D44 options

Hello, I was referred to this website from JeepsUnlimited.com, and so far this place looks really cool! Lots of info!

Anyway, I thought I would ask you guys also: I have a good friend with a 2A that has a D44 in the back out of a '62 CJ6 ambulance (I think it is an M-170???). This friend of mine has the stock L head engine and 31" tires. He would like to put in a Detroit Locker, but I am wondering what the options are as far as beefing up this axle. Can somebody school me on the typical swaps (30 spline, flanged, etc) for these axles? I think a FF conversion is out due to the cost.

Also, this Jeep might be getting a stock 289 V8 one day, so if possible we would like the axle to be strong enough for that engine and up to 33" tires.

Thanks

 

A Detroit Locker can not be put in a two piece offset 44. The only way is to go with the full floater set up.

 

could always swap a 30 spline d44 from a 70-71

 

I thought the 2 piece were 19 spline?

 

Well... Let me tell you.

The stock axles set the end play off the cross pin in the carrier. The Detroit locker doesn't have a cross pin. BTDT

One could put one in the flanged offset 44. This is because the bearing of the flanged axle set the end play.

And before anyone asks. No you can't swap Flanged axles between the 2 piece and the flanged housings. Bearing is too wide.

 

thanks sparky for the clarification

 

Thanks for the replies. So besides going FF, there is no way to beef up this axle, let alone install a Detroit locker?

 

I already tried custom built flanged axles. Waisted $900.00.

Look nice sitting on the storage floor.

 

FYI a detroit was available for a front d44 19 spline axle. These are considered a full floater because it is a front axle. These were a closed knuckle design FWIW. Don't know if it would work in a rear '5 application.

 

Scott - that sucks, what happened are the shafts not the correct length or something?




I will give the guy I always deal with at West Cost Differential on monday and see if he has any insight also.


thanks again for the help guys.

 

It won't because there is no thrust block for the axles to ride against so you can set shaft and axle bearing endplay. Tapered CJ rear diffs have a thrust block for the axles to ride solidly against for this.

 

The people here who know faaaaaaaaaaaaaar more than I do can correct me if I'm wrong but isn't a D44 with a lunchbox locker plenty stout behind only an L-head with 31"s?

Edit Oops: Didn't see the 289 and 33"s Wait a minute! Isn't a 289 more of a high RPM mill?

 

Since you're still in the planning stage of your build, please consider using a V6 engine in your rig. There are plenty of choices and many of us here run a V6 with 33" tires. The low gearing of these legendary vehicles respond very well to the performance that even a stock V6 offers.

 

If it were me, I would do a :v6:, I want a close to stock early flatty, 5 or 6 with a V6 so bad I can almost taste it, or something like that. But my friend already has the V8 so it is free to him, plus I can't argue with that V8 sound!!