D44 Full Floater Questions

I have decided that I want to convert to full float rear axle shafts. I've got the two piece, tapered, 19 spline axles in there now. I'll be keeping my Power Lok, so I'll likely be going with Herm's 19 spline full floater kit with everything that's needed for the conversion. For those that have done this I have a few questions.

1. Is this simple nuts n bolts or do I need any specialized tools to do this? eg installing the new bearing races....
2. I've never taken apart a tapered axle dana 44: I understand I need a puller to get the tapered axles and/or hubs out of the housing?
3. Are there any other tips or common issues through the process I need to know about?

Any thoughts or other suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Sometime this winter, I'll be doing my 44 as a full floater. But I'll be doing it using a flanged one piece axle shaft. Outfits like Dutchman can make the axle. It doesn't use locking hubs so flat towing is not as convenient but can still be done by pulling the axle shaft out. This is how the old 23-2 Dana axle used in the MB/GPW and early CJ2As was set up (I had a 45 2A).

I've been figuring on doing it this way for years, but someone who has already done it goes by meiser and he posts on pirate, the 2A site and occasionally here. Have you done any searches yet?

 

Thanks for the response Gunner... I have searched around quite a bit. I forgot about Dutchman axles, that seems like a solid option if I could put it all together.
I don't plan to flat tow, but you never know. I'd put on axle flanges instead of locking hubs with the kit...although it is only six bolts per side to switch out. I'm certainly open to other ideas but I've got to admit that I'm drawn to the idea of a single, entire kit that's got everything I need to make it work. And I definitely trust the quality coming from Herm

 

It really is a simple swap provided that your axle is in serviceable condition. If your entire axle needs to be overhauled and your brakes are toast with grease it will obviously be more work. Project creep tends to happen on these "small" projects.

 

Okay, fair enough...thanks. Everything is in very good shape. I don't see this one getting away from me. Sticking with the drum brakes. I'll put new clutches in the PL case while I've got it out.

 

I'll send my hub puller your way when you are ready .

 

How much are the full float axles from Dutchman axles for a 19 spline Dana 44?

 

It's probably been nearly 2 years since looking into it, but they were around 350 for the pair. Figure shipping from Boise too- $400 all in.

 

Cool deal! I'll let you know when I'm ready. Thanks!

 

Year old post sorry.Wanted to ask about the full floater job. Did you use Herm's or other ? just recently started to have interest in doing it on my '69. thanks . mike

 

Thanks Brad. good to know.

 

FWIW, I have 19spline 1 piece Dutchman axles in the 44 of my 46 Willys.
No problems ever, even running a Detroit in the rear.

Mike