flipping axle tubes?(chevy d44)

[beaujt]

is it really as simple as pulling the tubes out and flipping just the tubes and axle shafts? what about the "guts"? I'm just asking cause i figure i can fab up some coil spring mounts for the axle, narrow it if needed, and the chevy d44 up here are CHEAP! I'd really appreciate some help and input on this!

 

[JohnnyU]

I don't really think it's worth the effort since it will still be a low pinion axle. There are two ways to do it, the right way, and the not as right way.

The correct method would be to cut the inner C's off the tubes, then cut the tubes and press them out of the housing. Press the long tube into the passenger side, short tube into driver side, and reinstall the C's. There's a fair bit of work hidden there, but that's essentially the process.

The less-than correct method would be to splice tubes. I'm not too keen on this method.
http://bc4x4.com/tech/2001/hpd60front/

 

[AKBroncoII]

Either way is fine. I prefer splicing the tubes as it requires much less tooling and will be just as strong if done properly as pressing the tubes in and out.