J-10 axle sawp into Wagoneer

[BAYOUDEVIL]

I have a 1984 wagoneer.I just got a set of dana 44 axles out of a 1979 J-10.I also have the transmision and transfer case.Is it a simple swap over ,or do I have to weld on new saddles onto the axle tubes?Can anyone help me out?

[wickedwagon767]

The front axle will bolt up ,but the rear axle spring "perches" probably need to be moved.

The 1979 J10 Dana44 front axle has a passenger side differential,but your '84 Wagoneer has a driver-drop transfer case. You will need to swap a different transfer case in

I recommend A Jeep CJ Dana300 transfer case found in 1980-86 CJ's. One will virtually bolt right in place of your Wagoneers stock T-case,but you wil need to cut a hole in the floorboard to mount up the shifter

[BAYOUDEVIL]

Thanks.I have the turbo 400 and the t-case from the J-10 with the cross member.I was hoping it would bolt in.I can buy some perches for the axle locally.Thanks again.

[TPICherokee]

Also, you will need to change the flexplate out on your engine so the torque converter will bolt up.

[KaiserMan]

Why do you want to do the swap? You allready have a D44 front, and the AMC rear is just as strong. Doesn't seem like you have much to gain from swapping all that in except for a little width.

[jeepjerry]

Originally Posted by KaiserMan

Why do you want to do the swap? You allready have a D44 front, and the AMC rear is just as strong. Doesn't seem like you have much to gain from swapping all that in except for a little width.

x2!

You will also need the th400 torque converter centering sleeve for the back of the crankshaft.

[wickedwagon767]

Originally Posted by BAYOUDEVIL

Thanks.I have the turbo 400 and the t-case from the J-10 with the cross member.I was hoping it would bolt in.I can buy some perches for the axle locally.Thanks again.

A 1979 J10 with a TH400 had the Borg-Warner Quadratrac Transfer Case. Is that what you want to use? Both outputs are offset to the passenger side. It would be easier to just use a Dana300 than to swap the transmission and T-case

[skeletor]

Why do you want to do the swap? You allready have a D44 front, and the AMC rear is just as strong. Doesn't seem like you have much to gain from swapping all that in except for a little width.

i'm guessing he has a vacuum operated front d44, but swapping all this stuff in would be rediculous just to get rid of that.

[BAYOUDEVIL]

I want to do the swap so I can run larger tires and not worry about cutting the fenders.I am also doing a 3" body lift and a four inch suspension lift.I am tring to build my own personel monster.My boys want a project to do with Dad so this is it.I want them to learn about mechanics and have fond memories to look back on.It is a family affair.

[skeletor]

well, theres no strength difference you would still be limited to around a 35" tire, the wagoneer front is a d44 and the rear is a amc23 which some will say is stronger than a d44. the wider axles would actually make your tires contact you're fenders easier because they wouldnt be tucking in. i understand the project thing with your kids, but there really isnt any benefit strength wise all you get is a 6" wider front axle and about an 8" wider rear axle. now if you want to swap axles at the least go for d60s, so that there would be a benefit for going through all that work.

[BAYOUDEVIL]

I had the parts given to me so I couldn't complain.It was "FREE".That is always the best parts I can find.I appricate all the info and input from everyone.I will weigh all options.

[wickedwagon767]

Originally Posted by BAYOUDEVIL

I had the parts given to me so I couldn't complain.It was "FREE".That is always the best parts I can find.I appricate all the info and input from everyone.I will weigh all options.

Well, the wider stance from the J10 axles adds a better look , in my opinion. Stock narrow-track Wagoneer axles look goofy running bigger tires when they're tucked in so close to the body. However, as I said before the rear axle differential on that 1979 J10 is offset to the passenger side several inches. You should learn more about the Borg Warner Quadratrac Transfer Case that came in the '79 truck 1st and decide wether or not you really want to use it in your '84. It is vacuum-operated. If it were me, I would sell the '79 J10 axles and the TH400 transmission and T-case for $350-450 and explore other axle options. A pair of axles from a 1980-1983 Cherokee or 1980-1987 J10/J20 truck would be ideal and allow you to keep your current transfer case. If you're not too concerned with "having" to have wider axles, you could simply find the front Dana44 axle out of a 1980-1983, 1986-1991 Wagoneer ('84 and '85 had a weak,vacuum disconnect housing) and bolt it right in place of yours, add the lift/tires you want.......then do some differential gear work to match the tire size you decide on. All that will give your kids an opportunity to learn a lot and have a great time with dad

A 4" suspensionn lift with 3" body lift will clear 35" tires on a Wagoneer with a little bit of fender trimming. I would recommend using a 6" suspension lift, as sold at www.bjsoffroad.com along with a 1" body lift (Tall body lifts create other annoying issues that you have to deal with)

[BAYOUDEVIL]

That's why i posted here.I am glad that someone else has attempted to do this swap before.It is always easer to learn from others mistakes.lol.Any further input , comment,suggestions or ideas are all welcome.

[Stuka]

Actually, running the wider axles, you will have to cut for sure. Having the tires tucked in keeps you from having to cut the fenders. You stick the tires out, and its going to rub like crazy.

[BAYOUDEVIL]

thanks