Rear axle swap

[tom'sB2B]

I know there have been quite a few posts on this subject. Sorry if this seems repetitive. Hopefully this will help others who are thinking about doing a swap. I recently finished a rear axle swap for my 1950 1/2 ton. I used a axle out of a 1989 jeep cherokee 4.0 liter. A Dana 35 with a 3:55 ratio. I got it from a local pick-n-pull. After searching and finding the best axle in the yard, it only took me about 45 min. to pull the axle. Once I got the axle home I ground of all the old perches with an angle grinder and ground the area smooth. I used the 3" spring perches from Northern Tool. After measuring where the perches should go in relation to the old axle, I used to small levels and a angle measuring device to determine the correct pinion angle ( 5 degrees up). I took the axle and all my levels and stands to a local hotrod shop where the welded it up for me..$30. I bought new wheel cylinders and brake pads and lug nuts. Everything hooked-up with out any problems. The pinion u-bolts from the jeep worked fine. I'm using the jeep e-brake cables and I connected them to the original hand brake using a length of steel cable. I used a reducer to hook up the different sized brake lines. That's it!

[tom'sB2B]

I've driven the truck around town recently, weather permitting. It drives well with no vibration (nothing unusual anyway). I took it out on the freeway and got it up to 70, though I don't think I will do that again anytime soon:)

I find that my first gear is still a bit of a granny. I usually still start out in 2nd (I have a fluid drive). And no real problems on the hills. Over all I'm happy with the swap. I still need to tighten up the steering and some disc brakes in the front to be a reliable freeway driver.

[pflaming]

What didn't you like at 70 mph? Is it correctable or isn't it important enough to bother. How did it drive at 65 mph.

[tom'sB2B]

It was mostly the extensive play in my steering wheel that was making me nervous. I thought it drove pretty good at 60-65. If it ever stops raining I will do a little longer cruise. Paul, with all the great work you've done on your truck, I'm sure it will drive like a dream. When will you be ready for 65?

[pflaming]

Two things put a pause on my "65" dream. First I needed 15" wheels and good tires and it took some time to find them, they are on the truck now; and when I fell, I had to be careful so I took on the tractor project. The wheels and tires are on, the back is healed but weaker, and the tractors are boxed ready to ship.

Got a meeting at DMV this week, put on shocks I ordered on Saturday, put on the 12 volt items and I set to go, hopefully the end of this week. Finding the 53 vert detained me a bit also. More on that later.

[48Dodger]

So you guys be at the BBQ????

48D

[desoto1939]

I really like those jack stands under the jeep with the extra rims just ready for it to roll right out from underneath someone working on the vehilce.

Hope you had some realy study jack stands under the car when you took the rear end out of the jeep.

That scares the HxLL out of me when I saw that picture.

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com

[Young Ed]

I really like those jack stands under the jeep with the extra rims just ready for it to roll right out from underneath someone working on the vehilce.

Hope you had some realy study jack stands under the car when you took the rear end out of the jeep.

That scares the HxLL out of me when I saw that picture.

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com

Both the Upull yards I go to here use those same stands. The two wheels are welded together. I'm sure the yards would be out of business if they'd ever had a failure.

[John-T-53]

I'd be curious to know if there are other ratios available for the Dana 35's. Like up to 4:10 like our trucks usually have? Or even a 3.9?

[tom'sB2B]

Pick-n-pull doesn't allow you to bring your own jack or jack stands. All the cars and trucks are like that. Luckly I didn't have to much time under the jeep.

[1952 Fargo]

hi Tom,

what is the flange to flange measurement?

thanks,

Brian

[tom'sB2B]

It measures 52 3/4 inches from flange to flange

[gtech636p]

4.11 ratios are an option in cherokees, specifically with the 2.8L v6 from what I've seen. Not quite sure about the D35 part, but I know for sure the 4.11's came in D44 models in stock form.

You've gotta find a pre-87 model though.

[Robert Horne]

I'd be curious to know if there are other ratios available for the Dana 35's. Like up to 4:10 like our trucks usually have? Or even a 3.9?

On a Jeep website, 3.07,,,,,3.55,,,,,,3.73,,,,,4.56,,,,,4.88

On Danas 35s,,,,1993 to 1998

I have a 3.73 rear, 5 speed TK5 Ranger trans, 218 engine.

Real happy with this setup......

[1952B3b23]

Hey tom'sB2B,

Could you measure your hub to hub distance on your new rear axle?

Thanks,

-Chris

[tom'sB2B]

Its 52 3/4 inches from the brake plates. I have a 1 1/4 inch clearance from bed side to tire. I'm not sure what the distance is from hub to hub. I'll have to pull the wheels off.

[1952B3b23]

Its 52 3/4 inches from the brake plates. I have a 1 1/4 inch clearance from bed side to tire. I'm not sure what the distance is from hub to hub. I'll have to pull the wheels off.

Okay thanks.

-Chris

[FUUN#063]

Hello. I am a brand new member and have been reading here a few days. I recently purchased a 1953 Dodge panel truck. The engine was ruined beyond reasonable repair and I have removed it over the weekend. I also removed the rear axle and replaced it with a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Dana 44 with a 3.73 ratio. It has disc brakes. I also nabbed the master cylinder along with the axle and will purchase a front disc brake conversion for this project. I will also hook up the emergency brake as posted earlier above with a longer cable and the original handle. Thanks for good information on nearly every topic related to these old trucks.

Leland

[Don Coatney]

Hello. I am a brand new member and have been reading here a few days. I recently purchased a 1953 Dodge panel truck. The engine was ruined beyond reasonable repair and I have removed it over the weekend. I also removed the rear axle and replaced it with a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Dana 44 with a 3.73 ratio. It has disc brakes. I also nabbed the master cylinder along with the axle and will purchase a front disc brake conversion for this project. I will also hook up the emergency brake as posted earlier above with a longer cable and the original handle. Thanks for good information on nearly every topic related to these old trucks.

Leland

Nice truck. Are you located in Swayzee?

[ggdad1951]

NICE! Welcome, keep us updated!