Don't Use a Wagoneer Front Axle
- Thread starter Grantshire
- Start date
- City
- Richmond
- State
- VA
It’s amazing to me how this thread lives on!
A few things to consider in 2024…first, when this was first written most wheels were 15” or 16” and backspacing rarely exceeded 4.5”. Most wheels and oversized tires today are 17” (or more) and the wheels have 6” of backspacing. If you go with the deeper backspacing your tires will move toward the springs and rub when turning.
What to do? I suggest using wheel spacers to get back what is lost with deeper backspacing (can also fix the 6 to 5 lug issue). I know, we’re all anti wheel spacers…BUT, we’re talking about heavier axles put under a light CJ. I’ve had spacers on my Chief for twenty years and never had a problem and know many others running spacers both on road and off.
I still have drum brakes on the rear waggy 44 under my Scrambler but plan on converting to disc this summer. It sits more than I like, which isn’t good for drum brakes.
A few things to consider in 2024…first, when this was first written most wheels were 15” or 16” and backspacing rarely exceeded 4.5”. Most wheels and oversized tires today are 17” (or more) and the wheels have 6” of backspacing. If you go with the deeper backspacing your tires will move toward the springs and rub when turning.
What to do? I suggest using wheel spacers to get back what is lost with deeper backspacing (can also fix the 6 to 5 lug issue). I know, we’re all anti wheel spacers…BUT, we’re talking about heavier axles put under a light CJ. I’ve had spacers on my Chief for twenty years and never had a problem and know many others running spacers both on road and off.
I still have drum brakes on the rear waggy 44 under my Scrambler but plan on converting to disc this summer. It sits more than I like, which isn’t good for drum brakes.
- City
- West Bend
- State
- WI
Just throwing this in here too... Don't forget about the late 90s Toyota 8" rear from a 4Runner. You can find them very cheap (complete assembly for under $700), they came with a factory selectable locker, and are 60.75 inches wide making them perfect for this swap. You can usually find the non locker version too in various ratios for a couple hundred bucks. The locker version usually had 4.30 gears and use the Chevy/Jeep 6 lug bolt pattern. They have a removable center section like a Ford 9.
I don't know about you guys but the Isuzu Dana 44s are 100% non existent in any junkyards within hundreds of miles of me. They are just too old and they all got scrapped out now at this point at the yards.
I don't know about you guys but the Isuzu Dana 44s are 100% non existent in any junkyards within hundreds of miles of me. They are just too old and they all got scrapped out now at this point at the yards.
- City
- Lynchburg
- State
- VA
All that said, I'm looking for a new front axle now, while my stock one is still kicking.
Currently: Spring under, RE 4.5" lift, 15x8 wheels open diff front 4.10s. I'll probably stay in this range as I like to daily drive it & getting in is hard with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. I'm working on slider steps, trying to decide but will probably go genright
Edited to add 33" tires, possibly 35s in the future but only after new axles
Currently: Spring under, RE 4.5" lift, 15x8 wheels open diff front 4.10s. I'll probably stay in this range as I like to daily drive it & getting in is hard with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. I'm working on slider steps, trying to decide but will probably go genright
Edited to add 33" tires, possibly 35s in the future but only after new axles
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