box_goblin
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Seattle, WA
Looking for insight/advice on a project I’m about to start.
1990 Sport - 4.0L – 5Spd AX15 – NP231
Rear axle was the standard D35 – when changing the seal on the rear left wheel, I found that the pinion was close to destroyed. I know that replacing R&P is a pretty precision operation, so not something I was going to do myself. I was able to locate a rear Dana 44 and purchased it. Needed new drums and brakes – which was a fun project and has been completed. However, the gear ratio is 3.73 – far cry from the 3.07 currently on the vehicle. I got that installed and working fine; no 4WD currently as the ratios being different would just bind up the axles or tear apart the TC, or I don’t want to imagine what would happen, really.
The two options I can think of having would be to have the gears replaced in the front – or replacing the entire front axle assembly with one that has a matching 3.73 gear ratio. I’m not up to doing gear changes myself (unless this is actually not as hard as I think – if not, let me know and I’d reconsider it) so I was looking at finding a replacement axle assembly.
I’ve located one that appears to be the proper replacement – but does not have the vacuum disconnects. What I’m wanting to know is if I try to swap in this assembly, is that going to prevent 4WD from working, or would there be anything I’d need to do additionally to get it working?
Thanks in advance for any answers to that – as well as any other opinions and insight that you all have to lend.
1990 Sport - 4.0L – 5Spd AX15 – NP231
Rear axle was the standard D35 – when changing the seal on the rear left wheel, I found that the pinion was close to destroyed. I know that replacing R&P is a pretty precision operation, so not something I was going to do myself. I was able to locate a rear Dana 44 and purchased it. Needed new drums and brakes – which was a fun project and has been completed. However, the gear ratio is 3.73 – far cry from the 3.07 currently on the vehicle. I got that installed and working fine; no 4WD currently as the ratios being different would just bind up the axles or tear apart the TC, or I don’t want to imagine what would happen, really.
The two options I can think of having would be to have the gears replaced in the front – or replacing the entire front axle assembly with one that has a matching 3.73 gear ratio. I’m not up to doing gear changes myself (unless this is actually not as hard as I think – if not, let me know and I’d reconsider it) so I was looking at finding a replacement axle assembly.
I’ve located one that appears to be the proper replacement – but does not have the vacuum disconnects. What I’m wanting to know is if I try to swap in this assembly, is that going to prevent 4WD from working, or would there be anything I’d need to do additionally to get it working?
Thanks in advance for any answers to that – as well as any other opinions and insight that you all have to lend.
