Installing a JK Dana 44 Rear Axle Into My Jeep Wrangler LJ!
Vložit
- čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
- Hey everyone! Its finally time to finish up this JK to TJ axle swap!
In the past few videos, i finished up the front dana 44. Since the front axle was a Dynatrac Prorock for a JK, i didnt want to cut it up and use a swap truss kit. So we made it work.
However, the rear axle is different, there is no "working around" the brackets.
If your new to the videos and the channel, Welcome!! I am swapping a set of JK Dana 44s into my LJ, this is going to be an extremely strong setup that can run 37s and handle some hardcore offroad action!!
So, to make the swap easier. I decided to use the Barnes4wd/7SlotCustoms rear swap truss kit. This truss is designed exactly for this swap. Not only does it line the Tj brackets up, but it also gives us the strength of a truss! The link can be found below. And dont forget that you can get 10% off anything from Barnes4wd or 7Slot Customs using the code Jkgear.
This was also a great time to upgrade to some adjustable control arms. Not only did i need them for setting my pinion angle, but they also me to move the axle back to where it should be in the wheel well, and they are a major upgrade in strength over the factory arms.
I went with a set from Clayton Offroad, and for a few good reasons. Clayton uses square tubing which is crazy strong, and backed by a lifetime warranty. They also use a mixture of Johnny Joints for flex, and their special Giro joint for road vibration isolation. Unlike the front where we had Clayton custom made the control arms, the rear swap truss kit allows for standard TJ aftermarket parts.
As for brakes, i went with new rotors and pads from Powerstop, not only do they look good, they seem to work really well! The brake line situation is something alot of people have questions about...
I used a Clayton offroad extended TJ brake line, and reused the hard lines and soft lines that came off the TJ axle. The JK banjo bolts are bigger, so simply drill out the brake line caliper mount so they will fit. And thats it!! The e brake fix will be shown in another video.
I decided to trash the old shocks as they have seen better days... lol. The Fox2.0 shocks are going to ride really nice on the street, and perform well offroad. The only downside is they arent very long travel, so maybe we will do another upgrade in a future video!
As you can tell, this swap isnt too difficult when using the correct parts and having a good game plan. Since these axles were previously built, it made it a little easier though. We already had lockers and 5.13 Gears installed, along with aftermarket axle shafts (RCV axles up front, and chromoly in the rear). If your starting out this swap with factory JK axles, youll need to think about gears and lockers. The good thing, is that you can use the JK sport dana 44 rear and upgrade to a 35 spline locker/shaft combo and it will be incredibly strong, so dont worry if you cant find a rubicon axle!!
I cant wait to test this new setup offroad! I do have many more Jeep Wrangler TJ mods and videos coming soon, so please leave a comment below on what you want to see!!
Thanks for watching!
LINKS:
Rear Swap Truss Kit: www.7slotcusto...
Rear Adjustable Control Arms: www.claytonoff...
Rear Extended Brake Line: amzn.to/2VI2gid
TJ Rear Fox Shocks 2.5"-3.5": amzn.to/2xNRP4G
Diff Cover i will probably end up getting: amzn.to/2KmP90A
JK 1310 Yoke: www.adamsdrive...
Powerstop brake kits: JK: amzn.to/2VlZal3
LJ kit: amzn.to/2XNQbLb
TJ kit: amzn.to/2wR9nfQ (Only front since the rear is a drum brake setup on the Dana35)
A few people have asked about a good starter welding setup: Here is an affordable welder that can use flux core or move to a MIG gas setup. Plus its 115V which means you can use it with a standard electrical outlet. amzn.to/2RQX6j2
Her enthusiasm and energy is definitely something few other channels have . Love what you guys do , always look forward to the next project .
I was thinking the same!
I love that you actually do the work on your rigs instead of going from shop to shop like other people with Jeep channels. Very informative and you show how things can be done without a huge shop and all the latest tools.
They are awesome!
She is definitely a keeper, you both are super knowledgeable!
I’m finally getting close to the point of this video with my LJ. Well, kind of. I’m looking at getting a JK rear Dana 44. But your series with the JK axle swap has been awesome to watch and I learned a lot! Thanks!
