Baystate Jeepers

I was just with Doug and he has a high pinion that is going to be used as a rear axle. I have a 44 rear axle , can I put knuckles on it and run it in the front ??? Would that involve a reverse rotation gear set or just a front set of gears. Could it also be inverted to a high pinion with the reverse rotation set or it wont need it. Will it drive on the cost side with the inversion or if its kept as a low pinion ? Help ! Its free and I cant believe I didnt know I could do this. Vs. still trying to find a right side waggy axle. Thanks FjR68

Hi Frank.

Running a rear 44 cut and knuckled to a front application would still use standard gears. A standard rotation axle can not be flipped and used as a high pinion axle. While a standard front axle does drive on the coast side, a standard front 44 will still be much stronger than a standard or high pinion Dana 30, simply from a size standpoint (8.5" ring gear vs a 7.2"). It might take some time, but I've seen a few front pass side 44's on NEOW here and there. I'll keep my eyes open.

Personally, I don't like using high pinion axles in the rear, as they are driven on the coast side and more stress is applied to the rear axle. The True Hi-9 axle would be an exception to this. There can also be pinion bearing oiling issues using a factory cast center in a rear axle application.

Thanks Joe: It will be easier to just be able to order normal gears . I have the 44 doing nothing so I thought it would be a good starting point. FjR68

On another note. Would it be easier to cut down a Chevy 44 and figure some thing out to stay with 5 lugs ? FjR68

to stay with 5lug wheels try this plce they make any spacer you want so you can keep your wheels
http://shop.adapterkings.com/addtocart.sc

Frank wrote:On another note. Would it be easier to cut down a Chevy 44 and figure some thing out to stay with 5 lugs ? FjR68

Actually, that would be pretty easy.

You would need to cut down the driver's side (obviously), and the Chevy would likely have the small spindles to use Ford rotors. Here is list I found on line a few years ago:

Here is the list of parts needed to convert a Dana 44 (Chevrolet or Jeep) 6 lug to 5 on 5.5 lug.

1 pair of small bearing spindles. These can be found on Jeep Wagoneers 1974 to 1975 or Chevrolets 1973 to 1976.

Chevrolet or Jeep Wagoneer caliper mounts from a Dana 44. Chevrolets 1973 – 1986 or Jeep Wagoneers 1974 – 1990.

Ford 5 bolt hub and rotor from F150 or full size Bronco 1976 – 1996. If using hubs/rotors with ABS components just remove them.

Ford bearings and seals. The critical piece is the inner small bearing, the outer bearing is the same size.