dui1128

I'm thinking about swapping my front axle in my 98 Cherokee to a ford Dana 44. My question is are most peole who do this go with a three link set-up or do they go with a long arm set-up where the upper links are attached to the lower arms. Any info and pics would be great .

CheapCherokee

well, you can cheap out and build your axle around the stock suspension with pre made long arms and crossmember, or you can upgrade your suspension performance by making your own long arms, using a 3 link calculator to find the correct geometry.

dui1128

The way I'm wanting to go is a long arm set up because it would take less fab skill but I don't know how well it would do on the road cause it's more of a duel purpose rig

ktmracer419

Search. About 26374854 people have done both and documented everything on the internets.

jeepsurfer1

Are you matching that 44 with a 9"?

dui1128

Yes I'm gonna run a 9in and 35 in m/t's

Garvin

The front really doesn't have much to do with geometry. You need your vertical separation (if going with separate upper links) on the frame and vertical separation at the axle, the correct lengths for caster/pinion angle and then you just shove them where they fit. You want to try to get the arms as flat as possible to give the best ride quality. If you plan on really flexing the Jeep out, you will want to go 3-link as a radius arm and 4-link setup will eat bushings due to binding (again, not going to get into the whole flaming of this, it's a proven fact!).

I'm not a fan of radius arm setups due to only having two bolts mounting the suspension to the frame. Not only that but you have both the upper and lower control arm stresses going into that one bolt per side. Yes the setup works but I still don't feel comfortable with it.

I personally don't like the Dana 44 front axle but to each their own and I'll stay away from that argument.

jeepsurfer1

Pm me with reason? Planing the swap and could use your wisdom on the down sides (from your pov)

SeriousOffroad

I've got a narrowed Ford HP D44 under my rig, LongArms too.

Chevy flat-tops and Ford outers with manual lock-outs.

Outstanding axle.

jeepsurfer1

He had good reasons, would you be so kind as to snap a pic of your 44 front?

SeriousOffroad

Here ya go...one crappy cellphone pic.


FWIW,
I'm turning the tires with a 5.3L Vortec and haven't hurt the shafts yet.

jeepsurfer1

Nice, shorten both sides?

SeriousOffroad

Yep, sure did.

Got another one sitting in the garage waiting to be built as well.

jeepsurfer1

Take $50 ha ha I'm just messing

jaythenewguytojeepn

If ur gona comment do be a douche about it...