8.8/D44 Hybrid Build Thread...w/PIC's

RacinNdrummin · Apr 12, 2009

Ok I have almost all my parts to build the axle now so I guess I can start the thread.

If this is not the appropriate section for this than please move it.....

I picked up a chevy D44 off of Craigslist for $25. Had high steer knuckles but no spindles or brake hardware.

I removed the knuckles and proceded to cut the inner C's off the housing.

I also picked up a full size 8.8 from a 92 bronco that has a Trac-lok for $75. Ill put my 4.10's I have on the shelf in and rebuild the trac-lok with the disc/fiber/disc/fiber method.

Im using a fullsize axle because because it gives me a little bit more tubing to play with to get the width I want right..

Im only into this axle $100 dollars, Ive gotten away pretty cheap so far.

More to come.

RacinNdrummin · Apr 15, 2009

I pretty much got the 8.8 disassembled today, and everything looks good on the inside. Ill probably re-use all the bearings and mock up the new gears with the existing shims, and see where I come out. Its not like the front axle will be engaged all the time with the full torque of the engine against it like the rear axle, Ill be suprised if the thing ever sees over 30mph.

Ill get some pics up tomorrow.

alaskan155 · Apr 15, 2009

dude $25 for flat top knuckles :shok:

and an axle must be nice

so what arre you going to do for axle shafts, custom? and what are the pros of the lp 44 to lp 8.8, wouldn't a hp 44 be better? and easier

RacinNdrummin · Apr 15, 2009

Yeah, the guy already had flat tops and he didnt seem to be hurting for money, he didnt have the flat tops advertised with the axle, I didnt know the flat tops were coming with the axle til I got to his house. It definately was a killer deal. I ended up junking the rest of the axle as it was pretty much worthless, unless somebody wanted to make a 44 rearend out of it.

RacinNdrummin · Apr 15, 2009

Curious....

Anybody know a trick to getting the stock chevy steering arm off of the knuckle short of torching the bolts?

RacinNdrummin · Apr 15, 2009

Lol, been there.

The bitch aint comin' off.

Its got those angle locks on the studs.

Toreadorranger · Apr 15, 2009

Heat the crap out of it then grab a mini sledge and hit it. Try to avoid hitting the knuckle its self. You just have to work those cone washers loose. Grab a can of PB blaster while your at it and hit them with it.

wahlstrom1 · Apr 15, 2009

I got new studs and cones with my high steer arms, so I rattles on the cones with the airhammer and they popped right out. then I just tapped the arm with a deadblow and off it came. Looks like a fun project!

-andrew

RacinNdrummin · Apr 17, 2009

Got some more stuff done...

Shaved all the brackets off of the housing. Its basically bare now aside from the bearing races and those are going to stay in there.

Still needs a "brakleenup" and a wire wheel job and that will be next before I start the work on it.

Im hoping the tube thickness is .25", because if it is, my D44 inner C's will fit right inside the tube and it will save a little work, I wont have to lathe up any adapters, or machine the old axle tubes off of the C's.

slammer67 · Apr 18, 2009

So, your using an 8.8 center and putting on dana44 outers, c's, knuckles, spindles, etc?

what are you doing about axles shafts? I'm assuming some custom ones.

that's a good idea if it doesn't cost that much to do, kinda like a mini 609 axle setup.

RacinNdrummin · Apr 18, 2009

Yeah thats what im going to do.

Im going to have shafts made. 8.8 axle shafts are the same diameter as D44 shafts, so all I have to do is have the shafts made with 31 splines instead of 30.

Ill only have to have the inners made, I already have the outers.

slammer67 · Apr 18, 2009

sweet this is gonna be way cool.

keep the pics coming

any idea on the cost of resplining?

RacinNdrummin · Apr 22, 2009

Not sure yet, ill have to check....

Here is some more progress:

Got the length cut today, the C's are just sitting in there for show right now.

Looks like I need to start gutting the TTB stuff out now.

1badexplorer · Apr 22, 2009

Looks good :headbang:

chris_brown09 · Apr 22, 2009

Isnt the chevy axle diff on the oppisite side as a ford?

8.8/D44 Hybrid Build Thread...w/PIC's

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