[338]

GWag D44 / YJ Swap

I picked up the future front axle for my YJ this afternoon. Its a D44 out of an 87 Grand Wagoneer. It looks like a pretty straight forward swap, and has some nice features.
*The width from hub to hub is 60 1/2".
*The springs are mounted very close to the same width as the YJ at 32" center to center(GWag) and about 31" on the wrangler.
*Shock mount location is almost identical to the YJ and are already up out of the way of rocks,in the middle of the axle tube(spaced about 38" CL to CL). But they are angled not sure, but I'll probably reposition them a bit.
*The steering linkage is already mounted, knuckle over, and looks considerably stronger stronger.
*The Trac bar mount is beefier and taller.
*Brake rotors are 12"
I cant wait to start tearing into it, and it should make for a strong, reliable combo with the Ford 8.8 already bringing up the rear. Now I just need to borrow a garage, my girlfreind says I cant use the dining room table. I told her if she cant handle the heat stay out of the garage/kitchen. If she keeps up this attitude I might just have to take my NP435/ottoman back down to the construction trailer, that'll teach her. This is the worst part about moving so much and renting.
Jeff
89 Wrangler

 

[Guest]

Re: GWag D44 / YJ Swap

Just finished this swap.....check out my web page or email me if u want to chat

Chris
[email protected]
http://www.extreme-jeepin.com

 

[Guest]

Re: GWag D44 / YJ Swap

I looked at your page. I didn't see anything about your swap. Are you doing a write up on it?

_____________________
John
95.5 YJ with "stuff"
http://SonsofThunder4x4.com

 

[Guest]

Re: GWag D44 / YJ Swap

Just finished this swap. Email me if you need info.

Basically, I:

cut 1/2 inch into housing, made new spring plate, welded it on and drilled center hole 1/2 inch in on drivers side.

welded a 1/2 wide 'extension' to the inner side of the passenger side perch. made a new spring plate, welded it on then drilled new center hole 1/2 inboard on passenger side. Also ground away the outboard corners of the old perch so the u bolts would have a place to go.

drilled my yj (4 inch drop) pitman arm out for larger taper of wagoneer drag link. I am now waiting for a new drag link end, cause the person who removed the axle wrecked the old one. This is the only thing left to do.

Welded a new mount for the sterring stabilizer on.

Bought new warn premium hubs for it.

Chad - [email protected]

also put in 4.88s and a detroit

aren't your two axles going to have different bolt patterns?

 

[338]

Re: GWag D44 / YJ Swap

Chad,
Sounds like you just about got it whooped.
My set up will be alittle different in the fact that I am building mine to maintane the SOA suspension I am currently using. looking at the axle last night, I think I may need to modify the steering to get it up and over the Spring Over set up.
My bolt pattern will be 5 on 5 1/2 using Ford 1/2 ton hubs and rotors in the front, and moser axles with new bolt patterns for the rear.And a combination of new bead lock wheels(replacing two with substantial rock damage) and adapters until Ive swapped everything over and replaced all of the current bead locks.
I have ordered new 4.56 gears and an ARB to match the current set up also. in fact parts should start arriving today.
Jeff
89 Wrangler

 

[338]

Re: GWag D44 / YJ Swap

Chad,
One more thing.
Were you able to use the stock shock mounts from from the G.Wag. I like thier location on the axle in relation to their position at the center line of the tubes, and it looks like they are at almost the excact spacing to align with the Wranglers shock location, but they are skewed on an angle, and I cant tell how that will affect their ability to be used. Its not a big deal, but I am trying to think of everything I will need to manufacture or purchase so that when I borrow my freinds garage I will be able to get in complete the install and get out, he has a very small garage also used to park his Sami, so I dont want to overstay my welcome.
My plan is to build the axle as much as possible, out at my Construction Site Trailer, (swap gears and ARB, weld perches, and shock mounts?? , new wheel bearrings, brakes, rotors, hubs, and modify the steering to a driveable set up. Then borrow the garage and do the swap in one day. Drive it out and start fine tuning back at the Job Site.
Any advice to help avoid potential pit falls, or delays are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff
89 Wrangler

 

[Guest]

Re: GWag D44 / YJ Swap

I WAS able to use the FRONT shock mounts as they were, and they work quite well. I cut off the rear ones, of course, as they were SOA and I am staying SUA.

Chad