Swapping axle tubes/Axles around?

[BIG BAD JON]

Hey, surprise! Its me again!!

Ive had an idea burning in the back of my mind, and I couldnt think of anywhere that had more knowledgable people that are willing to lend some advice than here. So, heres whats goin on...

Im in need of a full-size 1-ton axle that has an offset rear diff, yes, just like a Q-Trac. Well, I was looking at the 14-bolt in my buddy's 78 CJ-7, and noticed that the diff is offset to the driver's side, and the pinion offset to the passenger side, making it centered. My question is, how possible is it to remove the axles and axle tubes from each side, and swap them around? I personally think it would work great, but I just need yall's opinions!

[Crazy_Jeepman]

unless you verify that the axles shafts themselves are the same length I doubt right to left, it will not work. Even on what apears to be a centered diff the internals are off set due to the ring gear side needing the longer axle to engage the side gear, and the spider gear side of the diff needing the shorter axle since that side gear is offset to that side. This is the way it is on any of the Dana axles anyhow. I have not compared axle shaft lenghts on the 14 bolt, so maybe its possible ;)

[BIG BAD JON]

Can the axle tubes be seperated from the differential housing?

[Stuka]

I have seen peopel take full width axles, and have one tube/axle cut down, which narrow the axle to the width that they want, but offsets it by making one side shorter.

[stephen43]

Yes, you can have the tubes pressed out of the center. you have to drill out the plug welds. you have to take everything out of the axle and find somewhere with a press that will do it. I found a place that would do it for like 40$ a tube.

[jode]

Why not use a D60 from a QT equipped J20?

[Tad]

Originally posted by jode:
Why not use a D60 from a QT equipped J20?Yes, this sounds like way too much work and $$ to get what you want.

[BIG BAD JON]

You dont know how much I would love to do something like that, but Ive only seen 1 J20 in person. None at any of the local salvage yards. If there is one out there, its gonna be atleast 50 miles away... and I fear thats low-balling it...

[FSJ Guy]

I'm running a QT with a centered rear diff on my 715. Angle is OK, despite what you read/hear. Hasn't blown up yet! LOL!

I'd just get a centered diff axle and call it good. Unless you REALLY really need to have both diffs on the same side for clearance issues.

[BIG BAD JON]

Well, Im not gonna lie to yall, Im wanting to put the axle in my 69 Nissan Patrol. The rear driveshaft is maybe 2' in overall length, and I think Im high-balling that number.

The original plan was to extend the wheelbase, install a good 1-ton rear axle, and move my gas tank (or a new fiberglass one)from behind the rear axle to the empty space between the driveshaft and the drivers side frame rail. I can extend my wheelbase maybe another 10"(96"?), but I still dont know if my driveshaft will make the jog over...

[Berrett]

people run centered diffs (usually toys) in samurais, which have an offset t-case. they do this all the time with minimal problems (as long as you get the pinion angles correct), so i don't see why you couldn't use a centered diff. i doubt your shaft is shorter than a samis.

[BIG BAD JON]

Well, Ill be! Berrett, youre right. There are zuk's out there with centered rear diffs and their stock t-cases!

Maybe there's hope for me yet!!

Thank you very much for pointing me in the right direction!

[jeepzilla47]

i removed the tubes on my sf14 bolt....not fun....i used the plasma torch to blow out the plug weld, and a sledge hammer to remove the tubes...then made a jig using a short piece if i-beam and some chain. with a little help from the 15 ton jack, they went right back in..