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axle Swap 91 MJ


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That's probably a better way to put it.  I was looking for a Dana 44, Jeep Recycler had one off a Wagoneer. I read on the forum somewhere that the Leaf springs match up, and my buddy, and the shop mechanic, said to ask about housing shackles, since we want to drop the old, which has some gouging in the bearing race seats, and bolt this one in.  I've got welders, etc. if I have to adjust them(the shackles that is)  

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Just to be clear, you are talking about an XJ Wagoneer, not a full size correct? 

 

There is a difference between the XJ and MJ spring perches.  Also XJs are spring over vs MJ spring under so unless you want 5+" of lift, you'll want the perches under the axle.  No matter what you will have to move the perches on the axle.  If you don't move them and force the springs onto the XJ perches, the suspension will be tweeked and bind real bad.  You will reuse the MJ leaf spring so no need to adjust shackles.

FB_IMG_1572916322276.jpg.6992863bf68a564c2d1f1bd2e8c2d32b.jpg

(Credit for the diagram goes to, I believe, HOrnbrod)

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2 hours ago, Mystic Jack said:

knew I forgot something. Only one we could find was from a full size(which I hadn't even thought of before, I just saw wagoneer) . Leaf springs on my MJ are shot, Ring and Pinion all chewed up. 

 

Not a good choice. The wheel bolt circle isn't the same -- you'll be looking at adapters. Also, I believe the full-size is actually narrower, wheel-mating-surface to wheel-mating-surface, than the MJ and XJ.

 

Get a rear axle and leaf springs out of a '87 or newer XJ. Cut off the spring perches and mount them where they need to be for the MJ. Cut the eyes off the XJ main leaves and use them as AALs in your MJ spring pack.

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fullsize wagoners have a 6-bolt wheel pattern (6 lug nuts). 

 

the wheel mating surface (frequently abbreviated to WMS) it the flat surface on the brakes onto which the wheel touches and mounts. 

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Issue being we have stingy salvage yards(both local salvage yards have a plethora of Comanches, Cherokees, they're just reluctant to sell parts) and the closest pull apart is 60 miles. 

My issue, the housing that is currently on my pick up is gouged, from some one removing races with a cut wheel. I've heard varying things on how big an issue this is. If it is not a big deal than, What is a good source for casual use, ring and pinion sets? (or if it is a big deal than I'll plan a day to the pulling yard)

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10 hours ago, Mystic Jack said:

Issue being we have stingy salvage yards(both local salvage yards have a plethora of Comanches, Cherokees, they're just reluctant to sell parts) and the closest pull apart is 60 miles. 

My issue, the housing that is currently on my pick up is gouged, from some one removing races with a cut wheel. I've heard varying things on how big an issue this is. If it is not a big deal than, What is a good source for casual use, ring and pinion sets? (or if it is a big deal than I'll plan a day to the pulling yard)

 

You need to make up a signature with the year of your MJ, and the engine and transmission. That we we won't always ask:

 

What year is your truck, and what engine and transmission does it have? Where are you located, and what axle do you have, Dana 35 or Dana 44? There are probably any number of members who have a Dana 35 axle or three they'd be perfectly happy to give you. I have several out in the yard.

 

Is your differential opened up? Can you post a photo or three of the gouges you're talking about? Unless they're really bad, I'm inclined to think (sight unseen) that it's probably not a big deal. As long as tghere's enough solid material to hold the new races in place, the bearings only care about the races, not what's holding them.

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2 hours ago, Mystic Jack said:

Ok, that's what all the info at the bottom is. Rock on. Thanks guys  

 

What info at the bottom of what?

 

If you created a signature ... you must not have saved it.

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I had a full size (SJ) Wagoneer Dana 44 in the back of my XJ for a while.  It was quite a bit narrower than the XJ/MJ rear axle.  I had 1.25" spacers on it and it was just a hair wider than the front.  So probably 1" on either side narrower.

 

I ended up cutting off and welding the spring perches to fit in the XJ.  I'm not sure if you'd have to do that with the MJ if you were going for a spring over conversion.  If you want to keep the leaf springs under the axle you absolutely will have to relocate the spring perches.

 

As others have said, the bolt pattern for the SJ rear is 6 on 5.5".  It is technically possible to swap axle shafts to match the 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern of the MJ.  You would need to get a new brake drum to match.  I don't have any information on what would fit there.  Or you could do a disc brake conversion that had the right rotor.  The XJ parking brake cables bolted right into the SJ drum brakes so that made the swap easier.

 

I avoided the bolt pattern mismatch by swapping a matching SJ front Dana 44 from the same donor.  I ended up not being happy with the swap so I went back to XJ axles.

 

I still have the axles and I may swap the rear into one of my two MJs.  I have thought about keeping it 2WD with a V8 swap to be a fun drive around truck.  At some point I'll look into converting the wheel bolt pattern with new shafts and brake drum.

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