D-44 Axle upgrade

I am wondering what is out there to strengthen the axles in my '68 M38a-1. I keep hearing about Summers Brothers axles for the early 2 piece dana 44's. Otherwise, Warn lists a full-floater kit, but it is very pricy here in Canada.
I am running 35 x 14.50 R 15 Boggers and I know I'm on borrowed time.......

Any advice is welcome

Thanks

 

Hmm - that's a tough one... The Warn FF kit would add a good bit of strength. But, like you said, it's spendy. The only way to swap in a different axle, while keeping the Dana 18 t-case, is to use another offset 44. In late 70 and 71, CJ's came with a flanged, Dana 44 rear with 30 splines. This would probably sound like the cheapest/easiest route, but it might not be. You'll probably pay ~$400 for the axle, then you're going to have to regear (b/c it won't be 5.38). In the end, it might be cheaper to go with the FF kit... IMO.

 

Anyone know where to find a 70 or 71 CJ offset rear diff up in the Great White North??

 

Any Jeep junkyards up that way?

 

anyone have pics oof the difference between the flanged 30 spline and the other 44? thanks i think i have the flanged one but not entirly sure

 

Tapered axles have a bolt at the end of the axle. Flanged do not. Pretty easy.

Here is a tapered:



You should have flanged in a 70 methinks.

 

http://www.earlycj5.com/tech/axle/WarnFF/44_full_floater.shtml

 

Whoops - that's the one I meant to link. Both are good. I'm acquiring the parts to do the full floater conversion now.

 

Thanks guys, I'll consider the dana 30 spindles and hubs - wonder who makes custom axle shafts up here?

one of the articles mentions upgrading to a higher spline count - can I just swap in different side gears in the existing center section??

 

awesome, Thanks!