So I bought this Chevy Dana 44 for my jeep cj5 to swap it into. But I’ve come across a problem and just wanted to see if anyone knew the solution. So on the diff side of the axle the leaf spring perch is actually part of the casting for the diff housing. Which was fine but I realized if I need to change the pinion angle by relocating the perches I won’t be able to on that side. I thought of grinding down the casting into a more circular shape so I could weld my own perches where I needed them. But unfortunately on one side they use two studs to secure the leaf spring on as well as one u bolt. So I couldn’t use those anymore so I would just use two u bolts instead. But unfortunately the bottom of the diff has a big rip blocking me from using a u bolt. And grinding it down would be a lot of material off the diff. It might interfere with the strength of the whole thing. I’ll post photos to help people see what I’m talking about. If you know a solution it would be much appreciated. Thanks!
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TrestanJimenez
CJ5 Chevy Dana 44 swap
So I bought this Chevy Dana 44 for my jeep cj5 to swap it into. But I’ve come across a problem and just wanted to see if anyone knew the solution. So on the diff side of the axle the leaf spring perch is actually part of the casting for the diff housing. Which was fine but I realized if I need to change the pinion angle by relocating the perches I won’t be able to on that side. I thought of grinding down the casting into a more circular shape so I could weld my own perches where I needed them. But unfortunately on one side they use two studs to secure the leaf spring on as well as one u bolt. So I couldn’t use those anymore so I would just use two u bolts instead. But unfortunately the bottom of the diff has a big rip blocking me from using a u bolt. And grinding it down would be a lot of material off the diff. It might interfere with the strength of the whole thing. I’ll post photos to help people see what I’m talking about. If you know a solution it would be much appreciated. Thanks!
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Attachments
You can shim the perch, just have to put the same angle perch the opposite direction on to of the pack to keep the top plate parallel to the axle perch or you will break studs. you can also notch the web for a 2nd ubolt, or drill a hole closer to the axle tube through the web for the 2nd ubolt.
Are you custom building an outboard spring mount setup or installing 9ne of the pre made/ pre cut kits?
The front spring width was wider on the Chevy so with a 2nd ubolt and moving the spring center pin hole out a bit, you can get the 2nd ubolt clear of the cover bolts.
Are you custom building an outboard spring mount setup or installing 9ne of the pre made/ pre cut kits?
The front spring width was wider on the Chevy so with a 2nd ubolt and moving the spring center pin hole out a bit, you can get the 2nd ubolt clear of the cover bolts.
Ohh okay that’s a great idea about the shims. I was thinking of using a pre built kit from moto built. I’m not totally sure it’ll fit just yet. The kit mentions that the center pin to center pin width needs to be between 31 1/2 and 32 inches. I’m assuming it’s talking about the center pin on the leaf springs? I haven’t done any measuring just yet. What kit would you use if you were doing the same?
The 32" is the distance for the center to center for the spring pin holes in the spring perch of your new dana 44. I believe that 32" is standard for the chevy front axle. The motobuilt is a good kit. Did a home brew custom when I did mine.
You're correct, but always see 2 ubolts used. OP is showing what looks to be 2 bolts cut off, that threaded into the casting?
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