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JK D44 swap
I finally made a decision and instead of building a bullet proof D30 I'm just going to swap the JK axles into the xj. It made it to California and back but just barely and the Rubicon ate alot of stock stuff in steering and drivetrain. Next summer I'll be ready... Since the axles are 5 inches wider I have to run stock offset JK wheels to keep the tires somewhat under the jeep, so I found some Hardrock wheels and ordered some 35/ 12.50 / 17 BFG mud terrain KM2's and with some adapters bolted them on. Not sure I dig them but I'm stuck with them now.
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Re: JK D44 swap
Came up with enough Hardrock wheels to make the camper match, Lot's of work starting over, but I'm Hoping it will last and hold up to multiple cross country trips. I'm wanting to go to Easter Jeep in the spring.
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Re: JK D44 swap
Artec truss makes a truss that swaps a JK to xj, I'm hoping it makes it as easy as they say. Plus strengthen the D44 were they are weak... Artec said it would take 2 weeks but the truss showed up at the door in 5 day's... Sweet...
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Re: JK D44 swap
Since my xj had new 456 gears, rear locker and 35's I had to build another xj for my brother to put everything under... Quarter panel fold, big cut and box tubing rockers...
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Re: JK D44 swap
That does kind of give it a stock look, different but not bad. So, are you planning on bringing your brother next time?
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Yea he say's he's coming, but who knows... I know I'm coming and hopefully not have all the issue's I had last time.
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Don't feel lonely, I had issues too last time out. Time for a new engine. Ran into a guy from Calgary with a nice Willys wagon with a 44 front that blew a hub and axle. Made for a short weekend for him too.
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Re: JK D44 swap
Was it a white willies?
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Re: JK D44 swap
Sure was. Didn't see him, but his partner said he knew of you. Said he went up against you on the ramp. The Willys had a Scout front 44. Same as I am working with on mine. And running the same tires I want. Makes me wonder. Of course he did the damage on the nastiest winch hill on Fordyce.
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Re: JK D44 swap
Small world!
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Re: JK D44 swap
He did thank me for allowing him to wheel our trails, like why wouldn't I? Public land anyway
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The XJ and camper are looking good.. and that is a nice selection of wheel & tires you got for them, and having spares.. will certainly be nice for hitting the road & trails.. Can't say you're brother didn't get a hookup on the XJ build... Wish I had been lucky like that.. lol.. Look forward to seeing the JK44's under the XJ.. and the brother's build up...
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Re: JK D44 swap
He's out wheeling it already, him and some buddies went out on a overnight this weekend... Jeep came out good...
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Re: JK D44 swap
Looks like it turned out nice.. Nothing wrong with getting out there and using it for what it was built for.. No point in wasting time thinking about doing it.. lol
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Some more parts for the xj showed up, I think I'm about ready to get to work, I have been doing some mockup work on putting the winch behind the bumper. I gotta get the winch out from in front of the grill and clean up airflow.. Not sure how well the xj will stay cool out west pulling the teardrop...
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