For those who don't know me, I have an 87 YJ, with 3.5" BDS lift and MORE Boomerang shackles. I've installed an XJ D44, and am now looking to upgrade my fron D30 to something larger.
I don't do extreme wheeling, mostly some weekend trails and the dunes on Cape Code.
The axle that I am looking at running in the front is the Currie D44, that accepts D30 outers. I've read several opinions on this setup. I know that my 1987 D30 outer knuckles are have the smaller u-joints on it, so I have purchased some used 95 YJ outer knuckles with 297 u-joints.
From what I have learned, the 297 joint is the same one used in the D44 outer knuckle. The only advantage being the manual hubs of the D44.
The final build (at this stage) will be the D44 axle with a Lock-Right, and D30 outers from a 95 YJ with 297 u-joints. If I need to, I will order the newer Rubicon 297s that are supposed to be made of a stronger alloy.
I wouldnt spend the cash for that kinda upgrade. Your still using stock shafts on the outers, and the same UJ, crappy hubs and brakes, so all you are gaining is diff strength. Stick to the RC d30 you have, get some shafts with 297s, with a 1-piece passenger side shaft.
I think that some Ford trucks came with a D44 front, and additionally, also had 5 on 4.5 patterns and manual hubs.
I'm going to do a little search, and see if I can find Ford outer knuckles with what I need from a D44. This should make for everything I would need to have a true D44 front. I think I may end up going back to a drum brake bronco, but then again, it would give me something to work on.
The other suggestion, running a 1 piece shaft, I know that an XJ shaft would work, and with a lock-right, or some other traction device (not a true locker because I don't have manual hubs on my YJ) would work too. This would make for an affordable upgrade, which would leave me extra cash for some other mods.
Just get an 81 or newer Grand Waggoneer D44. Its a nearly bolt on, swap. Then convert your rear axle away from the scrawny 5 on 4 1/2" bolt pattern, and be done with it.
You can usualy find G waggy front D44 axles for about $200, (often including the steering linkage).
A lock right is a "true locker" and just because you don't have manual hubs doesnt mean you can't run a "true locker". You said your not hardcore so just step up to the bigger U-joints and I will bet $20 you will be fine :flipoff2:
Do you even need an upgrade? Have you ever broken anything? You did'nt say anything about your tire size, engine, tranny, gearing, ect., so i'm just wondering.
If you need to upgrade, get the GW axles like H8 said. Probably cheaper than the Currie thing & much more worthwhile.
I think that some Ford trucks came with a D44 front, and additionally, also had 5 on 4.5 patterns and manual hubs.
No Dana 44 came factory with the cheesy 5 on 4.5 lug pattern, Swap waggy 44's or go with 1 ton Dana 60's. This is the Pirate Board go to www.Jeepsunlimited.com to learn how to do theese kinds of Dana 30 swaps.:skull:
I grenaded the Peujunk that was originally in my YJ, and then not too long ago, the D35 went on me. When the D35 went, the XJ axle was the easiest swap for the money I had at the time.
I took a few days, and converted from the Carter carb to the Mopar MPI kit, so I've managed to gain a little more power this way. I managed to grenade the Peugeot with a stock 4.2 with 125k miles on it. :flipoff2:
I figure the front axle is the last thing that I will need to address in my drive train... the engine, trans and transfer case have all been taken care of, as well as the rear axle. The front will probably be the next thing to go on me. It still has the 260 front joints, because that was the design for 87. I do have a set of 1995 outer knuckles I could swap in, and add the XJ inner shaft (so the 297 joints will work).
I've got some time yet, I haven't signed a check to anyone for parts yet.
Just upgrade your front shafts so you can get the bigger U-joint. Then save your pennies for the Waggy 44 and switch the rear bolt pattern to 6 on 5.5 when you switch axles...
Better yet, just get BOTH axles off the same Wagoneer ('87 or newer to get the drivers-drop, non-disco front 44 and rear 44) and sell your 5 on 4.5 D44 rear to somebody else--You can get a lot for them from people too lazy to weld a couple of spring perches and shock mounts on... The swap is super easy for a YJ and you'd make money in the process. Then you'd get the 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern front and rear. That's what I did.
HTH,
Jake
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