front axle upgrade

[ecablarn]

Any tips on upgrading a D35 front to a D44 from a newer jeep. say 2007 jeep d44 that have been selling so well. And if you have any tips or notes on problem areas with a swap of this type. Any help is appreciated, from the new guy.

 

[Ozwynn]

do a search, becareful ........ this topic cause big war, many deaths. but why you want to upgrade?

 

[metalmacguyver]

2007 Jeep, thats out of a Rubicon? You need to be aware that those axles are actually fakes. The center section is a D44 but the axle shafts and outers are D30 stuff.

 

[4x4junkie]

Actually the 2007 axle did away with the D30 outers, IIRC they have 30 spline stubs now.
These are just as wide as a fullsize truck D44 though, and use gears different from other D44s.

Why do you want to swap? Is it for the width?

 

[#1greenranger]

and are also 5 on 5 not 5.5 or 4.5 so for finding rims isn't the easiest

 

[metalmacguyver]

Actually the 2007 axle did away with the D30 outers, IIRC they have 30 spline stubs now.
These are just as wide as a fullsize truck D44 though, and use gears different from other D44s.

Why do you want to swap? Is it for the width?

What is the WMS on them?

 

[ecablarn]

axle upgrade

Lots of good notes here, I believe they are true D44 internal components now as far as the 2007 versions are concerned. I was unaware they were 5 on 5 bolt pattern, which sucks. Are you sure these are full width, I thought they were used in the JK jeeps? Comparision of front axle width would be helpful. I want a stout front "solid" axle at some point any other ideas that won't have me hunting all over for the right parts.

Future plans is all, guess I'll have to beat it till it breaks to find all the weak points. Still waiting to see when the 7.5 will give. stored for the winter at the moment.

Thanks again guys,

 

[4x4junkie]

If it's strength you're after, do keep in mind a D44 isn't any stouter than the D35 where it counts most (the axle u-joints). In the case of F-150/Bronco D44s you do get bigger brakes though (I forget what the brake size is on the JK axle).

The JK axle is 65" wide WMS-WMS (The JK has both a wider track width than a TJ, and uses even deeper-offset rims).