rearend parts question ?

My 68 cj5 was finally drivable after 2 years of work. I was at least able to take it for a few short test drives around town. Next I took it out on a local trail to give the 4wd a test. While climing an easy hill at just a little more than an idle, bang the divers side rear axle broke. I need to know what year rear ends parts that will match up with the original dana 44 1968 cj5 225 v6.

 

Thanks a local guy here in redding Ca has a dana 44 out of an ealy 60s jeep. Not sure how mutch he wants for it yet. Im hoping I can make at least one good rearend out of the 2.

 

I'd just replace the broken axle shaft with a good used one

 

the axle tube is also bent or the metal is swollen where the axle broke.

 

make sure the one you buy has the same gear ratio or you may have to swap gears around.

 

not a big deal to swap housings, take the gears out of the good/bad diff to a shop (unless you have the tools/talent for diy)cand have them set up the old gears in the new diff. the only pain in the backside is when you have the flanged axle (bigger tubes), but it still fits with new ubolts.

 

early (pre 195?) dana 44's were 10 spline tapered shafts. your '68 should be a 19 spline tapered shaft. keep that in mind when looking.

 

thanks for the tips, going to look at a dana 44 tomorrow here locally in Redding! Wish me luck!

 

So how do I tell the difference? The one I'm going to look at tomorrow is supposedly from an early 60's. Something a guy bought and didn't use. Thanks!

 

I'd definitely shy away from 10 spline axles. There is little after-market support for them ie; lockers, limited slips stc.