D44 locker and gear install

[norstar]

OK. It's about two months since I pulled the HP D30 from under the front and started the custom width HP D44 swap. Here's a list of things I had to modify to get the D44 to fit...
- modify/shorten frame side RE track bar drop bracket
- custom length track bar
- custom length drag link and tie rod with Chevy TREs.
- re-tapper waggy pitman arm
- modify JKS quick disco
- move axle forward 1"
- relocate coil spring buckets backward.
- longer adjustable LCAs
- and other little things...

I also moved the steering up high. It's very tight up front but all the suspension and steering components move freely. I might have limited my up travel but that can be fixed with spacers or longer coils. I drove it around town this morning without a steering damper and everything was nice and tight. I guess my quick alignment job works. Anyways, here the before and after pictures.

Before (HP D30)


After (HP D44)

[ZAEDOCK]

Looks good man. I don't if it's the pic, but the wheels look pretty close to the tie rods. Did you have to grind at all?

Also, I don't know if your length would work, but I recently posted a link to some alloy shaft deals I found (it's on NEOW too). I ordered up a set of 4340 inner Waggy 44 shafts for my buggy for roughly $130 shipped. Couldn't pass that up. Would make nice spares.

[norstar]

It's the picture. There is about 1.5" between the TRE and wheel. Wheels are 15x8 with 3.75" backspace. No need to grind.

I think I saw the link. If you're referring to CompleteOffroad, I have purchased a few things from them. Good price, customer service and fast shipping. Unfortunately I can't use standard length inner Waggy shafts. I had my axle tube narrowed to match the overall length of the D30. So my inners are one off 4340s.

[nostaw]

Good price, customer service and fast shipping. Unfortunately I can't use standard length inner Waggy shafts. I had my axle tube narrowed to match the overall length of the D30. So my inners are one off 4340s.

Could you use a Rubicon D44 inner (30 spline)?

I suppose the offset of the pumpkin is probably different, so that wouldn't work either...

JW

[norstar]

Could you use a Rubicon D44 inner (30 spline)?

I suppose the offset of the pumpkin is probably different, so that wouldn't work either...
JW

Rubi inners are too long. I could have narrowed the axle tube for those but I will gain over an inch in overall length. It also moves the pinion over toward the oil pan and might cause interference. My driver side inner is about 0.7" shorter than the Rubi.

[ZAEDOCK]

It's Overstockdiffparts.com.

Here's the thread from NEOW: http://forum.neow.net/index.php?showtopic=100364

Each part lists the length, so it helps.

[norstar]

Wow really good deal for those Waggy inners! Thanks!
Are your Yukon's necked down after the spline and how wide is the machined seal surface? I might get two RH inners for spares. Throw one under the band saw and the other re-splined by MD.

[ChrisD]

Kai - What did you use for paint? Also did you just wire brush the axle?

[norstar]

I used POR-15 on the truss and sprayed the rest with Rust Stop primer. Finished with flat black paint. Nothing special... Yes, wire brushed.

[ZAEDOCK]

Wow really good deal for those Waggy inners! Thanks!
Are your Yukon's necked down after the spline and how wide is the machined seal surface? I might get two RH inners for spares. Throw one under the band saw and the other re-splined by MD.

Didn't see this post. I can check later on tonight.

[norstar]

[ZAEDOCK]

OK - the shafts do neckdown to 1.25" (which they should) and the machined seal surface is 2" wide. They should make nice spares.

[norstar]

Thanks for the numbers! I think I can take about 0.5" off and the seal still be riding on the machined surface.

[ZAEDOCK]

Thanks for the numbers! I think I can take about 0.5" off and the seal still be riding on the machined surface.

No problem!