Solid Axle Swap
 

I have a 2003 Dakota 4x4 4.7l. where can i find good solid axle. i want dana 44s. what size would fit my truck and where can i buy it?

Grab both axles from a Jeep Wagoneer (or the whole vehicle). They'll be matching Dana 44s and already the correct width. There are some different ones through the years, so make sure you get a front with a driver's side diff and no axle disconnect (not sure if any of them even had that). There is also a wide track version that will work, but you'll need wheels with more offset if you don't want them to stick out.

i used a dana 44 hp from a 78 f250 and the rear from a 97 cummins

Full size axles will work but they are little large if you dont want your tires to stick out. Id go with wagoneer axles. Or could go bullet proof and get dana 60 front and dana 80 rear axle. They can handle the diesel so I think they can handle the dakotas power :D

or spend money on fab axles which can be made exact width...at a price. ^_^

If you have anyone in your area that is capable of doing it. Closest guy I know is 150 miles away

There's 2 race chassis shops and at least 1 off road shop that do in-house fabricated 9" axles here in DFW. :) Charlie Stewart Fabrication west of Fort Worth, TNT Supercars in Forney, and Baertrax Offroad in Dallas.

Can also take a factory axle, cut the tubes at a 45 degree angle, section out the needed amount, then weld back together and add gussets as desired. Would need a huge welder though, to penetrate the 3/8"+ thick axle tube. The outfit I've worked for in the past custom builds dana 80 front axles. VERY tedius, but very strong. They use a D80 rear center chunk, get 1/2" wall pipe lathed down on the end to the D80's tube diameter (the lip is about 1/8"), weld the tubes to the center housing (which is cast iron- takes LOTS of heat), and use custom machined knuckles and outers. The axle shafts use 1410 joints. Add gussets and it makes for a very strong, very costly front axle.

will the bolt pattern be an issue if i take one from the wagoneer? and do the wagoneers have danas?

The bolt pattern on the Wagoneer axles is 6x5.5 (same as Chevy, Toyota) and does not match the Dakota. Better to use both Jeep axles.

Yes, they are Dana 44s.

is there anywhere else i can find dana 44s that will work on the dakota or is the wagoneer the only one. can i take them from a ram?