ok so im doing as much research as i can on waggy D44, now i have already spent $800 on wheels and tires so i want to keep them. but the wheels are 5x5 bolt pattern. now i have found out that dodge outers are 5x5.5 and then i can just run adapters to get by, but i was also wondering about running a high steer setup with ciols up front. is this a good idea?, and did the early to mid 80's dodge D44s have locking hubs?

 

THe only down side to running the setup you are talking about is dodge is a dodge only stub shaft which means if you break.. you better have your own spare. You are better off getting small bearing spindles and running ford hubs and the 5x5.5 pattern.

Some of the dodges of that vintage had lock outs.. but most had drive flanges, at leas tin the half ton setup.


That is if my memory serves me right

 

so using a complete ford setup for the outers would be best right? did ford have flat knuckles ever?

 

Yes but only on the 3/4 tons which will still work with the half ton stuff. Scout outters are the same 5x5.5 and come factory with a high steer arm on the passenger side. Only down side to them is the external locking hubs.

 

would it be a good idea to go with a hi-steer setup with coils, i know most people do it to clear leaf springs. but what is the down side to having locking hubs?

 

Just a though have you checked the wheels to see if they'll clear the hubs? Stock JK wheels won't clear a locking hub and some aftermarket wheels won't either. This isn't a problem on JKs or WJs that have that bolt pattern because they don't have locking hubs but your waggy axle will. Also high steer is nice but not necessary unless you go over about 5".

 

no, i never thought of that, im guna have to measure them to night i guess

 

Locking hubs are great. only down side really is that they can break... But you can always carry a flange as a "spare" if one brakes on the trail. I think the dodge type is a one off weaker external style? I can't remember off hand.

I would also recommend the ford setup, to achieve the 5x5.5

I just ran a cross over steering setup. Saved some money. The waggy has the over the knuckle steering and the drag link is high and out of the way. I've hit my diff but never my steering. Hysteer is nice, but I think its overkill for most people. there are pics in my build thread.

 

ya i just really need to measure those wheels now, im not sure if they will fit, i got them from a racer in the TORC series that i always go to, they were for the smaller truck class (pro-lite), i saw them and i just had to have them lol

 

I would think that with the 5x5.5 it would have the center bore that would fit over the hub with locking hubs... but you won't know until there measured!

 

The easy way to get 5x5.5 bolt pattern and flat top knuckles is to run small bearing spindles on a chevy d44/10bolt/early fsj knuckle and a ford hub..

the reason why I say this is the dodge has dodge specific stubs. The same thing applies to the scout. The down side to this is if you break. most ppl run chevy stubs.. so they are easy to get.


Personally I run drive flanges... if you upgrade to alloys, and decent u-joints your weak link is your locking hub... if that goes boom.

I spent a lot of time researching this... My current setup I am using chevy knuckles, with waggy spindles, hubs and rotors.

 

X2 and love it! everything is easy/cheap to find.

A good link with info on dates and what should fit with the best options. Helped me piece my front end together.
http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/web_rs44.html

Some others on your question
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=940781
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448329
This one talks about using the waggy/chevy knuckles,spindle,caliper with a ford hub and rotor to still allow the big bearings? if i read it correctly. big bearings are better but either should do the job.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448329

 

srry it took so long, work and school, but they measure at 3 1/4" in the center. big enough?

 

ill go measure mine

 

my hub mesures 3.5" in outside diameter. (89 wagoneer axle)

My wheels have a 4" center bore.