How is the cover's shape any different than a stock D44? How do you know that just the cover wasn't swapped out? The 86 CJ7 did come with a D44.

 

So, let's answer your questions instead of posing new ones...
First off, yes, if your CJ7 was made in the last half of 86, your one of the lucky ones with a stock Dana 44 rear end, which naturally means what you have is likely all stock. Second, you can easily order a replacement from your choice of numerous suppliers whether it's stock or not just tell them your measurements and your done, just make sure to include your axles brake drum size so the brake receives the correct axle size for the hole. How did you discover its bent? Is the tube bent too? If you think it's not stock check the build code on the tube, if there is one still stamped along the back side of it.

 

So, let's answer your questions instead of posing new ones... How did you discover its bent? Is the tube bent too?

Or pose new ones...either way.

Matt

 

All Dana 44 axles of the period were stamped on the axle tube with the date and Bill of Materials number. It may not be easy to see under nearly 40 years of grime but it is there, usually a horizontal line of numbers on the right hand tube as you look from behind.

If you clean the old paint on the axle tube with thinners you may find it. Even better rub the surface with a crayon and see if the indents pick up the wax. You can then lightly rub over the top with fine paper on a block to remove excess wax and this may make the numbers appear or take a rubbing with a piece of paper and a pencil.

You may find a bill of material number 605289 which were the 1986 Dana 44 for the CJ7s, actually a Dana 44/216

In any case you can buy Dana axle shafts from the length, number of splines, number of bolts, bolt circle etc. For instance if it is:

28.79" long
1.31" spline diamter with 30 splines
1.81" spline length
7.06" flange diamter
5.50 x 5 bolt pattern
SEMI FLOATING

Then it is a 72903-1X etc.

You need to get the DANA catalogue online and take these measurements to work out which one you need. If you hav ethe Bill of Materials number it will be easier to cross reference.

 

Hi All. These are all great questions.

CSP: It is certainly possible this is only a 44 cover. I contacted the guy I bought the jeep from, and he 'doesn't know, just got it from a junkyard, they didn't tell him what it came off of, just that it was a 44'. It is strange that there are no tags. Perhaps someone will recognize if it's a 44 or not from the attached pictures.

Brutusblue: I have the original sales sheet, which indicates the jeep was actually sold to the first owner in November 1985 >> So, not one of the lucky ones, it would seem. Certainly it's an aftermarket 44(?) from some unknown vehicle.

I believe it is only the axle shaft not the tube because the tire wobbles. I jacked it up, took the tire and drum off, started it and put it in gear, and the flange wobbles like crazy. Plus, there seems to be no camber, although I've not had this checked.

Brutusblue and Bagusjeep: I will check the tube again for a build code. I checked but couldn't find it. I'm wondering if the junkyard didn't grind it off, because they switched the diff cover. ……Can you tell from the pics if it's a 44? I will follow your suggestions to try and order it off of the dimensions, once we can confirm it's a 44.


Thanks again!

 

Here is a youtube video of the wobbling flange…..

We first noticed there was an issue b/c driving it home my wife followed me in our other car, and she told me right away the rear right tire was wobbling.

I checked the right side axle tube again, back and top, for any numbers. They are just not there! Annoying. Well, I attached a pic of this area on the tube.…..

thanks again for all your help!

 

That is a Dana 44 and that is a stock Dana 44 cover. There's nothing aftermarket visible in the photos. Aftermarket doesn't indicate from another vehicle. Aftermarket means something non-original to any vehicle or custom made. It sure looks like a stock CJ Dana 44 to me. There are no other Dana 44s which swap directly into a CJ and maintain the same width, spring perch position and other mounts.

The BOM is stamped in the passenger side tube just to the right of the cover. It's usually hard to find and may require removing paint to see it.

You can look up the number here: http://www2.dana.com/expertforms/deabill.aspx or here: http://www.patooyee.com/Dana/main_dana.htm

 

Hi CSP. I was using the term 'aftermarket' to mean that this axle did not come 'stock' with this jeep. Of that we are certain, but it's good news to know this is a stock dana 44. And it's from a CJ. I'm happy about that, and thanks for confirming. Very helpful. Sorry for the confusion.

