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Axle rebuild or buy new
- Thread starter Tcb3078
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2019
- Messages
- 2,613
It all depends on the current condition. I am in the middle of mine right now. I opened up the D44 and was surprised to find a pretty fresh internal build with 4.56 gears so that one is being left alone and only doing the outers and brakes on that. The 9 inch needed everything so I went ahead and ordered a posi (didnt want a locker) diff with 31 spline axle package and all new bearings and brakes. Not sure what a shop charges but I am doing my own with help from friends.
The cost of labor is pretty incredible on the axle rebuilds imo. If have the means to do it yourself, even if you've never done them before I'd encourage you to at least look at that route. The cost of labor I was quoted was more than the cost of parts by far. Start with the 9" and then move on the the Dana 44.
unimogger
Jr. Member
Even if you only have basic mechanical skills, you can do the rear 9 inch axles and bearings yourself, and send the center section out for gears and traction upgrades.
Timmy390
Bronco Guru
$350 labor? WOW......I was quoted $600-$900 per axle back a few years ago and had to drive 30 miles to find a shop that would even quote it. I bought all the tools and did the front and rear myself because I couldn't afford the labor.
The issue around here is no one wants to do that kind of work anymore so the old "don't want to do it" price comes out.
To the OP, you can buy a drop in 9 from several companies build the way you want it. Prices vary but the 44, has to be done with the case so no drop in options out there. Do some reading and you may find doing it yourself is the way to go.
A few tools from harbor freight and "setup" bearings for the 44 is all you need. You can make your own setup bearings using a "flap" wheel. I've made a couple sets for some chevy swaps I've done.
Tim
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2019
- Messages
- 571
All this guy does is axles and he's been doing it for years. One man shop and he does most of the local drag cars, mud bog trucks, offroaders, etc.
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2017
- Messages
- 1,292
Like they have all said the 9" will be easy if you buy a center section or the parts to rebuild yours. It can be set up on the bench with just a little patience. The 44 will require A LOT of patience!, BUT is easily doable with the basics of knowledge and skills. I have done a 9" a ford 8.8 and a Dana 30 with no knowledge other than watching you tube and looking it all up on line. It was very satisfying when I was done with each one to know I could and did do a axle re gear that is like black magic to some people including me before. Now for the disclaimer it did take me about 2 weeks each on the 30 and 8.8 working only in the evenings do do the total rebuild job. All axles that I did have been driven for a while now with no issues. I did however just pay a local shop to rebuild the Dana 80 (gears and bearings)in my 1 ton $450 labor because It was worth it !!
Broncobowsher
Total hack
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2002
- Messages
- 35,710
Also will vary a lot if you drive in and drive out vs. carry in and carry out.
A 9" chunk rebuilt on a bench is different than tying up shop space and a hoist, pulling the axle apart just to get to the 3rd member.
What about the housings? The original 9" really isn't that great, especially if it has small bearing ends on it. It is pretty easy to get a better housing brand new. But the front 44 housing is a bit different. Hopefully it isn't bent or other major issues. There is no quick affordable replacement for a Bronco front end.
And the front rebuild, there can be a lot of labor in just getting to the gears. Big swing in labor between driving in and drive out vs. having the outers and shafts pulled and just having an axle shop do the voodoo under the cover.
Are you upgrading to 31 spline axles as well? yet another variable in the rear end.
Depending on location you might find good labor (as seen above) where a rebuild makes perfect sense. Or do some work yourself and get the labor into just the skilled stuff you need to pay for. The rear it is really easy to just do a new axle. There are so many upgraded parts available at fair prices it can make sense to go this route. But also, are you just needing a stock rebuild or do you need the upgrades?
A 9" chunk rebuilt on a bench is different than tying up shop space and a hoist, pulling the axle apart just to get to the 3rd member.
What about the housings? The original 9" really isn't that great, especially if it has small bearing ends on it. It is pretty easy to get a better housing brand new. But the front 44 housing is a bit different. Hopefully it isn't bent or other major issues. There is no quick affordable replacement for a Bronco front end.
And the front rebuild, there can be a lot of labor in just getting to the gears. Big swing in labor between driving in and drive out vs. having the outers and shafts pulled and just having an axle shop do the voodoo under the cover.
Are you upgrading to 31 spline axles as well? yet another variable in the rear end.
Depending on location you might find good labor (as seen above) where a rebuild makes perfect sense. Or do some work yourself and get the labor into just the skilled stuff you need to pay for. The rear it is really easy to just do a new axle. There are so many upgraded parts available at fair prices it can make sense to go this route. But also, are you just needing a stock rebuild or do you need the upgrades?
pcf_mark
Bronco Guru
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2010
- Messages
- 3,647
This guy is not kidding around at $100 / hour labor. That is dealer money - Cadillac dealer.
Broncobowsher
Total hack
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2002
- Messages
- 35,710
The 9" can be found by any of the aftermarket axle companies.
Let us know what you find for an aftermarket Dana 44 for a Bronco. Don't know of anyone building those as a drop in replacement.
SteveL
Huge chevy guy
Currie might do eb 44 housings. Pretty sure they also do 9" front axles for the bronco.
bronconut73
Bronco Guru
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2012
- Messages
- 9,918
I have always admired Curries front 9" axle.
I assume they use 44 routers.
Some fellers that go this route also go high pinion 9" carrier up front. In fact everyone of these I have seen have been high pinion 9" differentials.
I assume they use 44 routers.
Some fellers that go this route also go high pinion 9" carrier up front. In fact everyone of these I have seen have been high pinion 9" differentials.
SteveL
Huge chevy guy
Dont know if they still offer it but bc sold 9" front housings and you could get it set up for 44 or 60 outers. I think wheel bolt pattern becomes an issue if you go dana 60 outers.
Might try calling east coast gear supply. They do really nice work and are localish to you.
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