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D-44 Axle upgrade

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 1968Jeep, Oct 8, 2004.

  1. Oct 8, 2004
    1968Jeep

    1968Jeep Member

    St.Albert,...
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    Apr 12, 2003
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    223
    I am wondering what is out there to strengthen the axles in my '68 M38a-1. I keep hearing about Summers Brothers axles for the early 2 piece dana 44's. Otherwise, Warn lists a full-floater kit, but it is very pricy here in Canada.
    I am running 35 x 14.50 R 15 Boggers and I know I'm on borrowed time.......

    Any advice is welcome

    Thanks
     
  2. Oct 8, 2004
    53Flattie

    53Flattie Intigator

    Easley, SC
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    Sep 23, 2002
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    Hmm - that's a tough one... The Warn FF kit would add a good bit of strength. But, like you said, it's spendy. The only way to swap in a different axle, while keeping the Dana 18 t-case, is to use another offset 44. In late 70 and 71, CJ's came with a flanged, Dana 44 rear with 30 splines. This would probably sound like the cheapest/easiest route, but it might not be. You'll probably pay ~$400 for the axle, then you're going to have to regear (b/c it won't be 5.38). In the end, it might be cheaper to go with the FF kit... IMO.
     
  3. Oct 8, 2004
    1968Jeep

    1968Jeep Member

    St.Albert,...
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    Anyone know where to find a 70 or 71 CJ offset rear diff up in the Great White North??
     
  4. Oct 8, 2004
    53Flattie

    53Flattie Intigator

    Easley, SC
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    Any Jeep junkyards up that way?
     
  5. Oct 8, 2004
    dauntless_powered

    dauntless_powered SUB Chief

    Groton, CT
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    Nov 3, 2003
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    anyone have pics oof the difference between the flanged 30 spline and the other 44? thanks i think i have the flanged one but not entirly sure
     
  6. Oct 8, 2004
    ljspop

    ljspop Lurking Bronco Dude

    San Diego, CA
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    Jan 29, 2003
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    394
    Tapered axles have a bolt at the end of the axle. Flanged do not. Pretty easy.

    Here is a tapered:

    [​IMG]

    You should have flanged in a 70 methinks.
     
  7. Oct 8, 2004
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    4,585
    Or Homebrew your rear FF kit. All you need is a Dana 30 apindle and then use the bearing hubs and locking hubs off the same Dana 30. Then get custom shafts made. They are only straight shafts so it will not be as pricey as flanges custom axles. I think you make have to machine down the inside should of the spindle to fit in axle end, but other than that it is much cheaper to do than buy the warn kit. and you can use full time flagnes at the ends if you do not want locking hubs.
     
  8. Oct 8, 2004
    ljspop

    ljspop Lurking Bronco Dude

    San Diego, CA
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  9. Oct 8, 2004
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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  10. Oct 8, 2004
    ljspop

    ljspop Lurking Bronco Dude

    San Diego, CA
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    Whoops - that's the one I meant to link. Both are good. I'm acquiring the parts to do the full floater conversion now. :D :D
     
  11. Oct 8, 2004
    1968Jeep

    1968Jeep Member

    St.Albert,...
    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2003
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    Thanks guys, I'll consider the dana 30 spindles and hubs - wonder who makes custom axle shafts up here?

    one of the articles mentions upgrading to a higher spline count - can I just swap in different side gears in the existing center section??
     
  12. Oct 8, 2004
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
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    Yes you should be able to toss in 30 spline side splines.
     
  13. Oct 9, 2004
    1968Jeep

    1968Jeep Member

    St.Albert,...
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    awesome, Thanks!
     
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