1965 J 200 axle swap

[Iowegian]

Hello. I just bought a 1965 J 200. It runs and has 44's on each end. I have heard that these tend to be weak. I just pulled a FREE 1981 Dodge 250 2wd rear Dana 60 with springs and all. Will this swap out and bolt into the j 200? Any ideas or recommendations.

i want to build this ride to look original, but with a 2" or so lift and 33's and just standard hwy driving for my daughter. Just want to make it more reliable and modern to work on. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Iowegian]

I appreciate the info. Now I am leaning toward getting a NEWER modle Dana 44 for the front of the J 200, updating those closed knuckles and getting discs also. Now if I get a 44 for the front what models should I look for that will go in, and will I have to upgrade my master cylinders? I see there are two puny little master cylinders as stock, with no brake booster. I see BJ offers master cylinders and also a booster. Thanks for the input, as I am a newbie with this old rig.

[Stuka]

The stock D44's on a '65 are junk. They are 19 spline, 2 piece, (very weak) and closed knuckle up front. Find a set from a 70+ FSJ's and you will be far happier.

That dodge axle may work, although you need to check its width. You will need to find something for the front to match it.

[Ryan]

D44's are about at their limit in stock form with 35's. You can easily run them with 33's, just don't let a tire get in the air, spin fast and drop down hard, as the momentum will snap the axle shaft. Otherwise, they are great axles (I've never broken a D44 personally). For the modern aspect, yes, later model D44's are plentiful, parts are everywhere, and they are inexpensive compared to older models.

[chief1ton]

Dana 44s are plenty strong enough for what you want to do with it.

And the dodge rear will swap in with fabrication. but it's not a bolt in deal. spring width will be dif,