offset 44

I've got a '57 CJ5 with the offset 44 and the axle tube is 2 1/2" O.D., not the strongest! Are there any CJ offsets that are larger, 2 3/4" or 3"
O.D. from a certian model I should look for? I know I could cut down a truck axle and there was an AMC m20 (but I don't think that is much stronger) Are there methods of trussing them without loosing to much ground clearance, trussing on the top for instance?

Thanks, 4dawudz

 

I take it you're planning on some heavy wheelin, otherwise for the most part it doesn't need to be any larger. The jeep is very lite and the dana 44 is 1/2 ton running gear in a 1/4 ton vehicle. Most of the guys on here have wheeled there jeeps pretty hard and not had problems.

 

I agree with Mcruff, these are tough axles. I gave my 3b he!! with a 283 in it and never had any problems. If you want bigger axles for crawling you can look a 75-79 wagoneers with the dynatrac. These had Dana 44's F & R and the rear is offset. You will need to outboard the front springs.

 

The flanged offset used 70-71 has 2 3/4" tubes and has the advantage of flanged axles instead of the tapered axles of the earlier versions. Stay away from the AMC 20. It uses 2 1/2" tubes like the tapered axle 44 but the wall thickness is much less than the 44. Unless you are planning 35" tires or larger and planning on jumping your Jeep the stock 44 housing holds up surprisingly well. Nickmil

 

Thanks for the reassurance, my 44 is in a 289/toploader/warn OD/2A body 5 framed jeep with 11" brakes, f spring reversal, saginaw steering conversion (all before kits) that has seen 33 years of some pretty hard wheelin' n' racin' and is just plain worn OUT!!! Time for "the BIG rebuild" and I just want to gather the best parts I can (on a budget, ya'know).I do think I will change to 30 spline one piece axels though, and I do believe Summers Bros. makes them. Does anybody know for sure and/or any other axle manufacturers???

Thanks, 4dawudz

P.S. Use the gray matter, not the R. foot!

 

Thanks Nickmil, I will look for that one but not that hard, like everyone else says the 2 1/2" tubed 44 holds up well!
Thanks, 4dawudz

 

the axel swap talked about above with wagoner axels is a good one and gives you a wider track but it requires a lot of fabercation. I did it and it works great. keep on weeling:driving:

 

IF $$$$$ is no object, get the full float conversion for the tapered shaft 44. it uses a 30 spline carrier. It's biggest advantage is that should you break a shaft, you won't lose the wheel since the housing NOT the axle shaft is load bearing.

 

If you're talking about the Warn kit, it's been discontinued.

 

Are there any other options to convert the tapered shaft 44's without getting custom one-piece axles?

 

http://www.earlycj5.com/tech/axle/d44FFDIY/index.php

 

that sounds interesting
wonder what his price will be ?

 

I had called around trying to come up with a one piece axle kit for the off-set D44 in my 68 cj5 and was told by everyone that nobody makes them and the only way would be to have the housing/axles done by someone like Currie.
I might be interested in the full floater kit if it comes available (was told Warn was disconntinued)

 

I just contacted Summers Bros. about 1 piece - 30 splined - 5 on 5.5" axles and yes they make them (offset 44 CJ housing) BUT the price will hurt you bad....in the $700.00 price range with all new seals, bearings, studs etc.!!!!! OUCH!!!!

Dale

 

not a bad price since I spent $600 on mine (new gears, rebuild kit,)

 

just for clarification
there are 2 types of axles used in offset D44s, tapered and flanged
I doubt the Summer Bros axles fit or are to be used in the tapered housing
they most likely are repalcements for the flanged axle housing
I could be wrong......
66CJ5, could you clarify on this ?

 

that's what I spent rebuilding/gearing my flanged 44. I just thought the price wasn't that far out of line for a new axle.

 

Price is a normal range for a pair of new axles but the 30 splined axles would be for a late (70-71) flanged axle housing. The very early 10 spline and more comon 19 spline axle housings have to be modified to run a flanged axle from what I've been told.