Can’t believe I stuck it out through the whole axle swap vids. Not a job I’d ever contemplate, but you guys have great energy and passion wheeling. Can’t wait to see this Jeep on the trails.
Just found your channel today. Wife helping weld up and install a swap axle = new subscriber good job
My favorite channel for jeeps....
I can be your second 😉 haha
Let’s see new Litebrite video and new Jeep Gear & Gadget .....Cassie wins
Cassie is way more likable and they aren't corporate shills like LB
I would love to hang out with them. I’ll buy the beer Ben
Not even close! The lite brite girl is annoying and kinda talks down about the husband. I like how you guys work together.
agreed! Hondo 66 nailed it!
@ *Clark C* the two channels aren't really comparable. Ben and Cassie both wheel and work on their Jeeps while the other channel seems to be more about product endorsements.
Cassie how did you become so knowledgeable with all this stuff? I wish I knew everything about my Jeep and how to repair myself. Jeep girl goals!!!
I was pretty much raised by my dad and was always out in the garage with him talking or wrenching on cars or dirt bikes. A lot of the Jeep specific knowledge came from a TON of research and learning from Ben over the past 7 years
Awesome team you two are great together
Awesome vid! Thanks for including what you did with the brake lines. I’m adding a truss to my tj 44 and am going to cut a hole in the top for the breather tube, and drill/tap a spot on top of the truss for the brake line t
Ohh my back hurts just watching all that bending while welding I’d have to find me a saw horse or two. To put the axle on to weld it up
Best channel on CZcams! No BS, entertaining, and you do WORK!!
Great Video Cassie.......and Ben, I really like that truss, I'm going to look into one of those. Like I said before I am a welder and your welding looks good. Good oscillation, good angle and distance and technique. Keep bringing these great videos on your upgrades and Thanks for keeping Jeeping classy Cassie! BTW you get my vote over LB 100% its Jeeping not a skin mag shoot. Love how you and Ben aren't going in that direction, Much respect!
Great job Cassie! Looks sick, but agree w/ Ben, needs rear fenders.
They should build some tube fenders ;) something that can work with and tie into the sliders and body armor they have... just my thoughts
The welds do look nice, great job. Also you just convinced me to do the power stop brake upgrade on my JK
I feel like a punk when I see your wife know way more than I do but that’s why I am watching to learn. Love the videos
Wow! Your LJ is so badass!! Great job!! I just did a lift on my LJ and went with Fox shocks too :) I still need to bleed my brakes... maybe this weekend. Cheers :)
AWESOME VIDEO!!!YOU COULD RELOCATE YOUR GAS TANK ABOUT 5 INCHES BACK THIS IS WHAT I DID TO MINE KEEP UP THE AWESOME VIDSSS
Cassie what a great job !! Love how it looks. You did an amazing job with the welding. I have the same third brake light. Keep the great videos coming!
Welcome to south Texas thanks for all the info on jeeps
Great job girl you're amazing at this. Im not exactly an offroader but I enjoy watching this. One thing I like about your vids is the fact that you guys work together, as a team and you seem to enjoy your selves ( who wouldn't, you're a hottie ). Suggestion here, get a visor from one of your old welders mask and attach it to your cam when recording your weldings, this will extend the life of your camera lens and we will see more details of your great work 👍👍👍. Can't wait for the next one.
Love how you do your own work unlike most women Jeep CZcamsrs. Keep up the good work!
Great project and video! Good detail and content!!! Thank you for sharing. 👍
Looks great guys. So miss having a Jeep here in Japan. Cannot wait until I redeploy to the States and get a new one to mess around with.
P.S. I love you CZcams channel, and all the Jeep gadgets l wouldn't know of without your post!
Geno
I would have rotated those upper coil perches when the axle was out. But at any rate, thanks for making some content with an older jeep. I got nothing against JK’s and JL‘s but this is more my style. Love the channel so far. Keep it up.
