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BEST source for a dana 44 front axle

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by wicked4x4, Feb 25, 2009.

  1. Feb 25, 2009
    wicked4x4

    wicked4x4 HEY, watch the paint!

    Escondido, CA
    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2006
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    194
    i was originally planning to down the road get front/rear dana 60's and go nuts on this thing. but since i abuse my rear dana 44 and have yet to have a problem, i was thinking dual 44's would be great and less expensive.

    what is the best source vehicle to find a jeep width dana 44, prefer with disc brakes, with 5x5.5 bolt pattern.

    i did find a full width 77 chevy d44 for $150, disc brakes, but that 6 lug pattern, and no hubs. so for the cost of hubs, and probably a bearing kit, i'd be in business. but, i'd need to address that 6 lug issue, and how much wider would this axle be than my current d30?

    i don't mine one being too much wider, as i run wheel spacers now, and can even up the rear with them, but i'm not gonna run 10" of spacing to do this...
     
  2. Feb 25, 2009
    mpc

    mpc Member

    Vista, CA 92083...
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2005
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    779
    Any 44 that you want in the same width range as your rear CJ Dana 44 will have to be cut down. I'm assuming you have a narrow track rear at 50.5" +/-. The closest thing (that I know of) would be a Scout II Dana 44 front. Pumpkin is on the passenger side, 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern, disc brakes, but it is about 58" wide.

    BTW, I have such an axle that I will be pulling the axle shafts for spares. Once I do that, I'll be getting rid of the rest of it (Cheap).

    http://www.jeeptech.com/convaxle/d44f.html Some good info here on Dana 44 swaps. The Scout worked for me because mine's a trail rig and I didn't care that about the lack of caster.
     
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2009
  3. Feb 25, 2009
    wicked4x4

    wicked4x4 HEY, watch the paint!

    Escondido, CA
    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2006
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    194
    hmmm, i was afraid of that. i'm not looking to go custom width axle route. sounds like a real pain if ever needing to replace an axle shaft.

    seems if i do go this route, i'll just be replacing both axles anyways. if that is the case, they may as well be 60's...

    please keep me in mind for that axle you're referring to as well.
     
  4. Feb 25, 2009
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    Apparently the Scout axle isn't optimal because of its 0 caster angle. Shortening a Wagoneer front seems like the best route. Nick has written on this in detail, if you search old posts.

    Search for the intersection of "nickmil" and "Scout axle" ... you'll find lots of info, with informative posts from Nick and others.
     
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2009
  5. Feb 25, 2009
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
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    Nov 25, 2008
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    On a Wagoneer D-44 all you need to switch out to obtain the 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern is the hubs from a Bronco or F-150. The Ford hubs will fit on the Wagoneer spindle using the same bearings and grease seals. Those hubs are very easy to located new or used and will also work with the Wagoneer disc brakes.
     
  6. Feb 25, 2009
    jinpdx

    jinpdx Member

    Caldwell, ID
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    Feb 5, 2008
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    I believe you have to use the spindles from a 74-77 wagoneer, or the small spindle chevys, for the ford hubs to fit.
     
  7. Feb 25, 2009
    wicked4x4

    wicked4x4 HEY, watch the paint!

    Escondido, CA
    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2006
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    194
    cool thanks for the tips guys. i was talking to my diff/drivetrain guy. he said the most cost effective route is a pair of scout dana 44's and run full width. he claims that i should be able to find a pair in good condition to bolt on for about $500.
    the width i don't mind. and i'd imagine the caster shouldn't matter too much since i would most likely need to put on new spring pads anyway to match my suspension width?

    someone else i just spoke with mentioned looking for a ford 8.8 as they are strong, easily available, and have disc brake rear. any thoughts on that axle?
     
  8. Feb 25, 2009
    wicked4x4

    wicked4x4 HEY, watch the paint!

    Escondido, CA
    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2006
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    194
    is that the axle that you are running in the front? did you need to shorten it or do you run with the width of it?
     
