Opinions, what first?

Seems on topic to me. I offered the earlier axles with new spring pads as a possible alternative to the Moser axles and regearing the 20 - I had understood that the OP's Jeep is a '79

I'd say get those axles if they are still available, considering Nick's comments. You could flip them to somebody that can use them and add a little to your Jeep fund!

 

Thanks everyone. I'm still listening, but the subject is way beyond my feeble knowledge to make any comments.

I'm taking it all in......I've got alot of items to keep an eye out for on the local 'for sale boards'.........

Just a quick question, will any WT Dana 44 from a CJ fit without modifying the spring perches? I know it's not a big deal to relocate them, but I'm just curious....Also, what happens if you don't upgrade your DANA 30 in front to a WT at the same time?

 

Narrow track and wide track's are approximately 4" different in width, so 2" on each side. The perches on the +76 frames are all the same. The pre 76 frames are built different.

So any axle from a CJ later than 76 should bolt right in to any other +76 CJ without modification.

 

Aallison, if you can get the late '86 Dana 44 rear for cheap do it. I don't know what they're worth in Florida but the last one I saw up here was a core, needed rebuilt, and it went for over $700, which is ridiculous in my opinion.
One thing I'd like to mention about the Isuzu Rodeo axle, it's a great swap. Just remember it's 6 lug though, not 5 lug....
Nickmil

 

Next time I see an 86 D44, I'll let you guys know.

The Isuzu axle 6 lug deal could be an issue. I could not find a machine shop that would redrill them nor is there any sort of adapter. It would take custom axle shafts. That is why I decided against it. But I did find a company that sells shafts that just have a long spline section cut on the end. You cut the end to the length you need. Didn't sound like something I wanted to do but it's an option. But considering I found the axle in Tennessee for $75 bucks, you could make some adjustments and still be at a good price.

Seems like I remember you can also swap 6 lug D44 ends on a D30 axle. Is this right? That way you can have all 6 lug axles.

 

Yup, you can but you have to have Dana 30 inner shafts that use the 760x dana 44 U-joint so you can use the Dana 44 19 spline outer shaft which is longer than the 30 outer shaft. That means an alloy or aftermarket inner shaft, which is a good thing, but drives up the cost. The rest is all pretty much bolt on stuff to get 6 lug front.

 

I have never seen an 86CJ D44. Rumor has it they are out there

Given the area you live in I would think there are CJ axles a plenty to be had. I went down there to pick up a widetrac CJ D30. Got one with 4:56 gears, a lunchbox locker and all new disk brakes on it for $200. I had to drive from up here to Gaylord to get it, but was worth the trip.

Keep an eye on GL4X4, Misfits, and MJ if it still exists. Most of those guys think the stock CJ drive train is worthless. If you are really interested in a T18, as much as I hate to say it, I think Pavement Pounder still has a pair that would make what you want. I also think he has a close ratio CJ unit but not so sure on that.

To go with that Dana 30 front I bought a ScoutII rear 44 with 4.27 gears. I think I gave $100 for it from a guy by gaylord. It came with a set of Dana 30 4.27 gears and had a powerlock.

On my 74 I wanted to stay narrow track.

If you are trying to stay CHEAP, you will probably have to spend some time and effort to find the right parts. I accumulated parts for about a year before I did the axle swap in Black Jeep.