Norcal69's Common Sense Build.

Buttoned up the Ram assist project on Saturday.

 

After a couple test drives with the ram assist it is time to move on to the next project.
My rear axle is a centered D44 with flanged axles. After breaking an axle shaft on the Rubicon last year I decided it was time to upgrade to something a little overkill!
I purchased a set of billet spindles from Richard at R&P. These spindles are specifically made for 30 spline axle shafts.

 

Nice. You having Moser make your shafts?

 

Dutchman is making me a set of flanged floater shafts. They claim they can ship next week!

 

WOW! Thats amazing!!!

 

That is great. A lot of guys use studs into the hubs, and I do think they are stronger, but I used grade 8 bolts, blue Locktite, and just kept an eye on the torque.

 

I am planning on using studs and lock nuts.

 

Watching closely, just spoke with Nick about those spindles. Seriously considering it. Keeping the 11" drums?

 

I am sticking with the drums for the moment.
I have plans for discs with Wilwood mechanical spot calipers for e brake.

 

Are you going to use an inner axle seal or are you going let the gear oil lube the wheel bearings?

 

I am still exploring those options.
If I run a seal I will probably RTV one of these into the axle tube.

https://sealsit.com/product/economy-axle-seal/

 

Gosh, I wonder how Kyle would have known about a racing product?

 

So doing this in my axle

 

Kyle, did you talk to Richard about the seals that press into the back of the spindle? That’s what Warn did also. Last time we talked about it he had them in stock. Just another option.

 

I didn't know that was an option. I'll reach out to Richard!

 

After some snow storm shipping delays, these showed up Friday evening!



I mocked up the assembly to get an idea of where the seal will ride.



Polished up the area where the seal will ride.



The seal fits snug into the axle tube a little RTV to ensure it stays in place.



Grease in between the inner and outer seal lip.
Here is a link to the seal manufacturers website https://sealsit.com/product/economy-axle-seal/
I purchased my seals through Summit as they are considerably cheaper than buying manufacturer direct. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/SIT-EAS1-5100




Time constraints are making me stick with the 11" drums for now, rear disc brakes are in the future.








Topped off with Duffers recommended ARP bolts!
Right off the bat I noticed the decreased rolling resistance of the floater setup.
I clear coated the axle end, we will see how long it looks this pretty.




With these Jeep upgrades wrapped up, it's time to work on some 2WD fun!

 

Looks like a really neat and easy mod. did I understand that the 11 inch drums are delayed? My question is will the factory 11 inch brake drums work or are they a special design? The factory drums should be available at most auto parts stores. I just got two at the NAPA.

 

Looks like the drums are visible in the final picture.

 

I am using stock 1972- 1975 11" drums with this setup.
I plan to upgrade to disc brakes in the future.

 

That is pretty slick. This is about as bombproof as it gets for a 44.