outboard front springs,for waggy axles - Off-Road Forums & Discussion Groups

BUCKYOO7 · #1 10-31-2009, 04:27 PM

i would like to swap in a set of wagoneer d44 axles in my cj5. or should i have them cut down to wide trac with. I'm running 33inch swappers now i would like run 35s or?? we have not broke the stock axles yet and last Sunday my son tried or so it seemed . i want to keep it narrow i can get a set of waggy axles cheep now to out board the springs and do shackle reversal is there a kit for that this is something i plan on doing this winter and looking for ideas or options

Jim_Lou · #2 10-31-2009, 06:26 PM

If you narrow both sides of the Waggy axle you don't need to outboard the springs. I narrowed mine so that the eye-to-eye distance was the same as the narrow-track D30. With the larger D44 hubs the track is a couple inches wider than stock. That let everything go back just like stock. Most people probably don't even notice that it's a 44.

JeepDawg · #3 10-31-2009, 07:39 PM

I asked the same question when I started on my Flat top 44....

It appears to be to be about the same amount of work to outboard springs vs cutting down the axle 4". I'm cutting my axle....otherwise, my front will be wider than the rear...might look a little funny.

I wouldn't do the shackle reversal....go SOA instead using stock wrangler springs....5 1/2" of lift....springs will be flat....hence, your axle will move back as it flexes in either direction....and since your going to be doing all that work on the D44 anyway...welding on a couple of spring perches is nothing.

Jim_Lou · #4 10-31-2009, 07:44 PM

Same amount of work, plus or minus, but wider spring spacing means more roll resistance, which means less flex. And if you want stock wide-track width you have to at least shorten the long side. Do the short side at the same time and you're done.

BUCKYOO7 · #5 11-01-2009, 08:16 AM

what is the cost of cuting down a axle i know it varryes from place to place

Caver Dave · #6 11-01-2009, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BUCKYOO7

what is the cost of cuting down a axle i know it varryes from place to place

If you have more time than money... DIY!

-Mark the cut needed to the axle tube (measure thrice, cut once!

),
-grind the weld out (between inner-C & tube),
-knock the inner-C off (sledgehammer) once you you see the "parting crack",
-square the axle tube in a cut off saw on your cut line,
-cut it off, clean up tube end (radius the edges, remove paint),
-heat the inner-C up in the oven to 250*F, drop it on the tube (minute caster adjustment can be made after the fact with sledge),
-triple check measurements before welding the inner-C back on (if your welder doesn't have the amps, about $30 at a local shop)...

Jim_Lou · #7 11-01-2009, 03:31 PM

And then send the shafts to Moser to be cut and re-splined. About $100 the pair.

There's more figuring to be done than Caver states - you have to calculate how much to shorten each side, unless you take it all from the long side and then outboard the springs. And you need to figure out where to set the Cs to get the amount of caster you want. And you need to figure out how much caster you want. I posted the procedure I used to do mine here: http://forums.off-road.com/jeep-shor...ning-tips.html (Axel shortening tips)

Caver Dave · #8 11-01-2009, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_Lou

you have to calculate how much to shorten each side, unless you take it all from the long side and then outboard the springs.

True, but shortening just the long side of a Chevy D44 would require narrowing a single side, use "off the shelf" Waggy long side inner, and should move the chunk far enough to port to fit without outboarding...

Jim_Lou · #9 11-01-2009, 07:51 PM

I wonder, when you outboard the springs to move the differential to the right, does it interfere with the frame unless you lift the Jeep?

pontiac58 · #10 11-02-2009, 06:09 PM

If you cut 4 1/8" off the long side of a waggie axle. The spring perch in the pig will be just perfect if you are staying spring under. If your going spring over. Then just use a chevy rear and cut both sides.

I cut my waggie rear down that way, and i think i am about an inch or so wider then a wide track cj. Its been to long and i dont remember.

Some where on this board is my post about cutting the rear down. If you can find it i would like to have the link.

Now if you want a narrow track like Jim Lou has then you have to cut both sides.

Its easy as pie to set the caster and the new spring perch. Get a piece of 4in, or bigger, ibeam or box tubing about 4 ft long, shim up the spring perch on the pig (i think a piece of 3x3 box tubing is what i used maybe 4x4). That gives you the angle for the new spring perch. Shim up the new perch and lay the alxe down on it. Strap it all down then weld the new perch in. Then measure your caster while its still in the jig and set the C back on the cut axle tube. Weld that all in and your ready for axles. You can have your axle cut down or just get a new one.

To get the C off is a lot easier then grinding all the way around it. Just cut the weld and axle tube off at the inside of the C. A chop saw will make quick work of it. A torch will work too but it wont be as clean. Then take the torch and cut a slot in what is left of the axle tube inside the C. That will free up any pressure. Then get the big hammer out. After a few shots it will fall out.

Any questions??????

jim