xj axel swap

[newfiewheeler]

I'm looking to upgrade the stock axels on my 99 xj but I'm having a hard time making a decision on what axels to use. so far i have read about using wagoneer 44's. anyone ever do this or know of a better idea?

[Dingleberry]

Anything is possible, what it boils down to is how comfortable you feel with your own modding/fabbing skills.

Do you have a welder? Are you comfortable welding and fabricating control arm brackets, spring perches, that kind of thing on to the axles you choose?
Or would you much prefer a bolt-on solution?

Give a little feedback on what you are comfortable with, and we can pipe up with a few suggestions

[newfiewheeler]

i would prefer more of a bolt in type. i have access to a mig welder but it would be my first axel swap like this.

[raf2379]

there is a FF Dodge D60 that will bolt up to the rear of the XJ, I think it was out of an 81 dodge 3/4 ton truck. I cant remember now, but I was going to use it on my XJ and I pulled one out at pick and pull, but then went with a 14Bolt. the dodge axle was 65" WMS to WMS. 5" wider than stock. I think there is a waggy front 44 with the same WMS. for the life of me I cant remember what I did with the dodge D60. i'll try to track down the info for you.

[Black Betty]

What's sized tire are you looking to run on the the jeep? What's in there now a 35 or 8.25?

[raf2379]

Ive asked the same question many moons ago, check out this thread http://forum.calgaryjeep.com/index.php?topic=11816.0 and read cLAYS post.

80's dodge 3/4 ton rear D60, and a wide track waggy front 44 with dodge knuckles. That's the way cLAY done his axles on the XJ. I think that's a good option.

[newfiewheeler]

It has a 35 right now and 33's. I want to go with 35's eventually

[hps4evr]

there is a FF Dodge D60 that will bolt up to the rear of the XJ, I think it was out of an 81 dodge 3/4 ton truck. I cant remember now, but I was going to use it on my XJ and I pulled one out at pick and pull, but then went with a 14Bolt. the dodge axle was 65" WMS to WMS. 5" wider than stock. I think there is a waggy front 44 with the same WMS. for the life of me I cant remember what I did with the dodge D60. i'll try to track down the info for you.

You donated tha dodge 60 to my pile of parts a couple years ago

[hps4evr]

It has a 35 right now and 33's. I want to go with 35's eventually

A well built hi pinion Dana 30 and 8.25 both bolt in and can handle 35" tires... Within reason of course, depends on how you drive.
But there are options. 
Eastcoastgearsupply.com they have reasonably priced bolt in assemblies.

What size tire do you want to run? What type of suspension set-up are you running?

[JackstandJohnny]

if you have a rear D35 do an 8.8 swap.

if you have the C8.25 just leave it. 

fronts fine.  wheel it til you break it, then start upgrading.

[newfiewheeler]

After pricing gears and lockers for stock axels, it's way too expensive considering I may have to upgrade them. So I think if I upgrade both front and rear, it will be a little less to regear and it puts me ahead of I decide to go with bigger tires in the future. I found a set of wagoneer axels for a good price. So I may pick them up  but the Dana 60 idea sounds good as well.

[raf2379]

You donated tha dodge 60 to my pile of parts a couple years ago

awesome haha, I totally forgot what I did with it.

After pricing gears and lockers for stock axels, it's way too expensive considering I may have to upgrade them. So I think if I upgrade both front and rear, it will be a little less to regear and it puts me ahead of I decide to go with bigger tires in the future. I found a set of wagoneer axels for a good price. So I may pick them up  but the Dana 60 idea sounds good as well.

exactly! why do axle upgrades twice, eventually you will want more reliable axles with bigger tires, do it right the first time. HP44 and 9" combo, or HP44 and D60. it wont cost you much more to  build the 44 and D60, than building the D30 and D35.

Immortal did a HP44 front and 14 Bolt rear on his XJ running 36" irocks. I think I donated that 44 as well 

[Black Betty]

http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/web_rs44.html - Mr N's High pinion Dana 44 guide

http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm - Kevinstang ford 9" page

I am going with a HP44/9" combo in my YJ, just picked the axles up last week in fact.  Both these links above  give you a lot of info on these particular axles, along with info on the Dana 60 too.

Johnny makes a good point about about sticking with stock axles.  My thoughts on the route I am going is although the axles I bought will be wide for a Yj, they are almost bang on for a stock JK width.   Let's face it, one day I may wish to have more room and a JK may be the next wrangler I step into.  This way I won't have to repeat another axle build.

Either route you choose, there are pros and cons to each.  An xj 44 or 8.25, good ground clearance, bolt in, factory brakes and e brake etc.  9"/60/14 bolt, good strength, but harder to find factory width, and lower clearance etc.

[JackstandJohnny]

don't forget the new steering, brakes, driveshafts, and all the other little things associated with going with bigger axles.

at that point you should problably look at doing a proper 3 link up front.  might as well do it all at the same time.

[hps4evr]

Don't bite off more then you can chew. Be honest with yourself about what you want, what trails you wheel, and what trails you want to be able to wheel. Like Johnny said, Upgraded oem axles, hp 30/c8.25, can handle 35's, and bolt right in. D44/d60/14-bolt can potentially handle 37-44" tires, but custom suspension, custom steering, custom brakes, custom driveshafts, major body trimming will all be needed, you will probably have to run at least 16.5" or 17" rim to clear the bigger brakes, not to mention you almost have to run big tires for more clearance under the axles.
So, if that's something you can handle and are willing to jump into then go for it. But if you prefer the simplicity of bolt in then build the oem axles.