Rear axle overhaul

One of the biggest things keeping me from using my '67 is that the rear end is trashed. The housing is good, but everything inside is turned to mush from the PO's attempt at lincoln locking.
I'm planning on having a shop do the work on this, but am thinking of putting in a Detroit locker or other locking diff, all new bearings and seals, new 4.88 ring and pinion, and one piece axle shafts. Is there any reason that I can't just order the locker and axleshafts for a '71, for the uneven length and 30 splines?
I know that it's more fun to build it yourself, but I just don't have the time or knowledge to set the gears, etc... Besides, the price isn't really that bad at approximately $1500 for the whole job.
TIA

 

That's exactly what I'm about to do too. I plan on going to the Detroit SofLocker, 4.88's, new bearings, etc., and upgrade to 30-spline shafts. My original intent was to go with the 30-spline Warn FF kit, but it's pretty steep price-wise at $850 or so. So, I was looking into flanged one-piece 30-spline shafts like the '70-'71's too. But to answer your question, I think the ends of the axle tubes are different between the factory flanged shaft axles and the factory tapered shaft axles. So, I don't think stock '71 shafts will work on the older axles. I believe Summers Bros. has a kit available to convert the older axles to 30-spline flanged shafts, but I heard that it's about $600-700.

 

Would these work to alleviate the problem? http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/productsRE.aspx?id=1907
Currie has several other housing ends, as well.

 

Just got off the phone with Currie. Looks like I'll probably be going with a brand new Currie built D44. Little pricey, but I think worth the extra dinero.

 

From Currie's site:
The "Currie® Built" Dana 44 is a unique combination of Dana and Currie® components that are exclusive to Currie Enterprises. Dana 44 center sections are carefully selected and inspected then outfitted with 9" style oversized housing ends, and Currie® Performance axle shafts. This combination allows the widest selection of disc and drum brake options, and a substantial increase in the rearends capacity to handle the abuse of locking differentials and oversize tires. The Dana 44 has a very broad selection of gear ratios and carriers to fill any application. Currie Enterprises recommends standard Dana 44's for Jeeps with up to 33" all tires and 300 Hp, and reverse rotation Dana 44 rears for Jeeps with up to 33" tall tires and 200 Hp. Currie® built Dana 44 rearends are built using the highest quality gears, bearings and seals available.

All assembly work is done by Currie technicians and inspected for quality control.



When I make the order, I'll have it set up with a Detroit Locker, 4.88's, and rear disc brakes. When it comes in, all I'll need to do is uncrate it and bolt it up. Like I said, it's a bit pricey (approx $2700, shipped), but should have the reliability of a brand new axle. No 38 year old parts to worry about.
I'll make sure to post pics when I make the order and it arrives.

 

yes i could probably build one for cheaper but for only haveing to de-crate it and bolt it up thats not bad at all.

 

By the time I'm done messing with my Dana 44 I'll have over $2000 in it alone. I've got the FF kit, New bearings, Ordering a ARB later this month, and more than likely going to go with 5:38 or 4:88's. For the cost of the disks in back I'd be pretty close. This way you save from skinning your knuckles except for bolting it in.

 

This was exactly my thinking. The Currie axle isn't much more than doing it myself. If I was to put a price on my labor time, the Currie is actually cheaper. Not to mention my lack of tools and knowledge for setting up the gears.

 

Sounds nice Firegod.

 

i went with the 30 spline ff kit ($450 ebay super deal)
used powr-lok ($200)
ebay gears ($65)

had the gears set up at the shop for aroung $300
sold the old 19 spline powr lok and gears and axle shafts for around $150.

the floater kit is real easy to install.. took an afternoon so i have a pretty nice setup for around $900.

remember to add the cost of regearing the front end to your total... plus now you will need to upgrade that d27 to at least a d30!

if ff kits are really over $800 now you really aren't getting that bad of a deal when you include the disc brake setup, detroit and gears. still for that much they should come install it for you as well.

chris