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Free Floating Rear Axle Question.

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by SoCalNickG, Sep 21, 2020.

  1. Sep 21, 2020
    SoCalNickG

    SoCalNickG Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Whittier, CA.
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2017
    Messages:
    347
    I think I understand the benefits of free floating the rear axle. My question is about what axles to free float. I have a 71 CJ5 (V6) with the 44 flanged off-set rear axle.
    If I am going to put a free float kit on this Jeep for flat towing behind a motorhome, do I do it to this axle?
    Is it more or less difficult to do a full float axle mod. to a flanged axle or a tapered axle?
    When in use do you have a weaker axle with the full float set up?
    If/when I do this I would plan on using dis-connecting hubs (i.e. Warn...).
    This is for my general information and possibly long term planning.
    Thanks, Nick
     
  2. Sep 21, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    JMO - I would build a free-floater from a tapered axle. This way I could build it while I'm still driving the Jeep. Then I could swap and sell the flanged axle. I believe there is a market for your current axle, and tapered axles are something of a cigar butt. You're going to need axles made anyway, and I'd think one could get a new TruTrac or selectable locker or whatever in any spline count one wanted, to match the hubs.
     
    Rich M. and 47v6 like this.
  3. Sep 21, 2020
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    Personally I would full float the axle you have unless you plan on making major changes (gear ratio, adding a locker or limited slip, etc.). You have the strongest offset axle used in a CJ with 30 spline shafts and a slightly stronger tubes at 2 3/4" diameter vs. 2 1/2" of tapered axle housing. Other than strength and being able to unlock the hubs, plus not losing a wheel if axleshaft breaks is installing a full float kit is fully reversible. In other words keep the stock axle shafts and you can always go back to stock as a well engineered kit is fully bolt-on.
     
    47v6 and Focker like this.
  4. Sep 22, 2020
    Jrobz23

    Jrobz23 Member

    Northern, WI
    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2016
    Messages:
    942
    I'm with timgr on this one. Do a tapered. Build it while the Jeep is still working. Sell your marketable axle when you're done to pay for some of the cost. Tapered offset D44 axles grow on trees. I have at least 5.
     
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