1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

D44 Full Floater Questions

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Sierra Bum, Nov 12, 2018.

  1. Nov 12, 2018
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Messages:
    329
    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.
     
  2. Nov 12, 2018
    gunner

    gunner Member

    Washington state...
    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2012
    Messages:
    596
    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?
     
  3. Nov 12, 2018
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Messages:
    329
    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
     
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2018
  4. Nov 12, 2018
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Bonney Lake, WA
    Joined:
    May 25, 2006
    Messages:
    2,871
    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.
     
  5. Nov 12, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Messages:
    7,540
    I was going to do a write up when I did mine, but it was so easy it seemed silly to type it up.
     
  6. Nov 12, 2018
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Messages:
    329
    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.
     
  7. Nov 12, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Messages:
    1,450
    I'll send my hub puller your way when you are ready (y).
     
    Focker likes this.
  8. Nov 13, 2018
    1957Willys

    1957Willys Member

    Birmingham, Alabama
    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2012
    Messages:
    698
    How much are the full float axles from Dutchman axles for a 19 spline Dana 44?
     
  9. Nov 13, 2018
    gunner

    gunner Member

    Washington state...
    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2012
    Messages:
    596
    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.
     
  10. Nov 13, 2018
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Messages:
    329
    Cool deal! I'll let you know when I'm ready. Thanks!
     
    Muzikp likes this.
  11. Sep 6, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2006
    Messages:
    762
    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
     
  12. Sep 7, 2019
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Messages:
    7,540
    I bought my parts off of Craigslist, I suspect that it was one of Herm' s kits.
     
    mike starck likes this.
  13. Sep 7, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2006
    Messages:
    762
    Thanks Brad. good to know.
     
  14. Sep 7, 2019
    sgogpn

    sgogpn From the top of Lions Back... 2022 Sponsor

    Glendale, AZ.
    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2002
    Messages:
    349
    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
     
New Posts