 8-bolt wheel pattern with Hummer wheels (or custom wheels) will give enough positive backspacing to use aftermarket flares, though.

Depending on your hub selection, the hub ends might not stick out past the rims, either. I've seen some trucks' hubs get pressed into the dirt/stump/rock and unlock the hubs before so this is a legitimate concern. ;-) Depends on the trails of course, but if you're looking for big axles, I presume you're going for the challenging trails.

...lars

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Caboobies

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 15, 2002

Good point:

you'd have to have the axle shortened. This will cost you maybe $300-$500 CDN or so

I had no idea what the cost would be to do this.

Full size would be nice, prolly over kill, but I don't think I want to worry about insane fender flares or custom axles, etc. So, I guess I'm back to finding one with narrower dimensions. On that note... what are the best candidates? I'm thinking d44 up front and d60 in the back. What are the best donor vehicles??

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-'95 YJ

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