[dan080290]

Looking to do a front axle swap. The 30 can't handle my 36x15.5 inch tires anymore... Who knew?! Death wobble like crazy, lol. But say you had 1000-1200 bucks what would you do?

[Big Red One]

Search the Junk Yards for a new Jeep with a Dana 44, should be the same width and wheel bolt pattern, throw some alloy axles and upgraded u-joints at it and it should keep you in that price range. If your not heavy on the skinny pedal it should be strong enough. If you want a stronger set up a '60' from a late model Ford truck, it would take some fabbing though... narrow it to match rear width and some custom length inner axles, different wheel bolt pattern... I believe there are after market kits for the '60' that can match YOUR wheel bolt pattern.

[ljrubitm]

I'm not much help, but I found this for you.

http://www.fourwheel...ap/viewall.html

[dan080290]

Thanks! Its was actually very helpful!

[Krocker]

Great find!
It help me too, I was about to look for axle swap to help my brother.

[dan080290]

Found this guy on craigslist. From research I want a Ford 77.5-79 Kingpin Dana 60 if im not mistaken. Guy is asking 650 for them. Good deal? Seems like everyone wants an arm and a leg for them rusty looking things! lol

http://miami.craigsl...3476160145.html

http://miami.craigsl...3507535902.html

Also found this guy. Looks like its a 9", my question is the 44. I cant tell if thats a usable 44 for a swap.

[Big Red One]

All those look good, if the '60s' are not too rusty/ all parts reusable, $650.00 is a good price for a hub to hub axle... ask the widths of the 44/9" they might be the same AND what you are looking for... what rear axle are you running... that 9" is a nice compliment to the 44... you can easily make it stronger and put some disc brakes on it. If you don't mind the stock brakes and hubs the 60 can be narrowed fairly cheaply (just cut the inner C's off, weld them back after shortening the tubes and have custom length inner axles made) .

[dan080290]

Just sent them both a message. What lengths should I be looking for? I hear between 60-67? If the 44 and 9" are off a bronco would it be close enough fit without shortening?


Thanks for the info

[Krocker]

I guess 65 would do...

[Big Red One]

I went from (stock) 60" WMS/WMS to 63"... with 12" wide rims my tires stick out @ 3" beyond the fender flare (flares are 3" wider than stock). If you go to 65" WMS/WMS you might not like the look . With the lift you have a little wider will help keep the designed stability... most 60's from a full size truck are 69" wide. If the 9"/44 are from a full size Bronco they may be a little too wide. Wider makes for great stability but if you wheel in tight areas a wide track can be a drawback.

[logandzwon]

Hey, I need a front axle so I've been looking into this as well. Is there anyone around here can do the fabbing work on the dana60 housing? I do not weld, and this doesn't seem like the project to learn with.

To fit a TJ the stock 60 will need the following;
- First, it'll need to be completely disassembled and cleaned with a wire brush. (I can do this part.)
- Second all the brackets and the inner C's need to be cut off. (I can not this part myself.)
- Third, the tubs themselfs are cut down to the proper length. (I do not have the proper tools to make this happen smoothly.)
- Forth, sleeving, inner C's attached then welded, then all new brackets for a TJ suspension need to be welded on. (I definitely can't do any of these steps.)
- Fifth, housing reassembled. (I can do this part.)

Also, in addition to the cost of the raw axle, the brackets themselves are almost $500. The orignal axles can be cut down to the new size for about $75 a piece. You will probably want to consider things like replacing seals in the hubs, possibly switching lug bolt pattern, (5x5.5 6x5.5 8x6, I do not think they make a 5x4.5; you will need new wheels). All of these will add cost a little by litte. Dana 60 is out of Dan's price range of $1,200 for a TJ. If I knew a welder that wanted to do the work on the housing for a decent price I'd do this swap though.

[logandzwon]

dan080290, on 30 December 2012 - 06:02 PM, said:

Looking to do a front axle swap. The 30 can't handle my 36x15.5 inch tires anymore... Who knew?! Death wobble like crazy, lol. But say you had 1000-1200 bucks what would you do?

With that budget I'd try to find a TJ Rubicon axle housing. It's a Dana 44 housing and carrier, your stock hubs and out will bolt up. You will need 30 spline axles, if you can find then, use Rubicon axles will be cheapest. You'd then be running what stock Rubicons originally came with. Make sure you change out all the busing with nice fresh ones and set the alignment right. If you grab a Rubi locker you'll also have a front locker. If you do all the work yourself you should be able do that for about the price your looking to spend.

[Joe Dillard]

logandzwon, on 17 January 2013 - 10:44 AM, said:

If I knew a welder that wanted to do the work on the housing for a decent price I'd do this swap though.

I have done many of these.

Out of curiosity, to have it done right & look 100% professional, what do you think is a decent price?