droff85

before I try and begin the project XJK when I get get out of school I was wondering what everybodies opinion was on trying to do a ford dana 44/ 9 inch swap. My real question would be if I should run full widths out from under a F150 or if I should go with a set out from under a early model (66-77) bronco. I think the bronco axles are an inch narrower wms to wms than XJs but I do know that the width with F150s is like 4 inches wider. I also know that the bronco axle came with drum brakes up to 72 I think but that wouldnt be hard for me to change. the other thing is that I know bronco axles also were only low pinion and the f150 are high pinion. I want to swap the axles b/c I do plan on going bigger than the 31s I have right now and also know that they have alot of after market support. the only reason I am thinking of the bronco axle is b/c I read some where that somebody said that it was difficult to drive with the wider axle. but I do have a donor f150 that i need to go pick up so it wouldnt cost me anything to buy unlike the two sets of bronco alxes that I have spyed. any way sorry for rambling but EVERYBODIES opinion is welcome so let me hear it. thanks.

jeeptech

A 44/9" swap is a solid choice and for me, if your lifting and raising your center of gravity, wider has got to be better. And in your case you said wider is also free. That's 2 votes wider!

Kyle

Im going to throw my vote in for the 44/9" aswell. It is a very good choice in axles.

-Kyle

nick_n_ii

I say the 44/9" swap is a great choice and if you can find a 78/79 F150(and disc front) there only about 1-1 1/2" wider, the other good thing is you can use the Ford radius arms, lengthen them and have a solid tried and true long arm set up..

dabeast727

the wider the better, you'll have a more stable stance and wont have to use ball joint/wheel bearing damaging wheelspacers

droff85

nick n ii you said that the ford radius arms can be lenghtened to make a true long arm set up. do you know how to lenghten them or anyone who might because as luck may have it my granddad has a 79 f150 that is junk but he gave it to me and it has good running gear so like i said all i have to do is just go trailer it over to my house. I dont guess anyone is favorable towards the early bronco axles and the f150 IS FREE!!

nick_n_ii

The EB and F-150 axles are basically the same. I'll see if I can find a friends write up were he did that to his..

Here it is, you'll have to read through it and it's done to a ZJ but still the same for a XJ..
http://www.nagca.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28920

droff85

cool write up nick n ii!! tell your buddy that is wife is a very lucky lady and that he is lucky that shell let him do that to her ride. maybe i can come up with something half that good.

ktmracer419

they are certainly much wider than 1.5". try 67" wms-wms as opposed to about 60"

as for desirable axles to use, it doesnt exist. you want a hp 44 with welded on radius arm wedges , you will have to swap in disc brakes and hubs from a newer dana44, 78-79 ford for 5 on 5.5" lug pattern or a 80-92 fullsize jeep if you want 6 on 5.5"

as for the 9" there arent many desirable factory 9" many come with 28-31 spline shafts and weak housings and a pinion that drags on the rocks. i dont know what trucks came with the stronger ones or which came with the less desirable ones though. i just know wet noodle housings and weak shafts can be found in many. of course add a truss and 35 spline locker and shafts and you have a stout rearend.

droff85

why should i look for a 44 with the welded on radius arm wedges when ill probably just modify the original radius arms?

ktmracer419

because a 3 link/4 link wins in the adjustability,flex, ground clearance, and handling department.

Randy Curran

It better work good since I'm putting them under my '95! I'll start the swap once I get done cutting up the body. The roof is gone, most of the fenders and quarters. I love cutting.

Kyle

Caged?

-Kyle

Randy Curran

Of course. Hopefully this weekend or next. Or I could just run it as is and see if I can make tacos!

Kyle

Make a thread with the build including the cage, I would be interested in seeing it.

-Kyle