My second TJ build
- Thread starter CCompton
- Start date
What width are you shooting for? The 8 lug HP44 might be a full width 69.5" WMS compared to the 65.5" WMS of the 5 lug Hp44. But I could be wrong.
It’s my understanding that if the outer knuckles are switched out how I’m planning the WMS width will only be 1/2” wider than the factory 5 lug assembly. 65-66” is perfect for me.
I'll be watching since I'd heard that worked and also that it didn't. If it does then I'll start looking for a 8 lug again.
I ran by and checked out that 8 lug again. I got a measurement of the width at the ball joints and will compare it to the 5 lug one I already have. Dana 44 inner Cs should be the same, so if the width is close it should work
Yes to the best of my knowledge the C's are the same.
The 8 lug should have 3" axle tube where the 5 lug has 2.75" axle tube.
It was tough to measure both, but I got them as accurate as I could and it seems the upper ball joints are within 1/2”. I’m supposed to get it next Friday (I have to pull it myself and will have to bring my tractor to lift the truck and that’s as soon as I’ll be able to do that).
I got my Barnes body lift boatside body mounts burnt in on the passenger side. It actually didn’t take near as long as I had expected.
Not much of an update, but I got the cell all bolted in. I still have to figure the filler neck out, but everything else is done.
From what I have found in this post I would agree with this.
https://www.facebook.com/share/166TE7Qc3s/
Might have to buy that axle since it'd be great for the front of my TJ.
I’m picking mine up Friday, but I’m about certain it’s a winning setup. I did have a question since you’ve been running a 44 for a while with 38.5s, IIRC. The weak point seems to be the ball joints. What are you doing to make them survive? I am thinking of running BJ eliminators. I’m planning on staying on 37s, but want to be as reliable as possible.
That axle turn out to not be a high pinion.... Which is a bummer...
I'm running ball joint eliminators on mine. I started out with some Bonefish BJE's but when I take the axle apart to repair the ARB I'm installing American Iron BJE's as they are a better design & rebuildable. Matter of fact I just got the shipping notification from AI. I'm also going to install the Reid knuckles I'd bought a few years ago.
https://americanironoffroad.com/collections/jeep-balljoint-deletes-systems/products/old-school-66-95
Just a quick note. American Iron is fixing to do a price increase effective 1 March 25 due to the increase in steel prices. So if you've been on the fence now is the time to buy..
Got my other axle today. I can get you any measurements you’d like if needed.
Just curios if it is much wider than a Bronco axle or if the additional width is the hubs.
This is my 8 lug from inner C to inner C. The 5 lug was hard to measure and snap a picture with the I Beams still connected, but it was exactly the same as far as my eye could tell.
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