Flanged Dana 44 With Odd Brake Backing Plate - Acts As Retainer Also

Duffer, thanks for info. I am still tempted to upgrade at some point, and will check out Dutchman and Moser. For now I am going to proceed with what I have, in the interest of time.

On that note of keeping what I have, anyone have an idea of what these markings are? I noticed while assembling everything. That "74C" seems to confirm this is a 1974 axle shaft? Any ideas what the H2S74-488-5 means?



Does this look like a normal axle shaft from an intermediate CJ Dana 44?

 

I have everything mocked up, and the electric brakes seem to function fine in preliminary tests. You can see the assembly in photo below. From the axle tube end, left-to-right -> first is the modified brake backing plate, then original backing plate, then conversion bracket.



Some of you might recognize the "Ford Fusion" caliper (in my case a new 316 bracket) and Brennan's conversion kit.



Next step is to disassemble, clean up a little, then assemble at final torques.

Starting to see light at end of tunnel.