UPDATE: I initially had this as a front axle modification, which was clearly incorrect (the lack of a stearing knuckle should have been my first clue!)
Thanks to John for putting together the narrative and the images!
“Thought some other folks might find this interesting, especially those that have swapped to the D44 rear axle.
While trying to cobble some parts together to build a D44 front axle for my CJ6, I noticed that the GM D44 small bearing spindles that came with the flat top knuckle axles had the same number of stud holes as the offset D44 in the back of my CJ. Knowing that the 2 pc. axle shafts were a weak point, I had kicked around the idea of finding a 71′ offset flanged axle, and installing Herms FF Kit. I figured the flanged D44 would be a long shot, and I didn’t really like the tapered shafts in Herms kit, as you have to pull the spindle to get the shaft out. So,what to do? I ended up at R&P 4wdin Oregon City, and asked Richard and Paul what they thought about using the GM spindle to make a full float axle kit. At this point, Rich got a twinkle in his eye and asked me to follow him out into the shop. From some shelf, he pulled a half machined spindle out, and said, “like this?”. Perfect! This kit probably wont be for everyone, but was a homerun for me. It lets me run the same Ford 1/2 ton hub and rotor as the front(to keep things 5 on 5.5), the same internal splined locking hubs as the front, and GM calipers. Overall the FF kit added 2″ of width to my rear axle (same as the front), and I got an axle shaft that is full diameter(30 spline inner, 19 spline outer), and is removable without pulling the spindle. I ended up running a late 70’s Cadillac caliper (that uses the same GM backing plate as the front), and has a E-brake. And all for a little less than a grand. I hope somebody out there will find this as cool as I did.
Thanks,
John
“im a doughball”
