44 to D4 rear-end swap worth it?

[Steelcore]

So, I have an '89 Bronco II with a 44 rear end. I also happen to have a '90 bronco II I use for parts, which has a D4 limited-slip. I want to do a swap so I can have the L/S rear-end, but will it last? Do they wear out quickly? Or should I skip all of this and just have one installed on my current rear end?

 

[superds]

They didn't make a 91 Bronco II. The last year of production was 1990. Also, Ford didn't put dana rear axles in the BII. So I assume we're talking about a stock '90 Bronco II. If it is the stock axle it is a Ford 7.5", which is an ok axle if you don't get too extreme with it, big tires and abuse can destroy them.

 

[Steelcore]

Yeah, '90. I have no idea what year they quit making them, and I'm too lazy to go look. Also, since the front-end on my '89 is a Dana, I figured the rear-end would be aswell. Yeah, I don't know shit about them. Anyways, thanks.

 

[superds]

What do you use your BII for? Does the Dana 44 rear you have now have the same wheel lug pattern as your front? If you do a lot of extreme wheelin, maybe the strength of the Dana 44 is important to you and you'd be better off with it rather than swapping to a weaker axle.

There's a chance your parts BII has a Dana 35 front axle, which is stronger than the Dana 28, which is what I believe your 89 BII has. That's another swap to consider.

 

[Steelcore]

What do you use your BII for? Does the Dana 44 rear you have now have the same wheel lug pattern as your front? If you do a lot of extreme wheelin, maybe the strength of the Dana 44 is important to you and you'd be better off with it rather than swapping to a weaker axle.

There's a chance your parts BII has a Dana 35 front axle, which is stronger than the Dana 28, which is what I believe your 89 BII has. That's another swap to consider.

My BII is mostly for commuting, but I do go off-roading when I have some free time. My information was incorrect, it's not a Dana 44, but just the stock Ford 7.5 which has a 44 code on the door. Also, that's a good idea The front-end is the 28, so I'm probably going to swap the entire rear-end and could I just swap the 3rd member on the front-end? Or the whole axle?

 

[superds]

You have to swap the whole front axle, which should be a bolt in affair.

 

[Steelcore]

You have to swap the whole front axle.

Damn. Oh well, I can make time. Thanks

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Here's a link that may help you in your decision making.
http://www.broncoiicorral.com/common_upgrades.htm
And a link to axle codes.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html
I would probably try to rebuild the d4 code rear and swap it in for light wheeling. IIRC, You can pick up a clutch kit and oil for less than $100.00 and do the rebuild before doing the swap so less down time. I have never done a rebuild myself but I think it would be do-able to the average home mechanic as you are not setting up a ring and pinion, just redoing the clutches.
Good luck,

Richard