Cracked narrow Dana 44 axle tube

I am guessing I will have to replace my whole narrow track Dana 44 axle on my 1974 CJ5 since the complete spring perch is snapped off? Any ideas?

 

You could always weld it back on. Those narrow track 44's are usually pretty easy to come by if you decide to replace it or maybe it is time to upgrade to wider stronger Waggy 44's.

 

not sure where you are, but I've got bare housing you could have in NJ. Come and get it.

 

Thanks Dante. Would take you up on that but I am in California. Just my luck.

 

i was the one who referred you over here from pirate. try posting a wtb ad in the classifieds under intermediates, I am sure you can find one in California.

 

Where in California are you.

 

Thanks djl... I am near Sacramento in CA.

 

i didn't realize you had the 4.27s, that may make life a little harder. if you could over come the shipping from Missouri this would be like the best deal short of a shorted dana 60 with matching gears falling out of a truck on your lawn.http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81480

 

Classic signs of fatigue failure, you can probably get someone local to re-tube the axle for you or weld up the crack and reinforce the tube. This is fixable no need for a new axle. Whats the specs on the this jeep? Miles? Previous use? Tire size

 

Just send me 700 stamps.

 

I am going to be pulling a narrow 44 from my Jeep, and am willing to part with it cheap.

I am in Cameron Park, so the location should not be an issue.

 

I found one in Lodi for under $100. When will you be pulling your axle out? It is my second vehicle so I can just push it off to the side for a while. I would much rather make the short trek to Cameron Park. Let me know.

 

Got a buddy in Lincoln that might have what you need for cheap. Might be 538's, if your interested I check with him.

 

Fatiqued from what? Because the u-bolts were loose? Has anyone else had one break in a similar fashion? Looks to me like it was bad metal.

 

Decades of use, poor quality steel would of broke years ago. If it was overloaded it would of just broken the welds on the spring perch. Cracks like that are common on fatigue failures.


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Any time----Jeep is just sitting. I can do it today if needed.

However, I noticed you posted a request in the classified section, and mention you need a center pumpkin-----mine is offset.

Let me know if this will work for you, or not.

 

I have never seen the whole section of tube crack out like that... usually the welds break first. Pretty ugly though. The offset wont work for me, will need it centered. Thanks for checking for me though.

 

I have had the jeep for about 8 months. Think I figured out how that axle ended up like that. That rear quarter of the jeep has been repainted at some point so hat back quarter took a nice hit from something. Still drove fine but made a good amount of suspension noise. The PO probably thought the leaking fluid was from the breather tube that was not attached directly above it.

 

I've seen several break like that. In almost every case the u-bolts had worked loose allowing the housing to rock back and forth on the springs. This causes the housing to flex in that area because of the leverage between the spring pads and springs. I've seen the pads rounded off on the ends, the welds still intact, and the housing tube broken completely around the pad.
If you are a very good welder the piece can be welded back in place and re-inforced but it's not the best solution. It's tough to do without warping the tube. I'd look for another axle assembly or housing first. It can be re-tubed but it isn't cheap to have it done correctly.

 

I found another housing. Picking it up tomorrow.