Axel Upgrade ?¿?¿

[A4T1Rat]

Ok first off this fourm is great . I have a 97 wrangler it is my first jeep but buy far not my first 4x4. I picked up this jeep for $500.00 one owner no rust runs great. I did the nutter bypass and put the M/C carb on the 6 cyl. However it is time for some MODS !!! I will be putting in a v-8 possibly a Ford fi 460 with a Vortech... so I am going to need some Axels. I would like to stay away from going full size if possible. is there a dana 44 dana 60 combo that will work width wise? J-20 ? a full size cherokee ft dana 44 ? I know I could have one made but I am trying to find out whats out there that migjt " bolt in " Thanks when I do this I will post pix. all I need us the axels

[MetZenDS]

I don't think theres anything out there that will "bolt in" with no mods as far as the d44 and d60 goes.. Almost everything will need the shock mounts relocated as well as the spring perch depending on what you get the axles from.

[A4T1Rat]

I dont meen direct bolt up just looking for overall width. welding is no big deal. Tomb Raider did a axel swap I read it here d60's from a f-350 from what I remember the front spring pads were in the right location? this may be a possibility I may to use back spaced wheels and keep it close? I just want to try to stay as clost to stock width if possiable. I would like do be able to drive it on the street

[zman]

Wagoneer axels are what you are looking for. They are D44 front and rear, near stock width, and pretty cheap.

zman

[rustywrangler]

Originally Posted by zman

Wagoneer axels are what you are looking for. They are D44 front and rear, near stock width, and pretty cheap.

zman

X2, if your looking to stay stock width then those are the way to go. You can always get full widths cut down but why do that... know what I mean.


As far as motors, why not look into a SBC???? Maybe a 4.3, 700R4.........

[muddy93]

there's a thread on pirate where a guy put axles from a J20 (full size jeep truck) into his YJ. if I remember correctly, there was verry little modification needed, and the axles were only slightly wider than the stock YJ axles.
give me a minute, I'll see if I can find the thread.


found it, axles were from an 83 J20, which is spring under, just like a YJ. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=619003

[HighTimes4X4]

I wanna see a 460 under the hood with a blower on it! You can cram that motor in there but I don't know if there is gonna be room for that vortec. And I wouldn't put a 44 behind a motor like that either.

[A4T1Rat]

Thanks Muddy93 that link was interesting. the J-20 axels seem wide also ...Maybe I should just go with F-350 D-60's. as far as the 460 I have it and a 350 sitting in the garage. have not decided what one. I could take the easy was and put a 350 in but thats not how I usually do things. any other ideas? I figure some one here has the answer. Thanks

[JeepMan1975]

Well, the first thing to look at really depends on your budget and if you want something new (I'll assume you do). If welding is not a big deal to you, drivetrain warehouse sells new TJ D44's front and rear. You get to choose your lockers, gears and even upgrade your rear spline shafts.

As mentioned above, you'll need to relocate shock mounts and spring perches. It's relatively budget friendly (for something new) and would make for an interesting project.

If you want a complete YJ axle assembly, there's always dynatrac or currie's rearends. These will be really pricey!

[dell2028]

I say put full width 60s in there built up to hold up to the motor you want. No point in having all this and not being SOA or having coil overs. Your talking a lot of cash. Might as well go all the way with it. Probably be best to have a parts truck to pull driveline and axles out of. I know you have the motor already, just get a truck that matches. Good Luck.

[A4T1Rat]

Originally Posted by dell2028

I say put full width 60s in there built up to hold up to the motor you want. No point in having all this and not being SOA or having coil overs. Your talking a lot of cash. Might as well go all the way with it. Probably be best to have a parts truck to pull driveline and axles out of. I know you have the motor already, just get a truck that matches. Good Luck.

I think you are right. I was trying to keep it street drivable but oh well. I am thinking of going the d-60's route and definitaly the SOA. as long as I am going that way I guess hummer bead locks also. What do you guys think as far as 16.5 tire avalibity?

[dell2028]

Tougher to find tires in that size. Its what I'm running and I'll go to a 17 or 16 bead lock next time.