Cj-7 Dana 44 Conversion

[Roadkil]

Looking for some help with this front axle conversion on my 84 CJ7 .
I just bought this Jeep and the steering was not centered. 1.5 turns to lock left, 2.5 turns to lock right plus the turning radius to the left was wider.
After further inspection found pitman arm was off center and the drag link was shortened as much possable, I can't find a drag link the correct length they are all too long.
Tryed to determine the model vehicle this Dana 44 came out of but I'm coming up with a blank. The thing that is throwing me off is the length of the axle from WMS to WMS is 51". Any ideas would be appreciated

Sent from my VK815 using Tapatalk

 

[mriplaybass]

I'm not that familiar with the "newer" CJs. All ours are 79 or older, so I may be off on some of my assumptions. First off, I believe a stock front axle should have been a Dana 30 , so if you have a Dana 44 , you are correct, someone did a swap. Simple thing to check first is the bump, or turn stop bolts to make sure one of them is not out more than the other. The measurement of your axle width indicates a narrow trac. I am pretty sure 84 used a wide trac. If your center link is already turned in all the way, the PO must have kept the center link from the original wide trac axle. I believe you would need one from a 76 to 81 CJ7 , but not knowing which vehicle your axle came from, I don't know about the hole diameter for the tie rod ends. Since the center link that you have is too wide, but does fit the holes, I think it is a pretty safe assumption that the PO used the original center link, so a 76 to 81 should fit.
Based on what you have told us, I would think that your toe would be way off. The tires would be pointing outward making driving a real challenge, not to mention the extreme tire wear. Some pics would be a big help.

 

[Roadkil]

Thanks mriplaybass, I'll post some pics when I get home.
The center link has been changed to a eyelet mount, totally illegal in my state, and the drag link looks like a HD diameter. Toe tapes out correct but not ready for the alignment shop need to find the right drag link. I thought NT axles measured 53" WMS. I was going to buy a High Steer Kit but I want it to be the right one when it gets to my door step.
I don't think any Dana 44s came 51" WSM, so why would he shorten it that much. He even installed 2" spacers on the wheels, not my preferred method.
As you can tell I'm quite confused.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[mriplaybass]

I noticed that. 51" is narrower than my Dana 30 narrow trac. I am wondering how you can even turn without hitting the frame with the tires. A lot of Jeepers switch to the Heim joint steering, but I don't know about the legality of each state. I have the standard tie rod end steering.