[mudd_jumper]

OK I have a dana 44 80+ wagy front and an Isuzu 44 rear. So I plan on starting on the front first then do the rear. I need to find a parts diagram for the front. Then the bigger question what do I need to do to stuff it under my TJ. I already have the matching 4.30 gears would like to put a locker in the front. Replace all the seals bearings joints all new then I know the are new.... I would like to run 31-33 so how much lift do you think I will need and were to find the parts? I take it that my stock drive shaft will not fit now right? Sorry about all the questions but this is my first axle swap and am kind of cautious and taking it slow to do it right the first time. Thanks for any help you can give or anything that I have forgotten to nickel and dime me to death over this:sonicjay:

 

[sodapop]

Google is your friend for this swap. With lots of searching, I was able to answer almost all my questions when I stuck mine under my yj. Your's will be a little different but not totally. here's some pages I found helpful.

http://www.universityofjeep.ca/wag_front_d44_install.html

http://www.keystonekrawlers.com/Mods/Jeep/DANA44 Hub/dana44_hub_rebuild.htm

And some pictures that I found helpful

I liked this website for bits and pieces of metal (perches, shock mounts etc.) Sure you can cut your stuff off and reuse it with some work but sometimes, it's better to just replace it.

www.ruffstuffspecialties.com

 

[mudd_jumper]

Thanks:thumb: I was doing some searching the last couple of days and just could not find anything that helpful. I will check those sites out and see what I can find.

 

[Monkeyevil]

The hardest part is going to be brackets for your suspension... do you have a plan for that yet?

 

[mudd_jumper]

The hardest part is going to be brackets for your suspension... do you have a plan for that yet?

no I am not sure what I am doing with that yet. I would like to fit 31 or 33 under it am not sure on what i want to lift it with most likely springs 3 inch lift. That is still in the planing stages

 

[BIGBEN]

i agree with monkey.

the brackets have to be done correct or it can go to shit in a hurry.

try finding someone who has done this type of work before and ask for any help in settting them up. this is what i am doing for my rear axle.

also the may and june 2007 issues of JP magazine had articles on the exact swap you are planning. they my have the articles online so you don't have to get the actual issues. http://www.jpmagazine.com


or just sell the tj and get a yj. much easier to put the axles under that.

 

[BIGBEN]

oh yeah, my tj fits 31s nicely with only a spacer lift. add a 1inch body lift and i will be running 33s myself

 

[mudd_jumper]

i agree with monkey.

the brackets have to be done correct or it can go to shit in a hurry.

try finding someone who has done this type of work before and ask for any help in settting them up. this is what i am doing for my rear axle.

also the may and june 2007 issues of JP magazine had articles on the exact swap you are planning. they my have the articles online so you don't have to get the actual issues. http://www.jpmagazine.com


or just sell the tj and get a yj. much easier to put the axles under that.

yes I know of a welder that can make any of my tac welds perfect. So that is not a problem, just finding some one to come help my be a little tougher tho. Yes I heard about that article just have not had time to look it up yet thanks for the link. I had a NICE SWEET YJ set up already till some one hit me at 15 mph and snapped my frame so now it is back to the drawing board and start all over. But I can not complain to much I only paid 1000.00 for this TJ:woot:

 

[Monkeyevil]

yes I know of a welder that can make any of my tac welds perfect. So that is not a problem, just finding some one to come help my be a little tougher tho. Yes I heard about that article just have not had time to look it up yet thanks for the link. I had a NICE SWEET YJ set up already till some one hit me at 15 mph and snapped my frame so now it is back to the drawing board and start all over. But I can not complain to much I only paid 1000.00 for this TJ:woot:

I don't want to offend you, but installing link brackets on an axle is a serious job. Even having measurements a .25" off can cause some handling issues. If I were in your position, especially for up to 33's, I would leave the stock axles.

Even at 35's, the front axle is just fine. At that point a better swap for the rear would be an 8.8... unless you plan on going bigger.

 

[Plato2k5]

yeah def. make sure to measure 10000 times for the spring perches. I can't even remember how many times i had to measure since it was so many. Also just tack weld the spring pads on the axle. Weld it all up after you take measurments again and its correct.... and after the pinion angle is set.