rear axle question

[bosworth]

i'm working on my 51 B3B. I would like to swap out the rear axle to get a little more modern brakes and a better gear ratio.  i have read all of the past archive material that i could find. it sounds like a dana 44 with 3.55 gears would be a good choice. there are several other referances to cherokee rear ends but not specific models.  i have found several dana 35 axles for sale at reasonable prices. one is from a 90 cherokee. would this dana 35 be a good candidate or should i keep looking for a dana 44? i will be using the flat head 6 and 3 speed tranny. i want to do the rear end soon so that i can get my suspension, brakes and drive line in place.

thanks

Bill

[Young Ed]

You need to compare the widths. Thats really your only consideration as the flathead isn't going to overpower and wreck any modern rear axles.

[Jeff Balazs]

Bill;

The Dana 35 from a Cherokee should work just fine. If you can find one with a 3.73 ratio that might be closer to optimum if you live in hilly terrain. I have a 3.55 in my truck with a 230 engine and it could use a bit more grunt on hills.

 

Jeff

[Plymouthy Adams]

_{Paper racing (first place to start in practicality) dropping from say a 3.91 to a 3.73 is approx. 3 mph increase in speed at same given rpm and tire size.....given if the truck is 4.11 and going to 3.73 your increase is approx. 5.8 MPH increase at same RPM making this a bit advantageous}

 

_{now given the upgrade to a modern axle will give you the better ratio and couple with a easy to service and relatively trouble free self adjusting brakes..then in that respect the swap is well within the time and cost..but again throw in the very added other modifications say to the driveshaft..cost.  Then again a change could drive this a bit over the top...}

_{in keeping your track the same, flange to flange is critical for appearance and keeping the original hubcaps etc...}

 

_{as in all things modification speaking...one change leads to a couple other interrelated mods that need be made to make it all work efficiently and safely.} 

 

_{just a bit to ponder of items that interrelate} 

[bosworth]

thanks guys! that is the input i need. i will measure the width of my current axle and compare. Plymouthy you probably don't remember, but i got my wheels and hub caps from you, so it is important that they will work on any new axle.

thanks

bill

[Plymouthy Adams]

yessir...just watch that flange to flange..

[59bisquik]

The Cherokee wiith a  Dana 44 looks to be pretty rare. Im pretty sure most had D30/35 combos. However, here is a chart for D44's if it helps.

http://www.jeeptech.com/axle/d44.html

Edited November 9, 2015 by 59bisquik