I'll check again for the BOM….with a wire brush this time.

 

That sure looks like the D44 under my 86. Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I didn't think any junkyard 44's except one from a CJ7 would fit under there without serious modifications.

 

Run your numbers...check your build code...you're likely to find yours is the second half production run for 86 and all stock? What gear ratio is it? If the gears were unchanged, more likely to be 3.31...seems most of the last CJ Dana 44's were.

 

hold on there my 86 CJ7 dana 44 rear had the crap 2:73 gears not a misprint!
I've got 3:73's now.

 

Got it!

1986 CJ7 dana 44 ….…axle #72903-1X. Recommendations on where I can get a replacement? Called a couple of places and seems no one has it.

2.72 gear ratio….hmmm.

Thanks for your help!!!

 

you might me better off going custom chrome molly Try Mitchells in
Shrewsbury, Ma 508 755-3790 Ask for Dan

 

Mine is a 3.31 and my local auto parts store told me they could get one for me if I needed when I blew my bearing out. That implies they exist.

 

Just since it has been mentioned, the gear ratio has no bearing on selecting a replacement part.

There are a number of aftermarket suppliers with upgraded materials. G2, Factory Ten, Yukon, etc.

I'm sure there are factory replacements available. I'd shy away from anything made by Crown or Omix-Ada if they are the suppliers of those, however.

 

I was looking for spare shafts a couple of years ago, and was told that Dana/Spicer doesn't make them in that configuration anymore. You're probably going to have to get some aftermarket or used.

 

this is where I got the alloy axles for my D44 when I built it up. http://www.dutchmanaxles.com

 

Dutchman uses a line made by Foote Foundry. I know their front Dana 44's are superior to most on the market. If they use the same treatment process for the rears, which I think they do, those are by far the best bang for the buck. Plus they are completely made in the US!
A few of the others are made by Foote as well. Superior was, Revolution is, and so on.

 

Hi All,
I just wanted to provide the last answer to this thread, in case anyone else has the same problem. This axle is discontinued. I called many different 4wd and jeep source companies, and no one can get it. If you can find a used one, grab it. There were two recommendations for custom axles: Mitchels and Dutchman. Moser, it turns out, can also make one.

Mitchells = $254+shipping, BUT that does not include bearings, etc. You can get bearings, etc., NOT installed for a total price of $320. You'll also have to pay shipping.

Dutchman = $261 all included (i.e., READY to put right in, with bearings, retainer plate, all already installed). You'll have to pay shipping.

Moser can make one actually a little cheaper, BUT they apparently do not have the specs to do it and ask that you ship yours to them. So, they would charge $195 for the axle, plus bearing = $37.50, plus other (seal, press ring, studs). They will use your original retainer plate. This comes to a total of $241.25, but you have to pay for shipping TWICE.


I will go with Dutchman.

Thanks everyone for all your help.

RP

 

Thanks for the update! It is nice to know they can still be had.

 

SCHWEEEEET! I can beat my stock 44 like a rented mule now! Oh, wait, I was. I'm ordering both sides now. For some reason I hoard hard to find parts. I mean in a bad way. Got TONS of Harley Iron-Barrel cams & the newer style bearings for them. Attic full of sheet-metal. Frames in rafters. And so forth. Keeps the booze/meth fund empty.

 

Dutchman seems to take pride in the packaging too. I was wrong on the rears being the same heat process...seems the fronts are 4340 and the rears are 1541-H.

You are still getting a great axle for the price and strentgh...a lot stronger than stock.

Hope it works well for you.

 

1541-H is a popular after market axle shaft alloy. Stronger than factory shafts. That's one thing about the AMC 20 rear. You have excellent availability of axle shafts. 86 D44, unfortunately, was a relatively short production run.

 

Knowing this is an Old thred, You seem to have the ssme Dana 44 set up as I do. Did you confirm the seal and retainer part no. ? I think I put mine back together wrong .