Dana axle upgrade questions

I never researched this but there was past discussions on the strength of the D41. IIRC, Jim ( jpflat2a) felt that the 41 was strong enough for normal trail use. I decided to leave mine alone in the 2A.

However, I bet choice of lockers is narrow. The aussie may not have the clearance, i dunno.

 

Steve I'm fixin to do this same swap, only I'm not adding a locker. I have all the parts on the workbench just no time to do it . But I would say just stick with the lock rite since you know it will fit rather than chancing wether or not the aussie will fit.

 

It was pointed out to me that axle tube thickness should also be concidered if your puting money and time into a stronger axle. I found a complete 1970 Cj5 D44 30 spline rear axle. It know has Warn full floater kit. I don't know what tube thickness these have.

 

the 41 is plenty strong IMO
I did break 2 axles screwing around in 2wd low range barking the tires while shifting....this was my fault.
The reason I went 44 is back in the early 80s there were no locker options for the 41 and the 10 spline axles and spiders were being discontinued from Jeep. Nick's info is good info about converting to the D44 axles and splines.
I have broken 3 tapered 44 axles, always the short side I might add; they just don't flex like the long drivers side shafts do.
This resulted in changing to the current 44 full float set-up.
Changing tapered axles in the desert isn't fun and you can't drive the Jeep home on a broken tapered axle.
My only concern now with D44 tapered axles would be country of origin; when Dana/Spicer made them, I had no concerns.
most replacements now (if not all) are foreign made and the quality and strength are missing. The last 2 short side 44 axles I broke were from Crown and not "Dana" marked. They broke during normal "street" driving, not off road.
If it were me, I would probably seek out original used Spicer axles to use in my rig.
I would avoid the Crown and foreign brands.

 

What Jpflat2a said!
I've also had experience with the aftermarket replacement tapered shafts and they are junk. I don't know if the Aussie Locker would fit, never installed the Aussie, but I know a Lock-rite will in a 41 case. You may have to clearance the opening somewhat for installation, but not a big deal. A dremel/die grinder or patience and a file will do it. Just make sure you clean it thoroughly afterward! I would suspect an Aussie would fit as it has to match the same dimensions of a stock side gear. Food for though. I would recommend putting new thrust washers between the side gear and case though to keep clearances where they should be. Nickmil.

 

ive been running the 41 for about 5 yrs of hard trail use with a lockrite. Have never had a problem, and have bounced it pretty hard at times. The 41 is supposed to be marginally weaker than the tapered shafts of the 44. Dont know how long it will last, have eaten through two sets of outer bearings, but that just poor PM. I think mine has held up real well.

 

nows the time for the 4 spd swap

 

Glad I read this I was about to chunck my 41 in favor of the 44 out from under my a1. I think i will keep it now Did not know you could swap the axles between the two. Great place with lots of info.

 

You have a 41 under your A1? Should be a tapered axle 44

 

Sorry I did not make myself clear. You are correct the A1 has a 44 The 2a has a 41 I am building the 2a first and was going to use tha 44 from the A1.