Those welds look better than all of rough country’s welds
Her front end looks perfect! Don’t change anything 😂
Great work cassie love your jeep love that you weld it yourself so awesome
The question everyone wants to ask is did you get the upper shock bolts out with out breaking them? Because every one I’ve ever done they broke
I love both channels this one and @Jk_Gearandgadgets ! I really like the fact that your both use safety equipment...glasses, gloves etc...with the exception of the Crocs! lol You should talk to Crocs for a safety toe edition?! Keep up the great work!
Another great video, Cassie! Keep up the good work, and stay humble!
I’ve seen shock mounts welded up higher, even with the axle, and I’ve seen them welded up top to cure shock limits. Plus you don’t have to worry about hanging on a rock like they do in oem locations
Good axle upgrade over the TJ 44s. I couldn’t tell from the video but for the shock issue you may be able to use a shock extension that pushes the bottom away from the axle tube a bit to avoid clearance issues. On my MetalCloak lift it came with them for the rear to help that issue. Also may want to relocate the upper rear spring mount to keep the spring more vertical at ride height. Most lift manufacturers make a kit.
Definitely need an update after the test drive. Great job, looks incredible. Beer then Whiskey is the best way to go Ben!! You do need to come up to Canada so we can get you hooked on better beer lol.
What a dream project
Cassie don't be so hard on yourself , your welds look amazing . I would like to see new fenders on your LJ next or maybe a roll cage . If your interested in selling your old Dana 44 out of your LJ let me know . Until next time you guys take care .
Looking good guys, keep up the great work and production value! It's a great build! Cant wait to see it on the trails.
Where does a guy find a wife that can weld? That is freaking awesome. 😊
Um girls can do that too like I’m a man and can do things that girls do
Awsome video loved how you have done all the welding.. I think that is awesome... Jeep is look sick with that wide stance... Keep the videos comin...
Damn dude you better not ever spoil that gift... she’s one in a million.
I tack welded my truss while watching this video lol. I only have a flux core welder so il be dropping it off for someone to finish it.
Working on.....04-Ford F-150 under armor skid plates...Custom
Really enjoyed this series! Cassie is a winner!
That's good work you two. I'm catching up on your previous vids😉
Cassie lays down some good welds! I need to get me another welder (since I broke my last one) and get back at it. I’ve got a JK axle in my garage I want to build up.
Great job.guys.
Lol. Blues Clues..LMBO.
cute!
Looks like a lot of fun.
I STRONGLY suggest a motive power bleeder, it makes bleeding brakes take like 4 seconds. You just add fluid, pump it up, then go corner by corner opening the valves and watching for bubbles.
Great video. Waiting to see it on the trails.
You and me both!
I love this video! Not only does Cassie crush the axel welding and setup, but Ben is hilarious because he doesn't know what to do with himself... So, he just enjoys some adult beverages!
#quarantinelife
Awesome content and solid mechanical work !
Great team.
Awesome build!
Red Jeeps Rock!!!
great jod,that axle is looking awesome 👍👍👍
Jeeping up? I love it! Great term, you own it!
Saludos desde Chile...Buenísimos vídeos
Awesome job!! Jeep looks great with the new axles YOU installed!
looking for spider crush installation if you have done any, other then that video have more fun and informational and really enjoyed
It looking awesome. Great job family!!
That was a badass job!!!
Good morning Jeep people
Awesome job behind that hood
Your wife is so awesome! Congratulations to have such a wonderful woman! One in a million, no joke!
Love both of your all’s channels,,,,,,,always Great Jeep info on upgrades,,,,, question could I drop my Jeep off for upgrades 🤣😂 keep up the shows coming
Все мне в этом фильме понравилось!!! Все просто супер,то как ты Девченка работаешь со сваркой и всякими инструментами, все красиво ,но вот только твоя классная попка все время отвлекала мое внимание от процесса замены ходовой части автомобиля 😜😃😃😃😃😃
Nice work. Looks like a great upgrade. Looking forward to the LS!
Throw some Currie shock extension brackets on the rear. A good fix for now.
That looks absolutely bad ass.
