Topic: axle swap????

[enginethatcould]

What would be the best axle swap for the jeep yj?  Also, what vehicles would I find your recomendation in. A u-pull-it just opened up near me and I'm looking to do a couple of upgrades. I have the 4 banger and will be upgrading to a sbc 350 w/ a TH300. Also any guidance in the axle swap or the engine swap would be greatly appeciated.

[neale_rs]

For 33s, a rear Ford 8.8 or Cherokee D44, for 35s front and rear Wagoneer Dana 44s, for anything bigger rear D60 and front D44, full width. 

[Bounty Hunter]

There is no one 'best' axleswap for the YJ, especially when you factor in your drivetrain swap, tire size, and the type of wheelin (if any) you plan on doing with the jeep.

The Ford 8.8 rear axle is a good choice for moderate tire sizes, but limits you to the 5x4.5" lug pattern, limiting your choice of front axles.

I went with a front Wagoneer D44 and rear Isuzu Rodeo D44.  This gave me 6-lug wheel pattern and disc brakes at each corner.  It also allows for 5.38 gears and highsteer up front.

I run 36" TSL's offroad, and they're pushing the limits of the D44's, but it's liveable since I plan on keeping my 2.5L HO.  I'd have to look at upgrading if I were to swap in more motor, for the type of wheelin I do in the Midwest.

[enginethatcould]

I would like to run 35"-37" tires at max. I do a very little rock crawling becuase south Louisiana has nothing to offer. It's really more hills than anything. My goal is to build a rig that can handle moderately anything I can throw at it while still having some street driveability (in town, weekend type). Right now I have a 2" body lift with 2.5" add-a-leaf running 33" tires. I want to go SOA and do the engine swap, and change the axles all at once. 

[neale_rs]

Dana 60's front and rear if you want it to handle anything you throw at it.  The axles won't affect the drivability except maybe positively due to the lower available gearing.

[enginethatcould]

Dana 60's front and rear if you want it to handle anything you throw at it.  The axles won't affect the drivability except maybe positively due to the lower available gearing.

What vehicles could i find them in?

[neale_rs]

Don't know about exact years but you need to start looking at 3/4 and 1 ton trucks in junkyards.

[jagular7]

Axles will depend on the tcase you will be using. If you stick with the GM throughout (engine/trans/tcase), then it will depend on what year. The front output of the case for IFS is left side and rear output (most) will have a slip yoke output. For straight axle years (up to 87), the case front output will be right side and there will be a yoke on the case rear output.

Due to the fact the YJ has a much wider frame than the CJ, you may be able to swap the front axle directly in. The leaf span should be ~3/8" difference for a GM/Ford straight front axle. This needed spacing can be absorbed in the bushing of the shackle. Ford gets little complicated after 1980 where the only straight axle available for the front wouldn't be available till 1983/4 and that would be the D60. However, it wouldn't work easily since the leafs are mounted another 5" outward. (The difference in the location of the diff housing between the 70's axles to the mid 80's and newer front axles.) For the rear axle, you will require to weld on new spring perches on the axle. The shock mounts front and rear will also have to be relocated.

[Bounty Hunter]

Keep in mind that d60's are full-width, a lot wider than your stock axles and several d44 options.  D44's can generally handle up to a 37" tire with moderate wheelin.