Front D44 swap into Daily Driver YJ problems

[hoobness]

I just learned that the shop that was going to help me install my front D44 from an 89 Wagoneer wont do it now - He did not realize it will be my daily driver as well as trail rig.

He has safety issues with the caster, and possible death wobble
( I understand.. He s a good guy, and at least he did nt just try to make a buck) .
I unfortanatly have bought it already, as well as the wheels to fit. I cannot stop, I need to get this thing installed --- safely. Does anyone know of a shop in New England that could help me out? Im willing to take on the job myself if its not to complex. From what the seller said, they just about swap right in, he only said I might have to move the perches.

I was under the assumption that that was it...

Im in Southern New Hampshire.

thanks
hoobs

 

[Junkpile]

motorcraft...

How high are you going? The SJ front D44 has plenty of caster for a 4" lift and enough for a SOA without having problems. I bet he is confusing it with a Scout II front D44, those have 0 degrees of built in caster. I think the SJ has 4 degrees built in, and if I'm not mistaken, 5 degrees is about right for a SOA SWB.

Don't sweat it, I know plenty of people who run unturned Scout axles with 2.5"-6" of suspension lift and none of them have died yet. I've got about 5" of suspension on the CJ with 0 caster built in.

The swap into a YJ is pretty easy compared to doing it on a CJ. Actually it's pretty simple compared to most other axle swaps. You'll have to do some grinding, drilling, and welding. Then there is getting the brakes and steering hooked up right. Do a web search, I'm sure there is lots of info out there on this one.

 

[hoobness]

RE: To lock or not to lock

I picked up the axles tonite, no CAD! Happy about that one. I now see the perch issues, I did a measurement in the dark from the inside to the inside and it measured like 30 or more inches. The D30 still on my YJ is like 28 from inside to inside. Im kinda cofused as to what he's worried about, but I know hes not BS-ing me, why would someone pass on 60/hr worth of labor for several hrs.. unless they knew it was a safety/liability issue.

Your right I need to keep researching this one, Ill figure it out. I just have time limits. Im in my old mans garage, his poor little miata is out in the weather... He wants it done and out of there by arond the 4th of July.

I started off fast, the Jeep is completly disassembled in only a week. The tub is just sitting on there waiting for the Junkyard. I dont have the room to let it sit in the yard. The new (to me) tub is still sitting in the swap yard on my new unrusted out rolling chassis waiting for me. Today I found that the body shop to paint it is a month behind... gotta find a new painter. Or do it myself. Before that Im getting it sandblasted. Ive gotta wait til the tub is on there til i measure for the new SYE/shaft kit... And of course before that I gotta get the axle problems fixed and mounted, oh yea theres the ring and pinion and overhaul I gotta do too. Id also like to sandblast the axles, and frame, then POR15 them before I get the tub on there. As well as Herculine the inside of the tub. All while working 10-4 T-Th, and 10a-11p Fri and Sat.

Think Ill have it done in a month? Stay tuned!

 

[jps4jeep]

Where did you go, that shop where D-rock was a couple weeks ago in Hampstead? There is another shop in either wakefield or ossippee that might be able to help, and then in Wilmington Ma there is a shop where I know the guy can help!
East Coast Auto Works
http://www.eastcoastautoworks.com/

The owner's name is Joe, his mechanic Kurt is no joke! I was over there yesturday ordering my Header, he was doing a engine swap on a 97 H1 diesel. Got it done no problem!

 

[yjdave]

axle wrap / drivline

hobbness.....i run a waggy 44 in my yj which i did myself. I just left the factory setting and the perch on the drivers side, then lined up the pass side perch and welded it in. I have no steering issues other than the fact i choose not to have a front sway bar for flex issues. Are you matching it to a waggy rear or the yj rear? I narrowed my front w/scout stuff to get closer to to yj width. just a thought...

 

[hoobness]

RE: 94 Cherokee dies while driving

Yea D rok is the man. I totally understand that he doesnt want his name on a hack job. I feel bad taking it to someone else but what am I supposed to do? I need it done.

I am matching it to the read D44 from the same vehicle. (89 SJ)

An article on offroad describes virtually every step, from the perch moving to the brakes.. The whole swap process F & R.
The toughest part seems to be the perch moving. Says I need to move them each in toward the center a 1/2 inch. I have never welded, and I dont want to learn on such a criticle area such as my steering.

The site also says the caster is perfect and doesnt need to be messed with provided I keep the lift at 4-5". No prob I dont plan to go higher. (not yet at least)

I dunno, I hope I get this squared away fast, I stuck with no car at the moment, and no way to reverse it, I ve cut alot of sh*&t, expecting the new parts... SO I must move forward!!

later guys, thanks for the comments!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Seems to me you just don't mess with the caster. Grind away some of the doff housing to move the driver's side perch in .5", and redrill the pass. side .5" inboard to allow for the leaf spring center pin.

I can't understand why any competent 4wd shop would turn down such work.

 

[hoobness]

me neither!