I was reading the article about the 35 spline Dana 44 in June issue of Peterson's 4wheel and offroad.  Does anyone know how much a setup like that would run?  I'm a decent welder so I may be able to heat the knuckles then weld them to the axles myself. 

Staff:  How much did it cost you guys and how well has it performed with big tires, and lots of throttle?

Scoutnut

i just read that article today at my friend's house. i was really stoked about it until i read that you need d60 knuckles.with the cost of the 35 spline arb, compressor, knuckles, steering parts, etc., it seems like a spendy axle to build. it's a little out of my price range to buy all the parts. i'll just stick to building a narrowed wag' 44 for now. it may be an excellent upgrade for you though. i've read on other 'boards that the scout 44 knuckles suck because the castor is crappy.(for jeeps at least, it may be right for the scout). i say weld it up and make sure the castor is right.  i'm guessing it's about $2500 to build with the arb, steering linkage, d60 knuckles, and custom axles. i'd buy a 35 spline spool though. that would be about $800 cheaper and i could just unlock the hubs when i need to steer.  yeah, it would be kind of a pain in the butt, but that's what the spotter(my wife) is for.  

That narrow wag 44 your building, do you have a idea for the shaft(junkyard) I'm assuming your only shorting one side. I'm doing the same thing & looking for a common yard shaft to save the expence of having one shortened & splined.  

i haven't begun the 44 or even sourced parts yet. i've just dreamed and talked *** when i do get going on it, i'm thinking of fitting the housing to rubicon 44 front axles. i've asked around (including ort tech section) and haven't gotten any solid feedback. i'm sure the rubi axles will be available aftermarket soon(if they aren't already) and junkyards in years to come.  i probably got the idea from one of your posts about using a common size axle for a narrowed wag' 44.  i researched it a little years ago and the guy at the local 4x shop said to use a long side axle from an early bronco. i haven't done any measuring but it seems that would still be a little wide. let me know what you wind up using. when i eventually build one, i don't want to get a new axle custom made whenever i break one.  

I figured it would be pretty pricey.  I've already had my front axle cut and turned to fix the caster problem.  Randy Ellis did that when he did the SOA w/ cross over steering.  Apparently they are built with 0 deg. of caster.  I had 6 deg put in and it works great.  It would have been nice to know about this back then.  I might have had him weld up some D60 knuckles instead.  I just wondered what it cost the petersen's crew to build theirs up.  Good luck with shortening your D44!

Scoutnut