Ritchierich

Hey guys, new to the wheeling world and have had my cherokee for 3 months. In those months it has gotten wheeled almost every day of the week, on some pretty technical trails. I have snapped 3 driveshafts this summer, 1 in my c-clip lsd 35, and two in the 30 (high pinion). Im looking to turn it into a straight trail truck next year, and axles will be my first big purchase. It is currently running on a 5" lift and 33's but that will all go.


Im sure it has been asked a hundred times, but axles, Im not looking to break the bank. Is the ford 9"/hp44 off the 78-79 bronco a fairly painless swap? Im fairly mechanically inclined but new to the 4x4 world.


As well, I was thinking about a triangulated 4 link in the rear, just to get the most out of the rear end on the technical trails. Any preferance over three or four link setups and is there any recommended log arm kits for the rear. I can have some fabbed if necessary.


Thanks guys, Zack.

93_xjcherokee

The possibilities are endless. I would run dana 44 HD rear trussed with 4 link and trussed Dana 30 HP with chromoly axle shafts and 4 link. Or you could go full widths. Anything is possible with money. Girls become guys, guys become girls and people build some pretty badass trail rigs

xjmarc

The 78-79 D44 in 1/2 ton fords has cast wedges so you are stuck running ford radius arms. Not that that's a bad thing since they work just like most typical out of the box long arm kits, which are radius arms. I have a set I modified with 2" .25 wall DOM with 3" johnny joints, one of these days I'll actually install them. The rear 9" is a good swap and will hold a decent tire stock and built can be just as strong as a ton axle. The D44 even with chromos will be maxed out with 37s. I run 38s on mine and breaking shafts is a fairly common thing. Another thing to remember is that the u joints in the shafts of a D44 are the same ones in your D30 so the strength upgrade come in slightly larger shafts and ring gear. If you ever plan on a tire larger than a 37 go straight to tons.

Ritchierich

My goal tire size is 37, I can't see myself ever wanting more haha. I have a buddy who has compiled his **** yard with numerous 60's, I just don't know if Id want to build up one ton's. Im thinking the 9" rear d44 front will be my best bet and just carry some shafts lol.

Ritchierich

Beautiful rig btw marc.

Atmos

swapping in any axles, let alone 35 year old ones, will be far from painless. they won't break the bank if your bank can take a $8,000 build if we're just talking bare essentials here and you're doing all the work yourself. plan on dumping at least $3300 into your half tons, $1400 into your link kits, steering, drive shafts, brackets upon brackets, roll cage, tires, wheels...

I'd start looking at pictures and reading
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/83-jeep-cherokee/

andrewmp6

Honestly i would go for bigger axles so you can run larger tires later on.A dana 60 and a 14 bolt rear would be better if you wanted 37s and up later on.As far as a 4 link have you seen http://www.essentiallyoffroad.com/ul...te-4-link-kit/

Atmos

very cool! I didn't know they started producing those.

too bad heims and links aren't included in the price of $478 though haha. that will end up being one expensive kit

stang65

check out the fab section someone just did a write up on a cast wedge hp44. also I have the hp44/9" swap on mine and have had no real issues bar from my own wheelin mistakes. but I got lucky the axles I got had recently be serviced. I recomend not rushing it maybe looking into a 60/14 combo do some of the other mods needed for bigger axles while you hunt a deal on the axles you want.

xjmarc

You say 37s now but if you're like me they won't be enough. I built mine for 35s and now run 38s and have some 42s I've considered but I'd have to get rid of the 44 for sure for those.

Rere1992

X2 prep your jeep while lookin for axles. Less work all at once and you can space out purchases.

zingablaxj

I've got a 44/9. And love it. 5:13s. Locker front. Spool rear. 38 boggers and they both hold up to some use.