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Need help with D35 to D44 rear-end swap

2K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  smart_shooter17 
#1 ·
I purchased a new rear-end from G2 axle and gears.
I was told that the brakes from my old stock Dana 35 will work on the new Dana 44. Is this true? I purchased my TJ and the Dana 35 already had an ssbc disc brake conversion.
I believe that the new axle was shipped configured for drum brakes.. can anyone tell from this picture?
Best case, I would like to move the disc brakes over to the new axle. If this is possible, does anyone have a link to a write up for something like this?
New guy here. Any help is much appreciated.
 

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#3 ·
Thanks for the links!
I took a closer look at the brake setup on my current rear-end. It looks like the caliper mounting bracket is a ring. As in the axle shafts needs to be removed and put through the middle. I'd much prefer it be a slip on bracket with a space cut out so that it can simply slide over the axle shafts without removal.
I was hoping that I wouldn't need to pull the axle shafts on the new axle in order to swap the disc brakes over, but the caliper mounting bracket makes it impossible to do so without pulling them... that is unless I can find a cutting wheel.
I don't see any downside to cutting a section out of the bracket to make it "slip over". Do you have any thoughts on that?
 
#4 ·
The backing place must go between the axle housing and the bearing retainer plate for proper spacing. With the axle already out like that its only a few minutes to unbolt and slide each one out, install the backing plate and slid the axle back in. I would not modify the plate as you will compromise its structural integrity. There's a lot of rotational force on that bracket during bracket...don't modify it. And yes those plates you have on there are for drum brakes. The disc brake brackets have a lip that must be turned toward the axle.
 
#6 ·
I did however manage to find an exploded view of the disc brake set up on my stock Dana 35.

Text Line art Auto part


The second is a view of the same kit, but for the Dana 44.

Line art Text Auto part


I see a retaining plate in the second image. Will the plate seen in my earlier comment work, or do I need to get a different one for the 44?

I know it may sound like a dumb question, bit I'm just a newbie.
 
#7 ·
Found the retainer plates that I needed and knocked out the swap in a day with help from a friend.

Fictional character Art


I need to pick up some adjustable upper control arms to correct the driveline angle a bit. The tracking bar rubs my skid plate occasionally as well. Do you guys know if new control arms will correct that?
 
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