Welcome to Page 5 of our Izzy build-up!

Dana 44 front Axle with 33X12.50's

We've got some 33's!!! The one good thing about having a Tacoma and having axles with the same 6 lug patten - I was able to find some used Rockcrawler rims with the proper backspacing we needed (3.75") with some 33X12.50 BFG MT Km's on them. GREAT!!! Izzy has wheels!!

Leaf Spring Locating Hole & Webbing: We put the front axle back together and put the wheels and tires on it. Steve had already plugged and filled the leaf spring locating hole on the original perches (centering hole) and relocated them 1/2" inward and drilled another hole. The next step is to cut away at the diff housing to make room for the leaf springs to fit (passenger side).

Notching the diff housing to make room for leaf spring U Bolt

Webbing already cut to accomodate U Bolt.

Here's what the stock axle looks like (before the test fitting)

 

Test Fit Front Axle: We lifted Izzy up on jack stands and began to disconnect everything attached to the axle. We removed the front Dana 30 Axle and rolled the Dana 44 in.

Test Fit Results: We found out that the leaf spring centering bolts on the Rubicon Express leaf springs are way too big for the holes we drilled in the perches. We'll need to locate a bigger drill bit and/or make the pin smaller. This is definately a work in progress.

Front Dana 30 removed

Both Front Dana 30 and Dana 44
Which would you rather have?

Dana 44 front axle sitting on the leaf springs

 

U-bolts & Plates: I was unable to locate any U-bolt flip kits or skid type U-bolt plates for our application. We ended up buying the 89 Grand Wagoneer U-bolt plates from Eric at Skid Row Automotive just so we could get this job completed. We're currently waiting for those to arrive.

Trac Bar : The Trac Bar mount on the Dana 44 is not compatible with the YJ mount. The trac bar mount on the Dana 44 will have to come off completely OR we'll need to design something custom and weld a new mount on the frame to make it work. I'd like to think we'll try to make it work. Anything to help make Izzy drive smoother is a bonus.

Drag Link/Ball Joint hitting leaf springs

Steering Linkage : The Wagoneer drag link and tie rod will fit up to the YJ steering pump rather easily. We'll be purchasing a drop pitman arm for a Grand Wagoneer to keep the overall strength. You could machine the YJ pitman arm to accept the larger ball joint if you wanted to.

Oops : Upon further investigation, at almost full droop and full left turn - we noticed the drag link/ ball joint hits the leaf springs. So, in order to get Izzy back on the road quicker, we'll get the hole in the tie rode machined (filled and re-tapered) to accept the drag link/ball joint from the other side of the tie rod.

SEE PAGE 10 FOR UPDATE ON THIS!

 

Flareless: While waiting for our u-bolt plates to come in, we decided to begin removing the stock flares. We'll be purchaseing some Xenon 6.5" TJ style flares.

The tie-rod is on its way to a shop to be filled & re-tapered.