Great video with a lot of info. Btw what welder are you guys using?
great job welding
You both are awesome, thanks so much for all the cool content!!! 👍👊
Lol 😂. Jus like that it's done! Ben needs to follow you down the road so we can see how she looks going down the road and trails.
This lady is awesome you go girl
Personally, I would actually go with the 10mm bolt. Only because grade 8 bolts are more brittle, albeit much stronger. If the grade 8 happens to shear, it turns into shrapnel, the 10mm (class 10.9) is a little less likely to shatter, but more likely to shear. I like grade 8 bolts, and would have to study this thought a bit further before I used them in this scenario. (All day long, I would use grade 8 for engine though)
nice build. 2bad that you didnt relocate upper spring mount ..
I meant to mention this in the video, I will be moving the upper spring mount in the future!
So you used rear TJ disc brake hoses and steel line on your JK 44? That's what it sounds like from you video. I'm gonna be tackling this job for my son's TJ soon.
I would be concerned about those coil springs they looked like they were boing towards the front ,great job though looks great .
thing looks like its ready for an A1 Abrams
Nice hand
What did you do for the E-brake cables?
We need more drunk Ben. lol. Great video and LJ has a huge upgrade now with axles. But not do the coil bucket correction kit while you had the axle out? Also the LJ needs some Genright front hiline fenders. and no rear fenders.
We have the coil bucket kit in the garage lol! Figured that would be a good upgrade for its own video within itself. Some new front fenders would be sweet
@@JeepGearGadgets It really is it's own video. no argument there. Either way, can't wait for that video. And get the Boulder series Genright front fenders and keep it zero flares.
Your are a bad ass with that welder!!! I don’t know anyone that likes bleeding brakes 😄😄😄😄. LJ looks awesome
Ok, I laughed pretty hard at the going to sleep in the shop blanket thing. Also, I think Ben was right about the rear fenders need. I think the overall build would look good with some MCE flats
Totally jelly about the sweet axle and welds
Hey there. I am wondering how you wired in the lockers ...or did I miss that part ( I saw on Bens update you took the LJ out)....Also, on my Tj, I have an 8.8 out of a ford with a motobilt diff cover. It hit my tank skid too, here is an option, cut your tank shield to allow the diff cover some up travel....Best of luck in the new place and as always, Keep it classy.
Lol good catch! I’ll be doing the lockers in an upcoming video, have not wired them up yet. We are moving this week, and videos should resume end of next week!
Let's see it go wheeling I love those lj
Now that's the type of girl a man needs as a wife, a sweet girl that would sip on engine oil in place of coffee and use bearing grease as lipstick, not some kind of a bimbo, from a las Vegas Bar !
Wonderful couple i wish you the best .
Poison spider highline fenders !!!! Cause everything els if poison spider. And give you more travel
Good job, great welds, awesome humor. I really enjoy watching y’all’s projects. I feel like I’ve learned a bit from you two and will put some of that knowledge to use in the future. All while getting in a good laugh. Keep up the good work. 👌🏼
Move the gas tank to the rear cross member...super easy.
You are 100% right! Got to make sure I save some projects for other videos😉
Good job , looks great ! Something we did on mine was move the upper coil buckets so the springs are more vertical..
I love you guys! so fun to watch. Tell Benjamin to get that 5.13 gear comparison and axle shaft videos done. He's killing me. ;) I know you guys are busy. Just playing. but always leaving me hangin.
Great job Cassie!... Can't wait to see what it can do off road 👍
It looks great! Great job on the swap! But definitely needs flares now. Can't wait to be able to do this swap on my xj
I like your rear end better, whole reason I watch....wait...I meant nice JK rear end, yea, that's the ticket.
Looks solid now with those JK axles. nice welds!
You killed it cassie! Btw, this new comment section on CZcams is hard to find...
Why didn’t you cut out and relocate the upper spring perch rearward to straighten out the springs stroke before installing the axle?
Want to make that it’s own video.
I absolutely totally completely agree her rear end looks great!!!!!!
Love your channel. And as a side note it lead me to your husband's channel which is also great. It's nice know y'all are also in Virginia. Can't wait till I'm able to upgrade my axle, I'm still on stock TJ axles