Jeep "J-20" 3/4ton Dana 44 in a YJ Narrowed 2", changed caster & installed a Detroit Locker with 4.56 gears |
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above: before picture below & right, all the way to bottow of page: are progress pictures |
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the 2 knuckles with ball-joints are the originals, the 2 with "Flat Tops" came off a 75 chevy dana 44. these are needed for my "Hi-Steer" conversion, because the factory tierods contact my military "Hummer" wheels. |
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rotating the knuckle to change caster, this added@ 10 degrees, yellow mark shows before and after rotation... |
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right: this pic shows how much i rotated the knuckles, i really want to try and keep the driveshaft off the Rocks..... below: are three pictures of the welding |
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i always run a Tap, (1 1/8") to clear the knuckle threads up, and then torque ball joints nuts and sleeve to ensure they have the proper pre-load.i think this is more important when running larger tires. |
new "Moog" greasable ball- joints installed |
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axle surfers |
back to 3/4tonYJ main-page back to Manchester Axle & Gear |
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i'm using Spicer 297X non-greasable U-joints (i believe these to be the strongest) |
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above: ball-joints and knuckles are on and painted. right: pictured with new steering arm installed and 2" piece of tube that was removed. |
this page and actual axle are still under construction |
So whats the damage? $150 complete Dana 44 assy. $150 cleaning, overhaul & gear setup (6 hrs.) $470 Detroit Locker $200 $ 75 used 4.56 gears ------ $100 bearing/seal installation kit $80 $ 25 spindle bearing kit (pair) ------ $120 4 Ball Joints $90 $ 40 2 Spicer 297X U-Joints $25 $ 45 2 Brake Calipers & shoes $45 turn rotors (30 min) $65 cut & re-splined axle shaft (Moser Eng.) $65 narrow housing/rotate knuckles/welding (4 hrs.) machining casting & welding spring perch (2 hrs.) $ 12 Inner axle seals $8 $ 10 2 custom shock mounts ------ cleaned/greased wheel bearings & hubs (30 min) Steering stuff: $ 75 pair "Flat Top" steering knuckles (used) ------ drilling and tapping right knuckle (1 hr.) $ 25 3 studs/conical washers/nuts ------ custom steering arm ------ tierod with new 2 new ends drag link with 2 new ends steering stabilizer/mounting hardware $1100 Parts only (no steering) $560 & Labor (@14 Hrs. x $40) $1660 Total |
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right: the old calipers and pads needed replaced, i still can't under stand how calipers cost less the pads. |
right: are the inner axle seals (they don't come with Ring & Pinion Installation Kits) |
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above:"Detroit Locker" left: Motive Gear Kit Installation Kit |
Vintage 1965, 4.56 gears (i already owned them and have a good coarse splined yoke) |
2 lefts pictures: are before and after i ground the casting alot. |
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above: with locker installed and tie-rod on (built before) |
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above: the inside of the a 16" x 7" wheel that I added about 3/4" more backspacing, above right: the hub/rotor/caliper assembly, shows alittle grinding of the caliper for clearance. (this was all done to meet PA state laws,"tire tread must be under fender flares") |
clean empty housing, the best start to long life, bearings will die if they get dirty,dry or hot. below: shows drive side pattern |
below: shaft cut & re-splined by "Moser Engineering" |
below: temp. build-up w/springs, ready to for installation |
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home-made shock mounts |
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2 below and above left: are intial installation in YJ, with "custom steering", still need to install stabilizer after articulation testing. also removed sway bar because of contact with new pitman arm, now thinking about RS9000 shocks to help with street manners. |