D60 axles in D44 housing?

Don't flame me for asking I did a dozen searches and short of paying big bucks for a kit with custom length axles, I was hoping I could get steered in the right direction. I saw a Dana 44 front end once using Dana 60 (1.3"/30 spline) axles and 30 spline stubs also I believe (as I remember) it used external hubs. Where can I see something similar and get basic guidance? My intent is to use a wide-trac wagoneer housing and hopefully find stock length D60 axles to stuff in there. I know Ford had dozens of different length D60 axles available. D44 & D60 axles are both 1.3"/30spl. I know that I can go with curries(?) Kit and get a Detroit or ARB with 35spl/1.5" and change the axles and outers but if I can home brew it and modify my housing to work with a stock length "readily available" axle, I can at least replace the axles at a O'Rileys, Auto zone or even a bone yard if I manage to break bad, far from home after I use spares up. I could even modify the overall length of my tubes to accommodate a factory length axle. If it's doable I'll use hi zoot aftermarket axles for the originals and I drive like a girl anyway. I don't need or want the D60 heft and cost just want the BIG steering joints. Plus what about the external hub deal? I'm one of the seven people out here that actually like those more than the internal deal. I'm gonna give it a shot in the garage. I know I'll need new knuckles and C's and probably spindles and brakes but the rusty pile I'm starting with needs most of that anyway.