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Found A Local Flanged Axle, But...

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Focker, Apr 29, 2016.

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  1. Apr 29, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    it has 5:38's and I'm running 4:88's...Emotions went from (y) to :n:

    What can I do...Can I swap just the ring and pinion from one to the other without having to do a full blown "setup"?
     
    Focker, Apr 29, 2016
    #1
  2. Apr 29, 2016
    jeepermc

    jeepermc Active Member

    Western WA
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    No. You'll still need to ensure proper set up.
     
    jeepermc, Apr 29, 2016
    #2
  3. Apr 29, 2016
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Spokane Valley, WA
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    Just run bigger tires on the rear. :rofl:
     
    ITLKSEZ, Apr 29, 2016
    #3
    cadwelder and 69Willys like this.
  4. Apr 29, 2016
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    Or put 5.38's up front!
    :)
    ....are you sure about the gear ratio? All the ones I've ever seen were 4.88 or 3.73
     
    colojeepguy, Apr 29, 2016
    #4
  5. Apr 29, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Assuming I took on the challenge of setting it up. It can be done by using the existing parts...Right? The goal when finished is to have a tapperd axle with 5:38's and a flanged axle with 4:88's.
     
    Focker, Apr 29, 2016
    #5
  6. Apr 29, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Not sure only because when searching online I can't find a pic of a ring gear with the numbers I saw on the ring gear in question. It was stamped D 44 538 and some other numbers too. He and I assume it's 5:38 gears. I could have him take a picture, but I'm sure it's 5:38. The PO had 35's on it...The Jeep isn't stock by any means.
     
    Focker, Apr 29, 2016
    #6
  7. Apr 29, 2016
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Factory ring gears have the tooth count stamped on the side along with the part number and date. The pinion also have this info, but can't be seen until they are disassembled. Either way, they both rear axles should be 4-series cases, so they gears should swap.
    -Donny
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2016
    Keys5a, Apr 29, 2016
    #7
  8. Apr 30, 2016
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    I like Doug's idea of running 5.38s, but guess that would cost extra money to get R&P for the front axle. Sound like you are hoping to have your flanged 44 with 4.88 and sell off the tapered 5.38 to someone running a 4cyl? For overall cost, probably a good way to go. I'd say do it if the price is right...of course I've never set-up an R&P, but its on my list.
     
    FinoCJ, Apr 30, 2016
    #8
  9. Apr 30, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

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    Here's the whole deal...

    Met a guy with a project '71 Jeep 13 minutes from me.
    He has the flanged rear and open knuckles up front (I didn't confirm what the front was).
    The Jeep needs the wiring cleaned up/hooked up and a new gas tank...Probably a good carb cleaning too.
    If I help him get it from project to running to better his sale...I can have the flanged D44 for my efforts.
    He will take my tapered axle in exchange.
    I would swap my 11" rear brakes to his flanged axle, but don't really want to mess with swapping the front axles...I want my disc brakes plus the steering componets are set for both Jeeps.

    Not sure what the easiest route is? Swap the rear R&P's or all the other work involved of swapping the fronts too.
     
    Focker, Apr 30, 2016
    #9
  10. Apr 30, 2016
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    What he said.

    Why not swap in both axles with the same ratio? Its easy and doesn't require new skills OR

    Learn how to swap gears. If I did it, you can too. You obviously can do basic and a bit more advanced mechanical work and have friends you can call on for help and us for advice, FWIW....

    I would unhesitatingly get that axle. You have been wanting one for at least a year and a half. Go buy another tapered one and give it to him while you're working on yours. It will take you a good while to do your first axle and you dont want to be without your jeep in that time.

    Take your time, buy a master rebuild kit, the gear set in your desired ratio and and and a locker or a PoWrloK!!!! Don't skimp, dont save money.You will be happy for many years if you do it this way.

    I put that PoWrloK in my rear axle and I can't tell you how much I love it. If I did some real wheeling I would have gone OX or ARB, but I dont.

    Dont hesitate, don't try and save money with an open differential, don't swap gears and don't let your jeep sit apart so that you hurry and do a semi hack job cause you want to drive it and its spring/summer.

    All that being said, you can swap the front and rear axle assemblies in 3 hours and swap over the brake components. The 5.38 Ratio will make 35's run good....:)
     
    47v6, Apr 30, 2016
    #10
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  11. Apr 30, 2016
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

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    Well, if he wants to keep the 4.88s, then the gear swap is a must. I just ordered a master rebuild kit for mine to the tune of 200+ plus American dollars. And I have decided to let someone else do the gear set up. The guy that was gonna help me has bailed due to work commitments and I do not have the time or confidence to do it myself. I got what I believe to be a great estimate on the gear set up at 125.00 +/- per axle. That is dropping off the axles (out of the vehicle) with the axle shafts, brakes, etc removed.

    I guess what I'm saying is that there ain't no cheap way around. And I know when I'm done and to let a pro take over. I'm okay with that.

    Hope this helps put a price on the work you're considering. Labor for parts is good. But nothing is cheap or free anymore. Keep us posted. If you decide to try the gear set up yourself, I'd like to follow your work.
     
    wheelie, Apr 30, 2016
    #11
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  12. Apr 30, 2016
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
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    I doubt that 538 is in reference to ratio. From what I know the ratio is never stamped on the gear (maybe on a external cover tag). You must always, always rely only on a tooth count for ratio.
     
    CJ Joe, Apr 30, 2016
    #12
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  13. Apr 30, 2016
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    The tooth count (not the gear ratio) is normally stamped in the ring gear.
     
    colojeepguy, Apr 30, 2016
    #13
  14. Apr 30, 2016
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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    ^ +1
    I think the stamped "538" is probably a coincidence, unless it is some sort of aftermarket set. It might just be 4:88s after all.
     
    ITLKSEZ, Apr 30, 2016
    #14
  15. Apr 30, 2016
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

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    Yukon and most other makers stamp the ratio on the ring gear now. As always you need to count the teeth on the ring and the pinion and divide to make sure.
     
    Daryl, Apr 30, 2016
    #15
  16. Apr 30, 2016
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

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    A Dana 30 front is arguably a better upgrade from a 27 then a rear flanged axle from a taper(depending on horsepower under the hood)
    As they are both pretty much a direct swap, I would vote for swapping both ends especially if you can get rid of the 27.
     
    Daryl, Apr 30, 2016
    #16
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  17. Apr 30, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

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    All the feedback is awesome...Soaking it in. If I could...I'd just buy his project and continue making mine the way I want it and put the other one back on the road with a new happy owner.

    I'll keep you posted.
     
    Focker, Apr 30, 2016
    #17
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  18. Apr 30, 2016
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

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    Every one put back on the road is one more that doesn't get scrapped.
     
    Daryl, Apr 30, 2016
    #18
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  19. Apr 30, 2016
    dozerjim

    dozerjim Member

    western New York
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    x2
     
    dozerjim, Apr 30, 2016
    #19
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  20. Apr 30, 2016
    SFaulken

    SFaulken Active Member

    Bellevue, WA
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    Hell, if you don't want to do the front swap, I'll gladly take the 30 off your hands, hell, I'll trade you the 27 out of mine and some cash for it =P
     
    SFaulken, Apr 30, 2016
    #20
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