The last few months have left me in a great stupor and soul searching. After much fasting, prayer, long mountain retreats, a trip to Mecca, and a visit with a rabbi (really not sure what team the jeep gods are on) I have come to the conclusion that I must have a 14 bolt SF rear axle and one form of a front JT Dana 44…if they even call them that anymore.
At the time I thought I knew what I was looking for so yesterday morning I set off to junkyard dive for my new rear axle. The yard had a couple donors that I quickly found. The first was a 1999 Chevy k2500. The axle was complete, under the truck and looked like it was underwater for a long time. To my surprise it was only 65 inches wide. Between the other other trucks around it pulling it would have been a pain. I was under the impression these axles were 67-68 inches wide. I moved on. I found a 1988 C30 sports van. This looked good. Older but in much better looking condition. The wheels were still on it so I pulled one to get an idea of the width. I was really surprised when it came in at 70 inches.
I was ready to pack it in. On my way out I noticed an 8 lug front end on a newer Chevy truck sticking half way into a row. I walked around to the back and noticed the back half of the truck had been cut off and removed. There on the ground ready for the picking was a disc brake SF 14 bolt.
I put it up on some stands to look it over. It measured at 68”. It was in fantastic condition. I removed the shocks and extras and brought it home.
When I got it home I went right to work cutting brackets off.
Just need to clean it up now and start the build.
I need some 5x5 lug shafts build to factory 14 bolt specs. Not sure who is best to do that. Will also need an ARB RD197. Any vendors have one kicking around? Need a truss as well. I’m pretty excited about this one. Should be a great axle for the 37-39” tire range.