Cheapish must do upgrades to D44 while apart?

[TruckinFool]

So the D44 is in need of seals and U-joints. Its also got about 1/8th" in-out play on the shafts while locked and a bit more when unlocked. (Not sure if this is normal?) Ring/pinion play is fine although no idea what gears yet. Bearings seem ok. Manual locks are smooth and work perfectly. Disks/pads etc are good..

Plans are for a capable/reliable trail/daily driver. 33's on it now but will be going 35" max next go around.

Is there anything I Should do while its apart besides ball joints? Wasnt planning on spending the money but don't want to pull it apart twice either.

 

[TruckinFool]

Almost 40 views and no bites.. Incase anyone's interested and/or wondering the same the best answers I could find besides swapping a D60 (if applicable) was to rebuild with Spicer or better parts. ($$$) If your axle is earlier than 72 1/2 like mine then it uses smaller D30 U-joints (DS U-260) which can be upgraded by swapping in later 30 spline shafts that accept the beefier D44 joints (DS U-760) Spicer Ball joints are (DS 706116X) per side.

I want to replace the bearings and seals at the end of the tubes while its apart but not sure im looking at the right part #? AK F-G01 which I believe to be a Yukon kit containing timken bearings and seals. Is this correct?

Also found a D44 front axle kit from complete offroad which I think solves the pre 72 1/2 ujoint issue with all new parts at $405 fully assembled using spicer joints. (Upgradeable if you want)


** If any of these number are wrong please correct me!! ** (Ordering on Monday ha)

 

[Greg72]

Completely clean and paint the axle housing.

Add a HD cover and re-seal it with that "Right Stuff" gasket maker. Refill with new fluid.


Don't waste your money on a D60 for 35's....all you're going to get is less ground clearance and a LOT less money in your bank account.

 

[bp71k5]

If you ever plan on a bigger rear end with 8 lugs, you might consider an 8-lug swap on the front. It's not that hard to upgrade later though.

If you're sure about the 35s take gregs advice. I used to be 100% sure 35s were the max for me, but now I'm thinking 37s or 38s are in my future.

 

[TruckinFool]

Wish I could do more but still haven't found a job from our relocation... I think I'll be patching this up for the winter and do it right in the spring. HATE doing that and im blaming my non-axle build on Obama if anyone asks.

 

[Z71paramedic]

Wish I could do more but still haven't found a job from our relocation... I think I'll be patching this up for the winter and do it right in the spring. HATE doing that and im blaming my non-axle build on Obama if anyone asks.

GOOD CALL!!!!!

 

[TruckinFool]

lol