Dana 44 Front Axle Issue on 72

[elks]

Ok guys, I broke the passenger side front axle shaft at the u joint, thus destroying both the inner and outer shaft.

I have yet to find anyone listing replacement axles for a 72. They are all 73 or newer. I heard you could use a 73 and newer, but there is a difference in a seal size some place. I have the 30 spline inner and the 19 outer.

I am hoping to get this going asap(Moab time), but have yet to find anyone to point me the right direction.

What years can I use? I am not wanting to spend a bunch on fancy Alloy axles etc. as the blazer will be getting a set of 60s and the 44 will go under my little jeep.

[BLAZERMAN]

All you need to do is find a set of 73 up axles...the bronze washer from your old axles will fit right on the bigger 73 up axles sealing surface. The later axles also take a larger u-joint. Thats all there is to it...I'll list part numbers if your wanting to buy new.

Axleshaft Left PN-27902-2X
Axleshaft Right PN-27902-1X
Stubshafts PN-41677
U-Joints PN-5-297-1X serviceable
PN-5-297-X unserviceable

[elks]

Thanks Blazerman, you are the man. Is there a different seal I might need? Thanks a bunch.

[BLAZERMAN]

Nope, all the factory seals are retained...the 72 axle shafts actually necked down after the splines and then back up again at the seal area. The 73 up stayed at a continuous diameter across the shaft and also used a larger u-joint. I've done this conversion on most every old truck I've had..its not really necessary in most cases but if you wheel hard or have a front locker its cheap insurance.