ZJ-DesertRat

I am replacing the front axle on my ZJ and wanted to know some stuff. Well first off what kind of vehicle would I have to take it off of? And would the ABS be a problem when replacing it? If you have answers and more information please let me know. It would be much appreciated.

caged

well, that depends on how much work you want to do.
for an easy swap in, you can get a front tj rubicon axle. but not really a true 44.
otherwise, an early bronco is about the correct width, but some cutting and welding to make it work.
anything else is most likely full width and will either need cut down or a rear to match.

going to a 44 front usually always requires some extensive work. nothing is really bolt in. other than the rubi 44. but expensive and has an air locker, so you'll need a compressor for that.

Gee oh Dee

But just as good.

And with the airlocker there, nice to have. You don't need a compressor, but you need one if you wanna utilize the airlocker that you get with it. Might as well, obviously, but still a great option if you can shell out the cash (big if).

xjmarc

No not anywhere near as good. The Rubi 44 has Dana 30 tubes, knuckles, outers, brakes etc. The only thing 44 about it is the carrier and ring and pinion. BTW only the early models were air lockers, later ones are electric. Also it's a low pinion so it's strength is about the same as a high pinion 30.

caged

the jk rubi 44 (07+) is a real 44. but is wider than our axles.
also, the price of those rubi axles are outrageous. you can purchase, and build up a set of bronco 44/9 and install them for the price of just the front rubi one.

xjmarc

x2 on the JK 44 front and it has different bracketry so it's not a bolt in. Also aftermarket support is just getting started for them. They use a special ring and pinion and have a different spline count (32 or 33 can't remember) than the standard 30 spline.

4.3L XJ

X2 on the early Bronco 44. The new ones have unit bearings instead of spindles and hubs. If you are not old enough to remember, you could bash those and the tubes would bend before you loose a spindle or bearing (been there, done that twice). Also, those tubes were all stronger than the ones used in the new stuff. Hence the constant bracketry and axle tube upgrades being done on trail rigs now.

ZJ-DesertRat

So the Bronco 44 would be my best bet? I was looking to go to a pick a part just for jeeps so I don't know if they would even carry Ford stuff. But if I picked up a 44 from the Bronco what all would I need to do to swap it out with the stock front end?

ZJ-DesertRat

Or what if I do a knuckle swap or build up the 30 to the strength of the stock 44? I'm not sure

Gee oh Dee

I knew one of them were the real D44, just didn't know which one.

And I agree with caged, the Rubicon axles are really expensive. I've seen something like $2400 for one.

4.3L XJ

It is the early Bronco you want if you want an axle that is about the same width. Those are available, but not a lot of then around. Jeffs Bronco Graveyard is a good source.

Late Bronco stuff is available and much cheaper with a stronger housing, but is full width. Both axles you have to cut the old stuff off the outside and replace it with brackets for the suspension links and coil buckets. The bottom is no probem, but the top will require a truss over the top. Kits are available from several manufacturers, unless you want to run a three link which is OK, I am running one.

ZJ-DesertRat

What year Bronco am I looking for? Because I'll do the work as long as I have the right tools to do it. Just let me know what I need to do.

4.3L XJ

1970-77 Might as well get the matching heavy duty 9" Ford rear axle to go with it and match the bolt pattern.

xjmarc

Careful some early Broncos have a Dana 30 front and the 9" could be the weaker small bearing 28 spline, which is still stronger than the 35 and 44a. Also some of the early Broncos have front drum brakes which requires swapping the knuckle to put disc on it. Depending on how big of tire you want to run and what your plans are for what terrain you wheel you might be better off building a high pinion 30 out of a newer XJ. I say newer because in the mid 90s they went to a bigger u-joint which is stronger.

4.3L XJ

That is correct, until 79 D44 fronts were an option as well as the heavy duty 9", which is why I specified heavy duty 9". But I am going to disagree with building a D30. There is not a high pinion D30 anywhere that will take the abuse of the early bronco D44 just because of the unit bearing and housing situation. The early spindles on all the Dana axles were overbuilt and the cast pumpkins were heavier also. A "built" D30 will not take the torque a standard 44 will. If he is going to go after a truly beefier axle, that is the best option outside of Dynatrac or Curie.