Someone give me some axle education

[crimsonride]

Ok. So here's what I've got.....I bought a YJ with 44s. The front is a full time deal with a 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern. I've added a photo of the hub and knuckle.

So where did this axle come from and what would it take to convert this to disconnect-able hubs? I am in the process of buying new wheels as well and need to make sure I'm not going to run in to any issues when I try to convert this thing. Also I want better on road manners so I would prefer it if my front driveshaft wasn't constantly spinning.

Thanks in advance!

 

[idahoyj]

The angle of the picture makes the pattern look like 5x4.25" ?!?!??

 

[crimsonride]

Actually I was going to ask about that. I've never heard of a 5x4.25" but that's how it measured. It's not the angle. That's actually how it measures. Is it possible I have some random bolt pattern.

 

[idahoyj]

google makes 5x4.25 seem common on cars....... I didnt find any 4WD vehicles in the 20 seconds that I spent searching.

 

[Hickey]

That's either a custom built axle, or an early Rubicon front. The inner "C" is a style used on Jeep/Chrysler/dodge Dana 30's and Dana 44's.

 

[Hickey]

More pics of the axle housing, and overall Jeep, please.

 

[Hickey]

Also, when measuring lug to lug on a 5 bolt pattern, you won't be measuring the full diameter of the pattern. It's a circle, and you're cutting it short by measuring lug to lug.

 

[Gravy]

I agree with Hickey. Unless someone has cut the coil mounts off a TJ Rubicon d44 front and welded on some leaf spring perches, you have got yourself a standard YJ d30 front axle.
Also by using my calibrated Eye-o-meter I can surmise that it's a stock yj d30 because those u-joints look small. Their likely a Spicer 260 not a 297 which would be a dead giveaway.

I've been wrong before, but we need to see a picture of the entire axle to tell you 100% certain.

Warn made a kit to swap to disconnect hubs. It uses parts from a ranger/ explorer ttb d25/d35 front

 

[crimsonride]

Alright fellers....ask and you shall receive. Here's a bunch more photos.

Def not a rubicon axle since it has the cast-in leaf spring mount on the pumpkin....any more ideas? I'm also pretty certain it's a 44 since (if I remember correctly) I bought d44 lockers and put them in both axles. I also had it geared and we ordered D44 parts and they all seem to be working.

This really could be anything....the guy I bought it from had some "creative" techniques. I've done my best to fix his work but I still have a lot to do on this jeep.

Here are the photos.....notice the funky welded on high steer arm. It seems to be holding up pretty well so I haven't bothered with it yet but I am keeping my eye on it.

 

[crimsonride]

Also, when measuring lug to lug on a 5 bolt pattern, you won't be measuring the full diameter of the pattern. It's a circle, and you're cutting it short by measuring lug to lug.

Gotcha.... So does this mean I do in fact have a 4.5 bolt pattern when you take in to account the radius? I always thought you just measures straight across skipping one lug.

 

[Kiel]

def. a 44

 

[mbryson]

Could be from a late '70s Dodge fullsize? They have that bolt pattern but would be near full width if not full width. I'm sure they were leaf sprung but that's the wrong tcase/axle drop. FSJ were all 6 lug from what I know? Any chance it's an FSJ axle (80's) with the Dodge outers?

 

[Kiel]

drivers drop 5 lug. Bronco or full size ford?

 

[mbryson]

drivers drop 5 lug. Bronco or full size ford?

From what I know of Ford, they were all 5 on 5.5" except for Ranger/Exploder (they were 5 on 4.5"). FSJ came pass drop up until '80 or '81, then the went to drivers drop? It's got to be a hybrid or aftermarket axle of some kind. Chris, what's the wms-wms?

 

[crimsonride]

From what I know of Ford, they were all 5 on 5.5" except for Ranger/Exploder (they were 5 on 4.5"). FSJ came pass drop up until '80 or '81, then the went to drivers drop? It's got to be a hybrid or aftermarket axle of some kind. Chris, what's the wms-wms?

I'm on it....hang on.

 

[crimsonride]

Mark,

It looks likes it's right about 65". Here are a few more photos.

 

[mbryson]

I really wonder if that's an '80s Waggy D44 with Dodge outers?

 

[crimsonride]

I really wonder if that's an '80s Waggy D44 with Dodge outers?

Huh...maybe.. They have done some crazy work with the knuckle so who knows. So any idea how to convert this thing to hubs? I'm trying to look up that warn conversion kit but not having much luck.

 

[mbryson]

Huh...maybe.. They have done some crazy work with the knuckle so who knows. So any idea how to convert this thing to hubs? I'm trying to look up that warn conversion kit but not having much luck.

Not unless you're willing to change wheels (which is what I'd do)

 

[crimsonride]

I really wonder if that's an '80s Waggy D44 with Dodge outers?

Huh...maybe.. They have done some crazy work with the knuckle so who knows. So any idea how to convert this thing to hubs? I'm trying to look up that warn conversion kit but not having much luck.