83/84 two piece to one piece inner axle swap

[1982Wagoneer]

Hey guys, new member here. I tried searching this topic before I wrote this post.

I have 1983 Wagoneer with a Dana 44 that has the vacuum operated driver side axle thing (i don't know the technical name for it). Has anyone swap out the two piece inner driver side axle for a one piece inner driver side axle?

According to my reach, both of the driver side inner axles are the same length. I was hoping to verify this before buying an inner axle that is not returnable.

Any help, articles, or write ups would be much appreciated.

[fulsizjeep]

Welcome to FSJ fun! A friend went down this path with an 83. The one piece shaft does fit but it will not seal. The vacuum disconnect axles have different seals. Apparently there is no matching seal for the 1 piece axle. Something about the diameter. I have heard you can pin or clamp the vacuum disconnect so the axle is engaged all the time. Someone here may have experience with that. Otherwise, you are looking at replacing the axle with the solid shaft style. The narrow track front axle from 80-82 or 85-91 models will be a bolt in.

[J20 project]

The narrow track front axle from 80-82 or 85-91 models will be a bolt in

What Flint said. Best and simplest advice.

I never dealt with this on a FSJ but did on Dana 30s in YJs....They make mechanical(pto style cable) shifters for them. The one thing that might be relative and this is why I say I don't know for certain.....Dana 44's typically have the seals for the axles inside the diff housing....Every one that I ever saw has that machined surface on each side, just outside of the diff carrier bearings. That is how all of them seal the axle shaft on the FSJs. I am sure that is how it is on the right(pass) side of your jeep. That being said, I would almost think that one could use a solid one piece axle on the driverside, if you can go inside and install that seal and there is clearance for the one piece after you remove the guts area of the vac disconnect.
I certainly heard of Dana 30s being done this way by using a XJ jeep right hand shaft.
J20

[J20 project]

One other thing, I assume you have no hubs on the front....would likely have to add them?

J20

[1982Wagoneer]

Thanks guys. I'll looking into the narrow tack option.

Yes, to answer your question J20 Project, I have manual locking hubs from warn on the front axle currently.