D44 stock vs D44HP What can I reuse?

[86caprirs]

I broke my axle on my stock D44 in my 1974 Bronco. I have a 79 D44HP sitting in my garage collecting dust. Can I swap the gears that I have in my 74 D44 into the HPD44? Then I can use the bigger ujoints in the axles.

Also what do I need to do to swap in the D44 HP into my bronco?

 

[86caprirs]

Oh I know the HP is wider. I am aware of that.

 

[Pedestrian]

HP has reverse cut gears, so no, can't swap gearsets.

 

[broncnaz]

X2 gears dont swap over. Most of the other items will to a extent. Short side axle shaft will usually fit no problem long side needs to be cut down and resplined.
As for swapping in the HP. Theres a few ways to go both require at least a 3.5in lift. From there you can either shorten it to EB specs or leave it full width. Then you will need to deal with the tierod and drag link lenghts probably need to go fully adjustable and you'll also need a adjustable trac bar and/or trac bar riser or drop bracket taller bump stops, and a rear full width axle to match.

 

[86caprirs]

Wow. sounds like alot of work to put in a full size. The rear is easy to do. Weld new perches for the springs. I have seen where a couple guys have welded or screwed extentions onto the arm to get the proper distance to mount to the frame again. They just move the radius arm mounts back a little more. Can the FS Bronco steering be used and the track bar?

I have welded the carrier in the front. Can i still use that but swap to high pinion gear set?

Now you say that the drivers side axle from the Full size bronco will bolt into the EB D44 with no mods but the Pass side has to be cut to length? I broke the drives side so I can use that for now I guess while the other side gets shrotened?

Thanks guys

 

[broncnaz]

Most of the work if going full sized is in the tierods and drag links. I pretty the full sized stuff is a better option at that point. The radius arms stay in the stock position although most people are going for max lift and flex anyway so they have extended radius arms.

I wouldnt bother trying to change carriers especailly a welded carrier its more work that its worth. It would be easier to just weld the HP carrier without disturbing the gear setup. Not sure I would want to weld the front anyways thats probably most of the reason your current axle shaft broke.

Yes the driver side axle shaft should fit with no problem. There have been some people that needed to trim the inner shaft slightly though.

 

[DirtDonk]

Can the FS Bronco steering be used and the track bar?

The FS tie-rod could be re-used on the FS housing of course, but the draglink might have to be shortened. Yes, the lower mount is now farther away from the pitman arm, but I don't think it's quite far enough. Perfect time to add an adjusting sleeve though, to make it more versatile.
The EB and FS trackbars are different lengths, but I'm not sure if the longer one will fit or not. Sounds again like time for an adjustable one. With all of the changes, the likelyhood of either of the stock ones centering the axle properly is pretty slim.
Might just depend on how much lift you have and if you're feeling lucky.

I have welded the carrier in the front. Can i still use that but swap to high pinion gear set?

If you mean can you use the welded diff along with the reverse cut gears in the FS housing, then I think you can. If I'm not mistaken the differential case is the same between the two assemblies. Just the gears have different profiles.
But like broncnaz said, your custom "spool" might just be why you broke an axle and you'd have to re-set the diff. Chances are you'll have to go through all the rigamarole of gear setup. Better to weld the new one. Or, just not do it and say you did.

One more thing. If you're swapping out the axle shafts into your EB housing, what knuckles do you have? Ford? GM? I thought I heard somewhere that the larger u-joint axles don't fit in to all the knuckles. Maybe it was just the early drum brake knuckles, but it might be worth asking those that know.

Paul

 

[broncnaz]

Diff cases are the same for low pinion and HP D44's. The larger shafts do fit in stock EB knuckles but most people have had to clearance the knuckle to get the shaft in. Usually only needs slight gringing in a couple of spots.

 

[86caprirs]

I have the 79 Bronco disc brake setup on there now. I welded the front carrier so I was locked in 4 wheel when I hit the mud. I broke the front axle at the ujoint to begin because I was nose down pulling back on a stuck Blazer that was in a ig rut. I figured that I just had to much pressure on the front axles at the time.I should have turnd arround and pulled it from the rear. I know the ujoints are small up front which was my fault for doing that. usually I unlock the pass side hub when i am on the dry stuff then lock it in when i hit the mud. That way I have no problems with too much stress on the front.I may try the axle from the FS bronco on the drivers side and find someone to shorten and respline the FS axle for the pass side.Right now I just like to play in the mud so I atleast want to get this year out of it. But your right, I will neeed to upgrade shafts or the whole diff to a D60 maybe.

The 9" is awesome. I have no problems with that. and it is welded full time.....