So I've decided to do the swap. The only thing I can't decide is what axle to use and I don't want to blow the budget with my axle. I was thinking a dana 44, but how much would it cost to convert to 6 lug? or would it be cheaper to get an axle from an old FJ? But wich one would be stronger?

 

This should be a fun project. What are the details of the build?

 

When finished I'll be running 4.88 and 36 Swampers, ARB locker up front, JBA header,and debating on a better clutch but will probably have no choice. I will also fab up a rear bumper, roof rack and black out my wheels.

 

Your going to need a Jeep wagoneer dana 44 cause it has the 3rd member on the drivers side. Chevy dana 44's use a 6 lug bolt pattern on the hub same as toyota and there easly swaped over to the wagoneer 44.

 

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Keep us apprised of your swap, looks like a great project.

More and more folk's are taking the torch to brand new and one year old rigs.

 

What about an older bronco, is it still possible to swap shafts with a chevy?

 

are you trying to keep it 6 lug to keep your stock wheels? cause id prolly just get some steelies...

 

That would be a good axle choice too. Im not a hands on expert in this department but I think the knuckle on the Ford dana 44 is quit diffrent that the Wagy or the Chevy 44. Now if the ford and chevy 44's have the same lenght C on the ends of the housings, a chevy or wagy knuckle might fit in the place of the fords knuckle.

Try here too,

http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/...a-_c_92-1.html

 

Allready have some steal, but they are six lug too, and i have a first gen and it's nice too swap tires around. I've also thought about just a full on running gear swap.

 

Are you going with a kit? Are you going to use coil-overs or leafs? Going hydraulic? High Steer? How much lift are you going for? What are you going to do with the rear? How much do you plan on spending? Armor?

 

My advice would be to check out some of the other forums like TTORA.com or Pirate4x4.com.
You need to look at things like which side the front pumpkin is on, are you using coil overs or traditional springs.

I would love to do a straight axle on mine, but for the cost of it I can build my '81 into something very reliable and capable and have $$ left over. Though the comfort/room of the '05+ would be nice, not to mention power....Good luck with the build..

these threads might give you some ideas:
http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12383
http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=72522
http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=612673

 

I pretty much need to run a Ford front end because of the drivers side 3rd member. I'm just up in the air about swapping everything out or converting the front end to run six lug.

 

There is always the option of dropping some coin on a Diamond axle.

http://www.diamondaxle.com/index.htm

 

Yeah that would be nice. I could get a full set of 1 ton gear for that price. This thing is going to be more of a capable trail rig then a rock crawler.

 

just get a chevy dana 44, and shorten the axle tubes to fit waggy inner axles. then you'll have pretty close to a matching track width, and you's have your 6 lug pattern.

 

Dude, the wagoneer 44 has a driver's side diff from 1980 and up. It is already six lug so no need to convert it and it is the right width. Avoid the vacuum disconnect axles. This will be your cheapest/easiest option.

 

wow, I'm surprised nobody has pointed you to some people on this board who have done these swaps.

http://www.hunt4steve.com
http://www.sonoransteel.com

 

Just an FYI, virtually all of this information for you is bad for swapping a new Tacoma. You really need to talk to Demello or to Silly Fab, Demello has completed swaps on a new Taco and a new FJCruiser and SillyFab has done a swap on a new FjCruiser and is about to do two new tacomas. SillyFab sounds like the place that is more up your alley, he used a Ford HP44 front axle on his First FJC.

The Waggy axles and Early Bronco axles are WAY too narrow for your application. I think the custom diamond that went into the FJC Demello built was around 66" WMS.

 

Ahh thanks man. Whats the width of a Waggy axle? I did not know 80 and newer were drivers side. I had seen a couple older ones but they were passenger side. I was thinking full size Bronco by the way. Cause my neighbors uncle runs a truck recycle buisness so I can get whatever for cheap, I just need to make my mind up.