Differential advice
Cheepjeep85
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Differential advice
- Thread starter stoney bones
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derf
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- 1984 CJ7 - 5.3/4L60E/Atlas4spd/D44/9" - In Progress
1984 GW - 360/TF727/NP229/D44/M23 - NP242 swap in progress
1986 J10 - 360/TF727/NP208/D44/D60 - 700R4 upgrade in the works
Or a degree shim.
BusaDave9
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The problem with the degree shim is you can improve the caster but that entails lowering the rear of the axle and making the u-joint angle worse.
I don't know why the scout was built with 0 caster angle. I have heard it is because the Scout was built for Bias Ply tires but that doesn't make much sense to me. Most Scout owners now run radials without a problem. But if you put those same axles (with 0 degree caster) onto a CJ then you have bad handling no matter what tires you run. You have to cut the steering knuckles off, rotate them and re-weld them back on.
I don't know why the scout was built with 0 caster angle. I have heard it is because the Scout was built for Bias Ply tires but that doesn't make much sense to me. Most Scout owners now run radials without a problem. But if you put those same axles (with 0 degree caster) onto a CJ then you have bad handling no matter what tires you run. You have to cut the steering knuckles off, rotate them and re-weld them back on.
derf
Senior Jeeper
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- 1984 CJ7 - 5.3/4L60E/Atlas4spd/D44/9" - In Progress
1984 GW - 360/TF727/NP229/D44/M23 - NP242 swap in progress
1986 J10 - 360/TF727/NP208/D44/D60 - 700R4 upgrade in the works
The problem with the degree shim is you can improve the caster but that entails lowering the rear of the axle and making the u-joint angle worse.
I don't know why the scout was built with 0 caster angle. I have heard it is because the Scout was built for Bias Ply tires but that doesn't make much sense to me. Most Scout owners now run radials without a problem. But if you put those same axles (with 0 degree caster) onto a CJ then you have bad handling no matter what tires you run. You have to cut the steering knuckles off, rotate them and re-weld them back on.
The Scout may have had the springs at a slightly different angle than the CJ. I know that if you put on a lift shackle on a front axle, it changes the caster angle a little.
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- 1974 CJ5 ~ Fresh built AMC 360 - SM420 - D20 - D30F with upgraded 30 spline shafts and knuckles & D44R - 4.27 Gears - ARB Lockers F/R - All chrome molly axles - on 33's - YJ 4" Lift Spring Conversion
I've been looking into scout 44's front and rear too, mainly because disc brake set up already on front, and 44 front would be sweet, but had no ide about this "caster angle" issue... The extra width I would assume would be workable... I need to try to find some info on what all is entailed with this Cutting rotating and re-welding you speak of BusaDave... To see if i still feel it's an option for me...
stoney bones
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just got a quote from currie enterprises for a Dana 44 front and rear. around 7k. so a bit pricey 
out of curiosity....how do these things hold there value? for instance, if i bought these and used them for about a year or so and kept them in very good condition but for whatever reason needed to sell them, whats a ball park of what they would go for?
out of curiosity....how do these things hold there value? for instance, if i bought these and used them for about a year or so and kept them in very good condition but for whatever reason needed to sell them, whats a ball park of what they would go for?
BusaDave9
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just got a quote from currie enterprises for a Dana 44 front and rear. around 7k. so a bit pricey
out of curiosity....how do these things hold there value?
Yes, these HD aftermarket axles hold their value.
These axles don't often get high mileage but even when they do you can resell them at a good price.
Currie Enterprises used to be the ultimate axles in the '80's. They still make good axles but I have heard of some quality issues. On the other hand Dynatrac is considered to be the best axle manufacturer.