Need your suggestions on D44 and 12 bolt

[ColoradoCJ7]

I have a stock 1984 CJ7 that I am beginning to build and I have the option to buy a Dana 44 from 76 chevy non flat top knuckle and 14 bolt FF from 78 chevy. They are both complete and I believe are both 4.10's and 8 lug for only $200.

I am planning to do the 4.0 head and fuel injection swap on my AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l in the next few weeks (getting the whole thing for free). I am running 33/12.5/15 Dirt Grip tires and have no lift at this point (did the TJ rubicon flares front and back). I need to switch my rims anyway so that is not a big issue.

I have a a904 Auto Transmission and a T-5 that I can use.

I also have a 300 Transfer Case .

So knowing all this how would you mix and match this or add other things to make a overall good driver and trail rig.

What should I be concerned about?

Anyone's opinion is appreciated.

 

[mylittlecj5]

I don't know that much about mixing and matching, but things I've heard/read:

The 14 bolt is way big for 33" tires. it either needs shaved or you need to run 38" tires to get any ground clearance.

The T-5 is a weak Transmission . Don't bother with it, change it out for a T-18 ,NP435 or the like. I know nothing about auto transmissions, sorry.

The 300 case is a good one.

Thats about all I can help you with.

 

[derf]

Agreed that the full float 14 bolt is huge for 33" tires. If it's actually a semi-float 14 bolt it's not as bad but still about the same size as a D60.

The Chevy front axle will require you to either outboard the leaf springs (kits are available) or go with a 4 link and coils or air shocks. Alternatively you can chop a bunch out of the driver side of the axle tube and narrow it enough to get the differential to stick in between the frame rails.


If I was going to put those axles in, I'd outboard the leaf springs in the front, do a spring over axle and run 37's. The 4.10 gears may be adequate if you run the slushbox but I'd put serious consideration into 4.56 gears while I was putting in lockers. With the T-5 I might even consider 4.88s or even 5.13s.

 

[oldguy]

What do you plan to do with the CJ? Just my opinion but we use those axles for mud racers and full off road brush hogs. It's a lot of axle for a jeep. With all the axle upgrades and tube trusses out there you can get a stock Jeep axle to handle about anything you throw at it aside from a full on bigblock engine swap. If it's tire clearence your looking for then derf has the right idea. We had a CJ5 with those axles running a 454 CID and 44 swampers. Just my opinion though.