Dana 44 Solid Axle Swap. Tons of pics. Discussion thread
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From: Mandan, ND
Upgrade your tires and then sell me the 33's.
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From: NM
If I had enough to buy new ones maybe I would. LOL I love these mud tires, I would love a set of 35's.
Ya it might be tougher to do on those years. But still very possible. Tons of SAS out there on the 2nd Gens. I got several listed in the FAQ2 on the 1st Gen. section and some on the 2nd Gen FAQ as well.
I guess after a quick search I got the narrow track. http://www.bjsoffroad.com/cartgenie/....asp#Widetrack
But I guess the wide track may be slightly better for clearance during sharp turns to the frame.
For springs I used the stock Grand Wagoneer springs that I pulled with the axle, for the way the frame is the shorter the better to keep it from being too tall. I will upgrade these sometime with new units for the Wagoneer the stock ones are to soft from age. Maybe Tax time and get it made from my local HD spring shop or order maybe from an online spring shop. Shipping prices are usually high though.
As for brackets most I made my own, like shocks to front crossmember ect.
A few like the leaf spring hanger mounts and axle mounts or upper track bar mount I got custom made by a local HD spring shop.
I ordered the rear spring shackle flip brackets from http://www.gatsbycars.com/dodge.html
www.ballisticfabrication.com has tons of brackets pre made. Also tons if you do a www.google.com search.
As for the rear axle I do have the stock 8.25 axle, I didn't upgrade it at this time to keep the cost down and to keep my locker. I will never go to an axle without having a locker in it. I do want to upgrade it to a Chry 9.25 from a 2nd Gen Dakota or Durango with the disk rear brakes. I think I will do that within a year or so when I can afford new tires true 35's and a locker.
What is your plans on the swap? Leaf springs? Coils?
I am sitting here reading through your posts looking for a few answers for questions I want to ask ya. Well, here is what I couldn't find. I am planning on SAS'ing an 01 Dakota, the 01's I think are going to be the hardest out of the models. (Rack and Pinion)
The Waggy D44, is the one you used Wide or Narrow Track? I have a Wide Waggy off a J10.
What front springs did you choose? (length and were did you purchase?)
Are you planning on staying with the stock rear? I would like to swap that also but have a problem withe finding a 6lug with a speed ring.
Where did you buy your brackets and hangers? (what sites or stores)
I know there will be many more questions, creating a list.
Thanks
Anthony
The Waggy D44, is the one you used Wide or Narrow Track? I have a Wide Waggy off a J10.
What front springs did you choose? (length and were did you purchase?)
Are you planning on staying with the stock rear? I would like to swap that also but have a problem withe finding a 6lug with a speed ring.
Where did you buy your brackets and hangers? (what sites or stores)
I know there will be many more questions, creating a list.
Thanks
Anthony
I guess after a quick search I got the narrow track. http://www.bjsoffroad.com/cartgenie/....asp#Widetrack
But I guess the wide track may be slightly better for clearance during sharp turns to the frame.
For springs I used the stock Grand Wagoneer springs that I pulled with the axle, for the way the frame is the shorter the better to keep it from being too tall. I will upgrade these sometime with new units for the Wagoneer the stock ones are to soft from age. Maybe Tax time and get it made from my local HD spring shop or order maybe from an online spring shop. Shipping prices are usually high though.
As for brackets most I made my own, like shocks to front crossmember ect.
A few like the leaf spring hanger mounts and axle mounts or upper track bar mount I got custom made by a local HD spring shop.
I ordered the rear spring shackle flip brackets from http://www.gatsbycars.com/dodge.html
www.ballisticfabrication.com has tons of brackets pre made. Also tons if you do a www.google.com search.
As for the rear axle I do have the stock 8.25 axle, I didn't upgrade it at this time to keep the cost down and to keep my locker. I will never go to an axle without having a locker in it. I do want to upgrade it to a Chry 9.25 from a 2nd Gen Dakota or Durango with the disk rear brakes. I think I will do that within a year or so when I can afford new tires true 35's and a locker.
What is your plans on the swap? Leaf springs? Coils?
Last edited by Crazy4x4RT; Sep 20, 2011 at 08:30 PM.
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From: NM
To rebuild a stock Dakota axle?
It is not to hard, if you go by the book. We have the manual in the FAQ. Also there might be some some Youtube videos on it.
But if done incorrectly you can distroy it all. Since you have to ask about it, it might be out of your skill. In that case take it to a shop.
It is not to hard, if you go by the book. We have the manual in the FAQ. Also there might be some some Youtube videos on it.
But if done incorrectly you can distroy it all. Since you have to ask about it, it might be out of your skill. In that case take it to a shop.
Last edited by Crazy4x4RT; Feb 11, 2013 at 01:33 AM.
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axel swap
Hey crazy I have a question for you. I have a 1993 dodge d150 2wd and I'm looking to straight axle swap it. My buddy has a 96 1500 4x4 will his front axle work in my truck if I already have coils in the front..? If not what's my best option
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From: NM
So quickly here are a few choices,
1. Sell your 2wd and buy a 4wd, Easy!
2. If 2wd and 4wd share the same exact frame then swap on an axle ect. Mildly easy.
3. Buy a 4wd truck and swap over the cab and bed and engine (if needed). Time-consuming but possible.
4. Go completely custom on your frame, cut weld, cut and weld some more. Takes lots of time, even more $ and more parts.