Axle swaps

[jon]

Hey guys, I am in the process of doing an axle swpa on my YJ. I recently changed directions from doing waggy front and rear dana 44s as finding 44 centered rears isn't all that easy and I would still have to regear.

I recently started doing a lot of research into the Isuzu dana 44 rear axle.
and will be swapping one in.

here are some specs:
-6 on 5.5 bolt pattern (matches waggy front)
-58-59" wms to wms distance
(again matches the waggy front, and perfect fit for a YJ)
-came in 4.10 and 4.30 gears
-came with rear DISC brakes
-TracLoc is very common.
-heavy duty shafts.

I have also heard that they may be a direct bolt in to a YJ, but that is heresay.

I am going to pick one up on friday, and I may be able to get others if anyone is interested.

 

[/dev/null]

Just as a suggestion if you are short on time to swap:

OK4WD in New Jersey has 8.8s with 4.10 gears, 1310 yoke, and LSD ready to bolt-in to a YJ for $950.

http://www.ok4wd.com/product.asp?id=547

From web site:

These axle assemblies are brand new! They feature a 5x4.5 bolt pattern, 4.10 gears, disc brakes (95 & newer), 31 spline axle shafts, 8.8" diameter ring gear (D35 is 7.5"), pinion flange, 120% stronger than a Dana 35, only 20 pounds more than a Dana 35, limited slip differential stock, and strong 3-1/4" diameter tubes.

The width of the 8.8 assembly is 5/8" per side narrower then the Dana 35. This is a very minor drawback, and will work if you have wheels with less backspacing than stock. The Ford 8.8 is not compatible with anti-lock brake equipped Jeep vehicles!

 

[jon]

4.30 gears, LSD, disc brakes

$150.....


time isn't short, and I can weld perches in If i need to and I don't keep the crappy 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern.

 

[jon]

well I picked up 2 axles today.

4.30 gears, lsd. one has all the brake stuff on it the other is missing it.

$200 :lol:

 

[Erik S.]

Wish I had seen this sooner. Paul has a Commanche D44, which would be a bolt up for a YJ. Commanches were spring under, unlike the Cherokee. If the others don't work like you want, let me or Paul know.


Erik

 

[jon]

yeah, I have a commanche axle lying around here somewhere as well as a waggy 44 and waggy amc 20

but this has, 4.30 gears, LSD, and disc brakes. for$100.

for another hundred I got a set of spare shafts, another Gearset and LSD to go in a waggy front I am getting for free.

I have to weld perches on but thats easy.

 

[bandittyj]

Just my 2cents, but don't let centerline of the rear be a determining factor in your decision. The 9" going into my YJ is going to end up being 3 1/2" off pinion to TC centerline, sounds screwy, but all will be just fine with my CV driveshaft. Talked to several people that have this type of setup and there was no problems at all and no vibrations on the street.
BTW I'm also 1 1/2" SOA.
Gregg

 

[jon]

it will work ok... but ou will eat that lower ujoint.

with a cv driveshaft the lower joint should have no angular misalignement. I know guys running that sort of setup and they don't have noticable vibes, but they do have to swap the lower ujoint every couple months or so.