Anyone know of a front dana 44 that i can use under the front of my 87 xj. I have an xj 44 in the rear so i want it to be close to the same width. Id like it to have the same bolt pattern but doubt ill get that lucky but possibly some kind of conversion?

 

check the WMS on an early grand wagoneer, narrow track axle. You'll have to change it coil spring mount. i don't think there is a solid axle 44 for that tiny of a truck.

 

TJ Rubicon axle would be the closest match with matching bolt pattern.. but it's not a true D44.

Wagoneer front axle is close to width, but low pinion and differing bolt pattern.

Full width swap out of the question? Daily driver or want to keep street legalities?

I'd like to build a Ford High Pinion D44 and cut it down to Wagoneer width for easy axleshaft replacements, and stay XJ width. Have Dutchman make new rear D44 shafts with a matching bolt pattern.

 

no its not drivin on the street much. just a trail rig. I just have finished the rear, finding the 44, blasting, painting, brakes, welding spyders, and installation is why im not really up on the full width idea. I thought about 30 spline chromolys and full case locker in the d30 i have now but thats really alot of cash. i checked on a couple of tj 44 and there not cheap either. and like you said its not a true 44. correct me if im wrong, 44 housing and 44 center section but d30 shafts?

 

What size tire you running? Rocks, mud, forest roads?

 

Close, D44 center section and everything else is D30.

What size tire do you want to run? People bag on the Waggy D44 for being low pinion but there are plenty of guys running 37's on them.

Or if you've got the time, the tools, and the fab skills, the best option (strength wise) is the one Overland mentioned. Here's a great write-up on narrowing a Ford HP D44;

http://www.bsfab.net/?p=12

 

what about an Scout 44 front end?

 

running 33" swampers now but have a set of 36s sitten in my shop that i plan to run once i get the front end beefed up. mostly rocks and trails. not a fan of mud. Ive got the time, tools and probably the skills to do it but i was hoping for an easy way out lol

 

not sure, ill have to check the width. im not up to date on front axles

 

Pass side diff iirc.. LP and narrower.

The pre 80's also had 0 caster built in so you'll have to cut and turn knuckles anyway.

It's been awhile but thats how i remember the Scout axle...

 

Nice link.. heres another for axle specs.



http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/index.htm

 

I was a good thought though.

 

thanks guys, gives me some ideas to check into

 

And breaking them..... especially the hubs.

You will need alloy shafts to run the 36's and will still problaby break the stubs or the hubs. 35's is the safe limit IMHO on a D44.

 

True, not gonna argue that. Plenty don't though. All depends on driving style and terrain.

X2 on the alloys. I would also run something like CTM's for u-joints, gusset the inner C's, and truss it for peace of mind. Those 36" swampers run closer to a true 37" and are heavy pigs. Even with a ballz out built HP D44, you still may break as Ghost said.