D44 Axle swap - what to look for?
I was looking for some info on swapping a Wagoneer (or similar width) D44 into the front of my Cruiser. The main reason I am doing this is because they are wider (TLC = 55", Wag = 61"). I believe there are no strength differences in the axle shafts or the gears (TLC maybe stronger, but who really brakes them?), but I think the U-joints are stonger, easier to change,and cheaper than Birfields.
Which vehicles should I look into for doner axles? Do you guys have any problems running D44s in the rear as well? I was thinking on running a D60 rear and changing the knuckles to Chevy or Dodge flat tops and 8 lug to match. Is this possible? I think it will be cheaper to run the Wagoneer D44 rear since I don't have to mix and match parts.
I will have more questions later. Thanks.
--Eric Stegall
TLC Editor @ Off-Road.com