Planning to Narrow a Cherokee Chief Dana 44

[urchinhead]

I have a 1976 Cherokee Chief Dana 44 front axle that I plan to narrow for my CJ. From the factory, they are approximately 66" from wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface.

It seems that 4" cut from the long tube seems to be the magic number from all the research I have done via internet. A 62" width is perfect for what I have in mind for my build, but I was hoping that more experienced builders could help me out with my Dana 44 modification;

If I cut 4" off the long side, is there a factory axle that I can salvage from the junkyard?

If so, is it exactly 4" that I want to cut , or something close to that measurement?

Or, would it be more cost effective/less a waste of time to just have my axle shortened, or one custom cut and splined?

Thanks in advance. If there is already a thread or tech article with this information, I will appreciate the link, as I have not been able to find one on Pirate or elsewhere.

[JRTOffroad]

Sounds like you have a wide track axle there. If it was me I would swap it out to the more common narrow track to get your 61" width (can get from wagoneer or narrow track cherokee) and sell the one you have. I'd guess those wide track axles would be desirable to an FSJ or Wrangler guy looking for a little more width.

[urchinhead]

It certainly is a Wide-Trac. I bought the axle several years ago, had it re-geared and added an eLocker.

I tacked up some mounts to outboard the springs, but now that I have the time and money to complete my build, I have some different ideas and no longer want to outboard the springs. I also would prefer to to have axles closer to Narrow-Trac/TJ width, but I really don't want to have to gut this Dana 44, as it is ready to go, and fresh inside.

I'm planning to grab a Dana 60 for the rear, and I will likely narrow that and purchase new/custom axles, so I don't mind keeping the Wagoneer/Chevy 6 lug pattern for my front Dana 44.

[Mr.N]

urchinhead, Welcome Pirate.

FYI, this is not really a "Hardcore Tech" question anymore. Also it has been answer several time before.
Next time spend a few minutes searching and try posting in "non-hardcore"


Here is my chart, it should answer your question.