Axle Tubes

Ok I give up.
I haven't had the chance to measure mine and searching is all or nothing information overload.

What are the outside tube diameters (u-bolt inner dimension) for the axles we typically run?
D25 tubes and large bolt over housing
D27 tubes and housing
D30 (does this change at 79)
D44 tapered
D44 flanged
D44 high pinion

What exactly is the stock u-bolt thread? and who makes the slimmest deepwell impact socket?

Yes I'm trying to copy Kyle.

 

IIRC, D25 tubes are 2 1/4" OD and the tapered two piece D44 housings are 2 1/2" OD. Most, if not all, D44 30 spline housings are 2 3/4". The stock U-bolts were 7/16-20 thread. You can usually replace those with 1/2-20" versions with a rat tail file or die grinder- a worthwhile modification.

 

Yes, this sounds correct. D25 and D27 tubes are the same.

 

How about the Dana 30?

 

Yep still needing dana 30 and the odd u-bolt on the inboard passenger position on the 25,27, and 30. Then I get to measure some nuts and see how much room is needed for an impact socket.

 

Since it's a fun exercise, I went out and measured all the junk around here.

Front D25/D27:

• Tube: 2.25"
• Large U-bolt on Diff: 2 7/8"

Front D30:

• Tube" 2.5"
• Large U-bolt on Diff: 3.0"

Rear D44 Tapered:

• Tube: 2.5"

Rear D44 Flanged:

• Tube: 2.75"

Front TJ Rubicon 44:

• Tube: 2.5"

Rear TJ Rubicon 44:

• Tube: 2 5/8"

Ford early 70s Heavy Duty F100 Flanged D60:

• Tube: 3 1/8"

70s Chevy front D44:

• Tube: 3"

 

You sir are a gentleman and a scholar...
Thank you,

The cj flanged 44 is larger OD than the Rubicon!?

 

Yes, i was surprised by that too. You do hear people complain about the lack of housing strength on TJ 44s, so that makes some sense.

 

The JK front D44 tubes are also the certified wimpy 2.5" OD. And yes, easy to bend those tubes.

The D44 JK rear tubes are about 3 1/4" OD.