cant find axles

[billm85]

hey im trying to do a solid axle swapp on my 85 and want 66-77 bronco axles.i live in the u.p of michigan and can find any. i have a limited budget cuz im a logger. can any one help me?

 

[4x4junkie]

'Fraid to say, you won't find many of those in any part of the country, they've been a sought-after axle for decades now.

You could use a D30 Jeep axle... The '95-'99 XJ Cherokee axles are fairly decent for strength (this would match the bolt pattern of your stock rear as well, unlike the Bronco axle).

Another option even stronger than both of those though is a D35 from an Explorer, and this one basically just bolts right into place of your weak D28. Why not go that route?

 

[Captain Ledd]

4x4Junkie is right, you basically don't find any of those axles now unless you "know a guy" sort of thing. They've basically all been snatched up.

How big of a tire are you planning on running with the SAS?

 

[billm85]

not to big like 33;s at the most but the ttb eats the shit out of my tires and really want solid axles but dont have the time or money to make d44s work

 

[Captain Ledd]

if no bigger than a 33 is the plan, I'd really look into the Dana 30's 4x4Junkie mentioned. IIRC those are one of the best for Dana 30's. High pinion, no disconnects, the larger u-joints, albeit no manual hubs - which is about the only drawback from them. Probably the next easiest axle to swap in. No need to switch rims and it's already the same width (for all intensive purposes). Plus unlike the EB D44's, these axles are still everywhere.

 

[billm85]

good news found a guy that has a complete 68 bronco with 302 and three speed for 800 which is actually perfect for what i want to do it has 411 gears and a twin stick transfer case and it runs just the body is shit.

 

[4x4junkie]

Make sure you're actually getting a D44 with that Bronco before you buy it. That year came with a lo-pinion D30 that's far weaker than the above Cherokee axle (not much better than your D28). It will likely have drum brakes up front too.

 

[1badexplorer]

Yea like junkie said, if its a 68 it should have a d30 front with drums cause a 44 wasn't used till around 71 and discs didn't start till 76. You hould be better off with a jeep d30

 

[SchmigShady]

got mine about a month ago for $150 out of a 74. a guy on craiglist was selling them he has about a dozen early broncos. but this is lower michigan not sure you want to drive that far but i have his email if you want it.

 

[billm85]

well i kinda botched that plan i just picked up a sweet 1979 f 150 that im going to put a 400ci in and use it for my wood truck slash play truck and then im going to play with the ranger or sell it any takers?