axle mods

i have a 71 cj5 and it has the flanged d44 thats offset to the passenger side in the rear and was wondering about modding a dually axle to fit in a similar fashion.

has anyone taken a full size axle and lopped off 10" from one side to create a ~60" offset rear 1 ton axle similar to the waggy 44?

 

What are the plans for the Jeep? You have what is probably the best stock axle ever used in a CJ. One thing for sure is that you will not likely have a problem selling it.

I thought about doing what you are suggesting with an off-set J20 D60 but going the 9" route instead.

 

I agree with Duffer-a 30 spline D44 is pretty stout for a lightweight vehicle like a CJ.
Unless you plan on some serious horsepower and/or giant tires, it'll probably be fine.

 

I can't think of a single reason to change what you have unless you think you need 35+ tires or insane horse power.

 

+1 I would focus on getting everything running and then upgrading as you go down the road. The Dana 44 is plenty strong for the stock powerplant.

If you do decide to upgrade axles, upgrade T case and go with a centered pumpkin. Makes life a whole lot easier.

 

ultimate plan was to go with a 4bt diesel drivetrain, maybe sm465 trans but i have been reading that my dana 18 is pretty stout as is so i will probably keep using it. now i might have a line on a SBF 5.0L and a T18 or NP435 trans, not sure which it is just yet. would like to run 36" iroks on H1 beadlocks. i really dont plan on anything too crazy as far a rock crawling or anything. just want a stout truck to take hunting and throw in the mud or snow occasionally. more of a restomod. probably dont need the dually axles but i figure if the price is right, might as well not pass on it. this is all coming from a buddy i work with so i know i will get a good deal on it all.

guess i could work my way into a dana 20 t-case to make life easier but was figuring to narrow to ~60" instead of 70" so i figured chopping one side instead of both and keeping the offset d-18 would be as difficult as swapping cases and shortening both sides or much less...

 

also to add: this jeep is a year long project or so just beginning. i just got it to bare frame and will start blasting and rehabbing everything. i agree with the being able to upgraed as i go later usually but since this is a frame off resto, if the axles and ford v8 and such fall into place nice enough, i will be rebuilding them as necessary instead of the stockers. really depends on how the deals present themselves because the fall back plan is a 4.3L chevy TBI v6, rebuild t90 and d18, add power steering, power disk breaks and tilt wheel and drive it like that. the hot rodder side of me says small block v8, 4 speed, 1 ton axles, 36" iroks on h1 beadlocks.

 

Dang, are you gonna hunt on John Bull?

Have you driven anything with a setup like this yet?
Are you sure this is what you want?

 

Broylz,

Hunted with a guy years ago in Colorado that had a CJ-2a with a V6 and had adapters to bolt on an extra set of rear wheels..........this Jeep was killer in snow especially when chained up on the duals and the front axle.........

 

i know i should be fine with a v6 and stock axles for most anything i would ever do with this jeep. just balancing reality with my desire to own a purpoose built mud truck or a rock crawler....

 

Then leave it alone; it's fine as is.

 

throw some lockers and good tires on it and it will impress all your huntin buddies! believe me I got friends that park thier atvs to ride with me.

 

TBI 4.3 ltr is a good choice. Mine works awesome. I can lug it down to 15mph in fourth gear and still power out of it.

 

I think upgrading is a great idea! I'll buy your Dana 44!

 

If you want a purpose built monster, an ECJ might not be the best platform, the only thing left would be about 3/4 the body.

 

If your plans don't include boring out the spindles for larger 1.5 shafts your not gaining all that much, 90% of the 60ff have the same size axle shafts as the 44 you have now.