To start with I have a matched set 8 lug Dana 44/Dana 60 with 4.56 that I want to put under my M1009. The 60 is fine, but my question is about the 44. The Dana 44 is a closed knuckle. I bought it back before I knew much about axles(not saying I know a lot now, just more) I don't want a closed knuckle. I want an open knuckle. My question is this. If you were me would you buy another Dana 44 and put the 4.56 gears from the old Dana 44 in it? Or would you keep the 10 bolt in the front and re-gear it to match the 4.56. I inspected the ring and pinion on the Dana 44, and it looks 98% brand new.
One involves buying an axle and having extra gears that I could keep or sell and selling the closed knuckle axle, the other involves just buying gears as I already have all the parts to convert the 10 bolt from 6 to 8 lug(bought it for the Dana 44 before I knew about the knuckles, and knuckles out interchange). I'm at a loss on this one. I am leaning towards getting another axle because I want to put an Aussie Locker in, and they do not make one for the 10 bolt.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
One involves buying an axle and having extra gears that I could keep or sell and selling the closed knuckle axle, the other involves just buying gears as I already have all the parts to convert the 10 bolt from 6 to 8 lug(bought it for the Dana 44 before I knew about the knuckles, and knuckles out interchange). I'm at a loss on this one. I am leaning towards getting another axle because I want to put an Aussie Locker in, and they do not make one for the 10 bolt.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
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