Options on Shortening an Axle

[Nootch]

I have a good line on a set of axles for a future upgrade.  a D60FF from a J20 and a D44 from a ford of some sorts. I know the D44 will be too long compared to the D60 and sizing it down is on the plate.  But is there any advantage or disadvantage to shifting around the pumpkin when shortening.  IE. instead of taking 2" off of each side i take 4 off of the short side to keep the pumpkin close to the tire.  I am presuming i would be trussing the axle anyways for 4link mounts and strength, but am pondering the ramifications of messing with the pumpkin offset.

Any suggestions or experiences you would like to share?

Thanks in advance

Nootch

[FiEND]

for 2 inches per side, I wouldn't mess with it.  I would add 2" spacers to the rear instead.  all that work and then having to order custom shafts is sucky

as for the pumpkin though, 4 inches might be too much for the stock skidplate and you have to watch that the drive shaft doesn't bind on anything ... and it probably would with the exhaust. My front shaft already rubs on my exhaust so I know it's a tight fit.   My rear is offset by 2 inches with a shaft half the length of the front with no issues but it doesn't flex nearly as much as the front.

[Bnine]

When shortening a full width front axle, everything comes off the long side. Dont touch the short side. Putting the pumkin to far to the short side causes a slew of issues. The longer the short side the better. That is why the most populay hp 60's and 44's are the ones from the 78-79 fords. They have the longest short of all the other hp ford 60's and 44's.

If you find your axle at randy's, you can find another factory 44 shaft length that may work for your cut down. For instance if your long side inner is 34", maybe they have a factory application that measures 30" or close to it. You could do your shortening based on available stock lengths.

Or you can always go full custom on shafts as well. Not the end of the world.