I have a D44 rear axle on a CJ5. Is there a way to see if the axle tube is bent? Does the D44 have to be
off the vehicle or can it be done while on the vehicle??
Thanks for the help!
Goose


82CJ5 Laredo I6 258 T18 D300 (w 4 t0 1) D44 rear D30 front 4.27 gears and other home modifications

How cheap are you? the easy way is to take your jeep to an alignment shop with a computer on the rack, for 40-60 bucks they can give you camber and thrust angle measurements to the .01 degree.
If your cheap like me, then you take two pieces of scrap angle iron about 4 feet long and clamp or bolt them to the axle flanges on a horizontal plane, use a carpenters level to get them in alignment. Measure from side to side to a center punch mark placed on each angle. Rotate both axles 180 degrees and remeasure (use level to get things on plane). Rotate the axles back 90 degrees (use level to plumb things up). A difference between the 1st & 2nd measurement indicate a toe problem, a difference between the 1st and 3rd indicates a camber problem.
The good thing about this kind of measurement is nothing needs to be straight or accurate the level does not even have to be accurate just as long as you are consistant (mark one end of the level and always keep it towards the front or up). the angles can have extensions welded on to clear the body.
The bad part of this test is that it will tell you if the housing is good or bad, but it will not tell you wich side is bent.
good luck, jjc