Waggy D44 5x5.5 conversion info

[DutchVDub]

Ok, so after a few weeks of research I’ve figured out what parts you need to convert a Jeep Grand Wagoneer D44 to 5x5.5 bolt pattern. I now have all the correct parts on the way and once they arrive I will post up pics of the install.

Spindle: Spicer PN: 706528 (PN from Randy’s Ring and Pinion) This is an early 70’s GM D44 “small bearing” spindle. (You need this spindle because the existing Waggy spindle will not accept the Ford inner wheel bearing and the Ford spindle bolts to the knucke using 5 bolts while the Jeep spindle uses 6.)

Hub/Rotor Assembly: PN: 66297 (Raybestos part from Advanced AutoParts’ website) This is for a 70’s Ford F-150/Broco D44

Selectable Hub mechanism: PN: 9790 (Warn PN from Advanced AutoParts’ website) This part number is the same for both a F-150 or Grand Wagoneer, you could also re-use the factory Ford item if its still serviceable or re-use the non-selectable Grand Wagoneer components if you don’t desire the selectable option.

Caliper: You can retain the Grand Wagoneer calipers and caliper brackets. PN: WK524 (Raybestos rebuild kit from Advanced AutoParts’ website)

Wheel Bearings: PN: SET 45 (outer) SET37 (inner) (Timken PN from AutoZone’s website)

(PN’s were searched for by using either a 1978 Ford F-150 V8 4wd or 1986 Jeep Grand Wagoneer V8 4wd)

 

[xj-grin]

Dutch - if you want to part with one of your waggy hub/spindle sets, I'd be happy to take it off your hands (building a swing out carrier...).:sunshine:

 

[Kittrell]

Ok, so after a few weeks of research

You could have just asked.............

 

[DutchVDub]

Dutch - if you want to part with one of your waggy hub/spindle sets, I'd be happy to take it off your hands (building a swing out carrier...).:sunshine:

Yeah man, just hit me up. I was going to put both on sale here shortly. I would like to sell them as a set as it'd be easier for me. Let me know.

 

[xj-grin]

Yeah man, just hit me up. I was going to put both on sale here shortly. I would like to sell them as a set as it'd be easier for me. Let me know.

I only need one, but PM me a price and we'll work it out.

 

[YELLAHEEP]

Dood....... that's gonna be one enormous tire carrier hinge. Why not just a simple trailer spindle and hub?

 

[xj-grin]

Dood....... that's gonna be one enormous tire carrier hinge. Why not just a simple trailer spindle and hub?

Well, (1) there are MANY failed trailer spindle threads all over the internet, mostly from spindles snapping - over built is good; (2) I like the idea of being able to lock it open in pretty much any place (i.e. 90 degrees or 180); and (3) FrankZ already did a cool write-up on one on Colorado4x4.org, so I don't have to waste any brain cells on silly shite like creativity! (plus, I just wanna be like Frank )

 

[ColoradoRaptor]

FrankZ already did a cool write-up on one on Colorado4x4.org, so I don't have to waste any brain cells on silly shite like creativity! (plus, I just wanna be like Frank )

:gee:

 

[Jawa]

THANK YOU Dutch! I'm picking up a waggy front 44 this week and need to convert it to 5 on 5.5 as well. I've been researching quite a bit and had resolved myself to having to spend the winter scouring boneyards. May I ask what the grand total was for all new parts as you listed them above?

 

[Jawa]

Okay, I went out to Randy's Ring and Pinion and looked up the spindle - $130 each, yikes! I think it's back to scouring the yards for me...

 

[DutchVDub]

look on ebay, just type in "dana 44 hub" scroll down and you will find a brand new one for 90$ or so, its from an ebay store and they sell a conversion kit with all new hub/rotor, wheel bearings, and spindle for 350$. Thats what I did. Then you just need to go buy the lock-outs or if you don't care about being able to disconnect the front axle re-use your waggy stuff.

 

[Jawa]

eBay... I always forget to look there for some reason. $350 isn't too bad for all new stuff, but still much steeper than I was expecting. I'm going to be working on this axle over the winter, so I'm no rush. I think I'll try hitting the yards for a while and see what I can come up with. Thanks again Dutch!

 

[DutchVDub]

I have a line on an empty Bronco 44 for 150$. It still has the knuckles and hubs. You can just swap the knuckles and get the same basic setup. The only reason you can't use the ford spindles on the jeep knuckles is because the spindles mount w/ diff bolt patterns.

 

[Led]

Just so yall know you can have a machine shop turn the chevy spindles down to small ford for alot less

 

[Led]

I have a line on an empty Bronco 44 for 150$. It still has the knuckles and hubs. You can just swap the knuckles and get the same basic setup. The only reason you can't use the ford spindles on the jeep knuckles is because the spindles mount w/ diff bolt patterns.

can't do high steer on ford knuckles

 

[DutchVDub]

hi-steer is over rated anyways. can i do it on my waggy knuckles?

 

[Led]

hi-steer is over rated anyways. can i do it on my waggy knuckles?

if they are flat tops you can waggys came with both styles

 

[Jawa]

After spending some time researching alloy shafts I'm thinking why not just call up Moser and order a set of custom shafts for the 8.8 with a 6 on 5.5 pattern to match the waggy 44? It looks like it may end up costing about $100 more than the kit you ordered for the 44, but you get alloy shafts outta the deal. Just a thought. I realize it's too late for you to change what you're doing, so I guess I'm just pondering this idea for myself...

By the way, the 44 I picked up has the flat top knuckles, so if I end up swapping in all the Ford stuff they'll be available.

 

[xj-grin]

After spending some time researching alloy shafts I'm thinking why not just call up Moser and order a set of custom shafts for the 8.8 with a 6 on 5.5 pattern to match the waggy 44? It looks like it may end up costing about $100 more than the kit you ordered for the 44, but you get alloy shafts outta the deal. Just a thought. I realize it's too late for you to change what you're doing, so I guess I'm just pondering this idea for myself...

By the way, the 44 I picked up has the flat top knuckles, so if I end up swapping in all the Ford stuff they'll be available.

PM me about the passenger side flat top if you end up selling!:lickout:

 

[Hypoid]

Holy resurrected threads Batman!!!!!!!!!

I've been looking for this list, found it right after I sent Dutch a PM. LOL

My question has more to do with swapping out drums for disc brakes. Will the outer from another D-44 swap onto a drum equiped axle?

I spied this; get both outers and everything in between for $100. I'm thinking the passenger side drop is not a good candidate for a complete swap. :looney:

Is it that easy to swap outers between different brand vehicles?