axle swap

[FSJ_Daniel]

im looking into doing a very cheap axle swap just to get me by for a little while, i wanna swap the 73 closed knuckle dd44 for a 74+ d44 axle. For the most part i would just have to get a pass drop, weld on new perches, adapter yolk? make tie rods fit together and that should be it correct?

[Stuka]

Its a lot more involved than that. You will end up with 6 lug front, 5 lug rear. But the big issue is brakes and steering.

http://fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2271

http://fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2290

http://fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1983

These topics should answer some of your questions.

[tgreese]

You can put 5-lug Ford hubs on the new axle, and match the pattern for the rear.

A '73 has a closed knuckle Dana 30, FYI. SO you would be upgrading to open knuckles and a stronger axle.

[csuengr]

im looking into doing a very cheap axle swap

[carnuck]

Wag or Jtruck?

[FSJ_Daniel]

its a closed knuckle 44, but i keep braking the hubs on them like crazy. i want something with factory disk brakes, not converted like i have done such on mine. Its on a j4000 running 35's. i use it as a daily driver more then i take it in the trails. just something cheap to fix that problem until i get my raise and start getting more money flowing in to contribute to 1 tons and be done with everything

[Stuka]

Well, no real cheap way. You can find an axle from a 74-79 J10. You will need to weld new perches onto the axle to match your older style springs. You will need to convert the brake system to use front disc (different prop valve and master cylinder). And your front axle will end up being 6 lug unless you convert it to 5 lug with ford outers (whole knuckle assembly).

Its not a cheap conversion really.

[FSJ_Daniel]

ive already got it set up for disc brakes up front with a proportioning valve too, i think that is what is breaking my hubs but im not really sure, but the perches i already know id have to weld on for factory SOA, and ive seen id have to ream out the pitman arm to accept the new TRE for the new axle. i just REALLY need to fix this problem because it is a major pain in the rear and cost me money everytime unless im close by my house.

[Stuka]

Sounds like you have it mostly covered then. Now you just need to find axles. May as well find a set from a J20 if you can. Then you get a D44 HD and a D60, plus matching 8 lug for front and rear.

[carnuck]

Want to keep the 5 lug? Find a Ford 1/2 ton 4x4 for the brakes/knuckles and use a pre '88 Chev or Dodge axle. The J pickups are nearly as wide as other brands so it fits well, especially if you lifted.

[FSJ_Daniel]

id like to keep the 5 lug pattern so i wouldnt have to buy new wheels but if i have to i will get a 8 lug set. im going for fastest swap since this is my DD also.

[carnuck]

There were a few "rarish" Dodge 5 on 5.5" D44s as well, but they were unit bearing

[dueselfabrication]

Has there been any progress?

I just posted a similar question in the off-road section... all sorts of information I've been looking for! Sounds like a GM axle-set will be my target.

[FSJ_Daniel]

Nope no time to go axle huntin cause of my job, only having 1 day off a week sucks

[TBT]

Not sure about width, but an 85 -86 Dodge W150 is a five lug, passenger drop D44. The one I saw is a Vacuum disconnect axle , but that's easily fixed.