Axle Idea's?

[69WagFromH@%L]

I have a 69 Wagoneer and I need ideas for axle upgrades. Right now im running the stock 44 rear and 27 front. I just need ideas on axles that do not require very much welding because I dont have much experience in that field. Any ideas would be greatly apreciated! Thank you.

[Gwamp]

You are going to have to decide what you are going to use the rig for. If it is just a DD W/ a little offroading then a newer front D-44 and leave the rear alone will do you fine. If you are gonna beat on it pretty hard, then you may want to consider upgrading to a D-60/14 bolt combo with the T-case of your choice. Everything will depend on the depth of your pocketbook, fabrication skills, and the availability of parts.

[joe]

Easiest would be to get a front D44 from a 74-79 wag. It'll be an open knuckle w/disc brakes. The 74-79 axle prolly won't(might?) match the 69 rear for R&P ratio so plan on a gear swap either in the new front axle or the old rear. Or just get both matching D44 axles from a 74-79 Wag donor.

[Rande]

If you upgrade to the newer Dana44 with the disc brakes, you will need to change the master cylinder and the proportioning valve. The flexible hoses that attach to the calipers from the frame may also need to be changed.
The front driveshaft may need to be changed if the distance from the axle centerline to the pinion flange where the driveshaft bolts on is different. When I was going to change the Dana30 axle on my Scout with a Dana44, I was told by others that had done the swap that the front driveshaft would need to shortened 1" or I would need to get a driveshaft from a truck that originally came with the Dana44.
Everything should be a bolt-in though.
Also, the newer axle will have 6 wheel lugs.

[ October 21, 2002, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: Rande ]

[Cecil14]

They probably won't just bolt in cause they changed the width of the frame in '74 didn't they?

Anthony

[Rande]

Oh ya, forgot about the different mounting of the springs. My 72 J4000 had the springs mounted beside the frame (between the frame and the tires)and they were mounted on top of the axle and the later trucks with the D44 and the disc brakes had the springs mounted under the frame and under the axle. The springs were also wider than the earlier springs.
I'm not sure how the Waggy springs were mounted.

[porchpiggy]

Don't forget that the older D44 in the rear is a 19 spline axel. It would be a good time to upgrade front and back, getting a matched set with all the brake stuff sounds most logical to me.

[69WagFromH@%L]

My Wag has SOA. The rear springs are the Hanger type and the front springs are in-line with the frame.

[tuck]

all wagoneers are spring under in the front from the factory, and none of the wagoneers had the outboarded front springs like in the early j-trucks.

so, if you want to get a dana 44 front, swap a '74 or newer FSJ front axle.. I would look for disc brakes, flat-top knuckles, no vacuum, and a gear ratio that you want. Dana 44 fronts are easy to find. Be patient and you'll be able to find most of the things you want.