You Can Convert A Tapered 44 To A Flanged

Maybe I am tell some of you something you already know, but after exhaustive research and turning over countless rocks in search of the elusive 70 1/2 -71 off-set flanged 44 I discovered a guy that can convert it. I am also have it re-tubed longer and set up for discs at the same time. He is incredibly reasonable in labor and material as well. It is not done yet so I may be speaking too soon, but I went to his shop and he has been involved in countless build-ups, 4X4, HotRod, Drag racing, Lakebed racing, blah, blah, blah. In fact he often get referals from a little company called CURRIE ENTERPRISES that is very well known in the off road industry, maybe you have heard of them... . Anyway thought I would share as I have come across a number of people in the same dilema during my research.

 

Re: You Can Convert A Tappered 44 To A Flanged

Not putting a needle to your bubble or anything, but speaking out of curiosity...

Would it not be cheaper to go to a Wagoneer D44 (from a Q-trac)? By the time you re-tube, buy custom shafts, and add the disc mounts, it seems you would be past the *average* price for a used Waggy 44 ($200 - $300).

Again - just speaking out of curiosity.

And BTW: we need pics!!!

 

You could be right, but in my research I only found the AMC20 used with the Quadra-trak and that would be the off-set I am looking for. Please correct me if I am wrong, its not done and I have not spent the money yet. Oh BTW I am looking about $200 to retube, $150 to fab the disc mounts and since I already own the axle and the disc are a donation from a buddy who has a shop sponsored flat track car I see at as a good option. after that its axle and rebuild kit costs. Anybody disagree with my logic here... Please speak up.

 

I agree with everything here. $350 is probably about the same you would spend for a D44. But what about axleshafts? Are you not going to have them custom-made? That's where the big $$ would come into play...

IIRC: '76-'79 FSJ's with Quadratrac all used the offset Dana 44 rear axle.

Timgr - Can you confirm this?

 

Absolutely, custom shafts from this guy will run about $400 or $450 a set, but if I go Waggie length I can use those right???. Yeah, I know, I could just get a complete Waggie axle, but that would entail turning over more rocks, plus I would still be in for getting the Disc mounts fabed, and we are assuming I can get one in my hands for $200-$300 and believe me in So. Cal. that is a big assumption. I have had people quote me as much as $650 for a complete 44 of any kind, even with E-bay lets say I find one for $100 or $200 if I am lucky I still gotta get it here and I don’t know for sure what I have until its here and paid for….. Just too many variables for me. AGAIN ALL INPUT IS WELCOME, I am a sponge at this point.

 

I think the key here is he is re-tubing
that means the tube ends will be large enough to take the full size flanged axle bearings most likely
I stll am leary about whether it can be done to a stock, tapered 44 housing
somebody tell me I am wrong and show me the pics

 

BINGO!!!! The reason I went to talk to him in person and see the shop. He is for real, been doing this for a very long time. Now again I caution it IS NOT DONE but I questioned him at length and he assured me it was no problem. He actually tried to sell me on the benifits of the AMC20 which I have laying around as well, I know there are some up sides to the AMC20 like pinion size but all in all I think the 44 is the better choice.