Ok,
Driving a 97 TJ with 6+ lift and 37" tires. I do some wheeling, not too hard and its a DD. Rear is locked. My delima is I've got 5/8 studs on the rear and 1/2 studs on front Dana 44. Obviously 1 spare won't fit both.

I've got several options, but the best (financially) at this point looks like changing the axle and getting 9/16 studs on the rear so a steel wheel will fit both front 1/2 and rear 9/16 studs.

I might add the 5/6 rear studs are screwed in. One option would be to replace the 5/8 studs but can I get a 9/16 stud that screws in the knurl?

SO, any help in changing the axle? steps, diagrams...etc.

I've done some work on my own, exhaust manifolds, radiator, starter, alt, some susp, speedo, but havn't messed with diff or gearing...

Thanks for any help...

Grant

A few questions:
Have you tried putting the spare wheel on the rear axle? May be a silly question, but they typically aren't that snug to the wheels holes. They go on with room to spare then are centered by the lug nuts. I have a steel wheel spare that fits on both 7/16 and 1/2 studs with no issue.

Are you sure they are 5/8 and 1/2?

Lastly, If the spare fits on the smaller studs on the front and you want to change the rear, get some studs from Currie, or take a removed stud to NAPA. Is it a Currie axle shaft as well? On my 9", they tacked the studs in. So if I wanted to change them, I would grind off the weld and pop them out.

I keep seeing something new everytime I read your post. I should learn to read before being on a board, I guess:D

As far as "changing the axle," what do you mean?
If you end up needing to remove the axle shaft to get better access to the studs or whatever, it is really easy. Take the drum off and the retainer plate bolts are accessible without dismantling the brakes. Free up the retaining plate (5 or 6 nuts) and pull on the axle. If you have discs in the rear, I doubt it is much different. Just get the caliper out of the way. The diff itself doesn't need to be disturbed.

It is very likely there is a stud available that will screw in and be 9/16. If the local places can't get what you need, call Currie and I am sure they will work it out for you.