  9. Feb 25, 2009
    2manytoys

    2manytoys Member

    minnesota
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    Mar 28, 2007
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    282
    Caster is only corrected by grinding the tubes and welding them at the right angle. If you point the pinion where you need it the caster will be way off and need to be corrected. I would look into the wagoneer axles, unless you are not going to drive that fast in 4wd and dont mind the vibes from the pinion.
     
  10. Feb 25, 2009
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
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    Nov 25, 2008
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    Yes, I have a D-44 from a 76 Wagoneer that I narrowed myself by taking a few inches off the drivers side only. It was really quite easy to do. I then used Bronco hubs and rotors on the Wagoneer spindles.
     
  11. Feb 25, 2009
    mpc

    mpc Member

    Vista, CA 92083...
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2005
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    779
    Maybe, but it would probably be a stock high gear ratio, like around 3.73 so you might be adding the cost to re-gear along with any new brake parts it needs.

    You'll need to outboard the front springs because of the pumpkin location. The spring pad by the diff is integrated into the housing. Even if you were to grind it down to adjust the angle of the perch, that doesn't really make things any better it will just point your u-joint and drive shaft downward closer to the ground. The only way to adjust the caster is to remove the axle housings and rotate them (or use a caster shim to pick up a little).

    I thought the typical Ford 8.8 at that width (Ford Explorer) was 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern. A 5 on 5.5" would be full size truck and too wide. Just guessing on this, not really sure.

    I have a Scout II rear axle that I'll be getting rid of also (no shafts). I just picked them up for the spare axle shafts.
     
  12. Feb 26, 2009
    mpc

    mpc Member

    Vista, CA 92083...
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    Whoops. I didn't mean to duplicate. I didn't see this post where you already covered it.
     
  13. Feb 26, 2009
    jinpdx

    jinpdx Member

    Caldwell, ID
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    There is a spacer made that also converts 4.5 spacing to 5.5. Just food for thought.
     
  14. Feb 26, 2009
    cj-john

    cj-john Member

    Galveston, IN.
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    I just got a quote from Dynatrac on a front Dana 44. They will not do a narrow track, only a wide track. It would be about 4-5" wider than your rear axle. That's not bad if you want to correct the track width with wheel spacers. They offer them with a variety of upgrades. Good axle shafts, air lockers, all the cool stuff. And, for the low, low price of 5300.00 plus shipping they will send one right to your door!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Yikes! I could build another freaking Jeep to beat on for 5300 dollars. Think about how may Dana 30's you could buy at a junk yard and destroy for that much money.
     
  15. Feb 26, 2009
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    Mar 4, 2003
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    I also looked into this a few years ago - Dynatrac and Currie axles. After some looking I bought a D30 with Discs 6 bolt setup in great shape - here is my list and rough costs:
    D30 $350
    D44 Stock
    D44 FF Kit $750
    Both OX Lockers and 4.88 for front $1500
    Axles setup (I don't to these) $600
    Total for both axles that are strong enough for 35's $3200...

    Just food for thought.
     
  16. Feb 26, 2009
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    There are other companies that build them much cheaper than Dynatrac. Don't get me wrong, they build a great product but there are other avenues. Some of the other companies will build them narrow track width as well and just housing and axles, complete ready to go, or anywhere in between.
     
  17. Feb 27, 2009
    CJ-X

    CJ-X Member

    Ohio
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    Best Dana 44 is out of a ford pick-up.
    Heavier tubes from most trucks.
    heavier pumpkin if from a 3/4 ton.
    high pinion to keep your front driveshaft safe.
    Many different ways to do the knuckles out or high steer
    Easy to move the pumpkin to the passenger side
     
  18. Feb 27, 2009
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
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    Have you done this?
     
  19. Feb 27, 2009
    CJ-X

    CJ-X Member

    Ohio
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    Aug 6, 2006
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    Yes. you just cut tube off of the long side and add it to the short side. I used a sleeve on the inside of the tube where I added. You can not even tell that I did it.
    I chose to make it about Scout / Wrangler width. and kept my springs under the frame rails.
     
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