HP44/9in. Swap into xj

my98xj

Active Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2007
Location
kernersville
Im swapping out stock axles for a hp 44 and a 9in from a 79f150. Gonna be on roughly 8 inches of lift. Ive got some questions for those who've done this swap. What did you do for driveshafts? Is an sye still necasary with a 9in? What if I flipped the leafs around to stretch it?
 
Front shaft will bolt up, IIRC ford 44's used a 1310 joint, length might have to be changed. Sye would be necessary, pinion actually sits a tad bit lower than a Chrsyler 8.25. Rear flip should work, would add another main leaf to stiffen things up a bit and run a anti-wrap bar for sure.
 
I suppose the race is on my brotha.
 
my98xj said:
Im swapping out stock axles for a hp 44 and a 9in from a 79f150. Gonna be on roughly 8 inches of lift. Ive got some questions for those who've done this swap. What did you do for driveshafts? Is an sye still necasary with a 9in? What if I flipped the leafs around to stretch it?
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With 8" of lift you will definitely need an SYE and CV rear driveshaft regardless of rear axle choice, but most definitely with a low pinion 9". Just plan on it. You should be able to have the stock front driveshaft length modified to fit and then just get another front shaft for the rear till you can upgrade to a HD driveshaft later. I would keep the leafs in the stock location, the stock XJ wheelbase is great assuming you are sticking with a decent size tire for the actual strength of the axles you are installing (I would assume a 35-37")
 
We are both shooting for 37-38s. SYE for sure. Biggest decision I have now is how to link the front. was going to run a radius arm set up, but the axles I bought ended up being cast wedge axles that have been ground down. not sure if Ill run a basic long arm setup or go for a 3 link.

I believe Marc (my98xj) is leaning toward 3 linking
 
I bought a ballistic fab front axle swap kit and used a RC long arm kit. I welded all the brackets on the new axle using the old axle for reference. After i had all the axle complete the swap only took a couple hours. I stretched the front axle 2" and it allowed me to reuse the front drive shaft without modification. I cut my fenders and ran 38" tires with about 5" of lift.
 
Brandon (91oneton) at Rides helped me out tremendously. He's done several of these and is great with the factory ford radius arms. He even built mine!
 
Planning on running between a 37-42 depends what I can find. So would flipping the leafs around be advised or no? I only want to buy driveshafts once if possible lol.
 
A long as you plan to run a 37 or bigger, id say do it. Stock XJ wheel base is 101". The rear springs center pins are off set 3". Flipping the springs would give ya a roughly 6" stretch bringing your wheel base to 107".
 
When I did mine years ago I used the front driveshaft out of a 5 speed XJ (about 2" shorter than an automatic sourced front.) Definately get a SYE kit for the rear.
 
instead of flippng the rear leafs just redrill the center pin back where you want it the outcome will be much better fitment of springs in the body...just my .02 and like brandon said you dont need 8" of lift unless thats what you are going for
 
This will give you an idea of what 8" of lift and 37's will look like. Way to tall now that I look back on it.
ai552.photobucket.com_albums_jj335_jrhxj1_PHTO0001_5.jpg
 
I did the same 44/9" swap with ford style radius arms. My build is on here. Look at mine so you don't break your arms like I did. I also used the Jeep trac bar with the ford single sheer bolt. Initially I cut the Jeep steering and welded it to the ford just to drive it home them built 1.5" Dome links with Chevy 1 ton TRE.I think we had to shorten my rear DS though. I can't remember its been 5 or 6 years now.
 
Sitting on its own weight, needs driveshafts, brakelines, and some finish welding.

This is "My98XJ"s rig at 10 or so tonight.
asphotos_b.xx.fbcdn.net_hphotos_ash4_424837_455441074520898_620185415_n.jpg
 
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