Got what might be a stupid question? Currently have 404 axles under my jeep (one steering one not). I want to have rear steering so is the easiest thing to do is swap out the cast spacers for steering knuckles and rear shaft for front shafts? Can I use the rear boxes, housing, and third?

If you are running full width housings - you are exactly right on how to do it.:) Just add knuckles and CVs and you're good to go. However, you might want to have some beefier inner shafts (Branik) made for the rear if you beat it hard.:D

Unless you have a good (cheep) source for parts (I don't) you may find it is more cost effective to purchase an entire front axle.

Unless you have a good (cheep) source for parts (I don't) you may find it is more cost effective to purchase an entire front axle.

True. The cost of the parts would add up to alot. But I already have one steering knuckle and one complete front box with cv axle. Bought these for spares and Im tired of lookin at them in the shop. So I want to put them to use. So I already have half of the basics. I also dont want re-do all the link brackets and truss on my rear axle.

Thanks for the info.

I did exactly what you are wanting to do. For pretty much the same reasons, too, keeping all the link brackets and such.
Just need to pull the top gear and bearings off your straight shaft and fit them to the CV shaft. You can pull the shaft straight out of the back of the box to do this.

I didn't say swap in a complete axle. I just said the whole thing might be more cost effective. When I did the cost analysis for mine I found that both knuckles and shafts cost about 1000-1200$. So since a complete axle was right around 1800 I figured sure... I'll buy a spare third and two spare boxes for 600 while I'm at it.

If I had a spare knuckle and shaft I would probably do what you are doing and buy just the parts I need. I think you are on the right track.

Got started on this. Pretty straight forward. Can't wait to try it out.

The parts I've been collecting from expedition imports.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j224/wixjp_photos/photobucket-2360-1324699661017.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j224/wixjp_photos/photobucket-1070-1325560520584.jpg

Very cool! You make me want to tear into my rear steer project. What did you decide to do for control?

Finished this project
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j224/wixjp_photos/photobucket-6232-1330028777118.jpg
For controls I'm just using one pump from PSC and their rear steer directional valve. No return to center yet. Hope to test everything this weekend.

I would like to get chromos in the rear but for now I can only afford the stock shafts. Should I be worried about the stock shafts or the CV's or the stubs?
Only running the stock jeep 4.0 motor.

You are not going to break the stock shafts.
"maybe" you will mess up a CV if you are thrashing on it at full turn, but I doubt it.
the entire setup looks good!:)

You are not going to break the stock shafts.
"maybe" you will mess up a CV if you are thrashing on it at full turn, but I doubt it.
the entire setup looks good!:)


Stock axles arent that strong mate... I snapped a front short side the other week in my MogLux..
I run 5lt V8, auto, hilux transfer and 404 twin steer.. the axle let go with a massive bang..