measurement question

[jtbredneck351]

When narrowing my d44, do I measure from the c or measure from the end of the tube after I get the c off? Thanks.

 

[4x4junkie]

I guess it would depend on how you remove the C.

If you grind out the weld and then pound the C off the tube with a hammer, cut the tube shorter by the amount you want it narrower (this is the most common method).

If you cut the C off with a chopsaw or similar and then notch & remove the section of tube from within it, then you would have to account for that section when you cut your axle's tube shorter (measure how much shorter you want the tube, then subtract the length of the piece that was within the C + whatever your cutting blade's thickness is).

 

[jtbredneck351]

Thanks 4x4. I plan on grinding the weld and beating the c off. I'm sure I'll have more questions, just trying to read all I can and use the search tool. I'll also get some pics on here before long. Thanks again.

 

[farmer]

It winds up being really easy. Use a cutoff all the way around the weld, til you get to the tube, then I used a tractor and a tree to seperate the two peices (come-along would work too). M easured from the end to the tube 6"s, cut, then hammered the c back on. We didnt have an angle finder so we bolted the axle in, used the radius to help guide us, leveled the truck to the ground, and measured a bunch of times. Wicked easy.

 

[FordRanger89]

It winds up being really easy. Use a cutoff all the way around the weld, til you get to the tube, then I used a tractor and a tree to seperate the two peices (come-along would work too). M easured from the end to the tube 6"s, cut, then hammered the c back on. We didnt have an angle finder so we bolted the axle in, used the radius to help guide us, leveled the truck to the ground, and measured a bunch of times. Wicked easy.

^^^^^

lol I did not have a tractor though... I made due though.

Then what I did is just sent my passenger axle shaft to dutchman axle and had them take off the same amount as I took from the tube.
http://www.dutchmanaxles.com/

If you need pictures for help, use this link.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/narrowing_a_ford_dana44.htm

Good luck!