Found a Few Axles... Which Would You Choose?

[badge49]

I found three solid front axles at the local scrap yard...which means I can buy what I want at 45 cents/pound. I used the axle ID thread (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161370), but wasn't sure about all three. Help me out with which axles these are and which I may want to take home:

1. This one has Ford locking hubs and I believe it is a Low Pinion D44:

2. This one was way dirty, couldn't make out the numbers:

3. This one was way clean, so I could tell it's a D44:

Which one, if any, would you guys say is "best"?

 

[Kyle0614]

probably the last one since its in such great condition would be cool if you could catch that one at a steal

 

[badge49]

I've got my eye on that one. I was also wondering which knuckle style is better? Ball version in #1 or modern in #2 & 3?

 

[Kyle0614]

don't know much about the components of the axle and such about all i know is that it must be a drivers side droop pumpkin to work with the X ? is that right or isn't it...i think thats how it go ...hell I don't even know what knuckle looks like besides the one on my hand lol...but, def get the last axle

 

[IZwack]

Pic 1 is one of the closed knuckle Dana 44s. More info here: http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/Dana44_2.htm

Pic 2 not sure about this one.

Pic 3 is a D44 but unfortunately its the wrong side pinion (passenger side) so it wont work for an Explorer. The beather line on top gives it away and the way the springs are arching (which means its not upside down).


Next time you are out there, count the number of lug nuts -- that narrows axles down greatly.

 

[Kyle0614]

damn that sucks that was best conitioned one ...guess i was right about the drivers side droop though

 

[95exploderboy]

Axle 2 looks like it may work. Could be some kinda jeep D44.

Also, you may need to do more researching before you start this build. You are asking questions and thats good. But if you are posting up axles with a passenger side drop, it may mean that you aren't ready for this kinda project.

 

[badge49]

Awe, I missed the pumkin location, guess I got caught up with seeing the 44 stamped in it. I'm not planning on doing a SAS anytime soon, but for roughly $50 it's hard to pass up parts for future endevours, especially when they may disapear if I don't grab them.

IZ, do you know if there are benefits to the closed knuckle that #1 has? I havn't owned anything with a closed knuckle.

 

[Jeffbethandkidz]

Axle number 2 looks like a Dana 50 or 60.

 

[badge49]

I'm going to be near the scrap yard tomorrow, so I'll see if I can get more info on #2.

 

[IZwack]

IZ, do you know if there are benefits to the closed knuckle that #1 has? I havn't owned anything with a closed knuckle.

Its not the closed knuckle design itself that worries people, its what else is on the axle. That littlekeylime.com link should give you a good baseline as to what those closed knuckle axles are all about. Also, try doing a Google search.

If pic 2 is indeed a 50 or a 60, the easiest way to tell is that the outer lockout hubs should be about an inch or so more in diameter than the other axles. Significantly larger U-joints at the axle shaft (at the knuckles) is also an easy way to tell a 50/60 from a 44. In addition, if its a 50 or a 60, it will probably have 8 lug nuts (although the 3/4-ton 44 also comes with 8-lugs so this isnt 100% reliable).

 

[zainyD]

Get axle #2, it is a driver's side drop D44 from a Jeep Wagoneer. It looks different because it's upside down and is covered in grease. I would look at the knuckles on the third axle and check to see if they're flat top knuckles. If so, I would grab them before they get hauled off. Axle #1 is no good, drum brakes, closed knuckle. Axle #3 is good, but the diff is on the wrong side for your application. Go with axle #2!

 

[zainyD]

Come on guys with all the axle guru's out there this should be an easy one! Especially considering how many people have used Waggy axles.

 

[95exploderboy]

Come on I said it was Jeep 44, just didn't get model specific.

At least I didn't call it a Dana 50 or 60. Its def too puney and those leafs would never be on a superpoopy.

 

[zainyD]

Come on I said it was Jeep 44, just didn't get model specific.

At least I didn't call it a Dana 50 or 60. Its def too puney and those leafs would never be on a superpoopy.

LOL, yes, you do get credit for that one.