I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

What’s up fellow TW members. I just got ahold of a Dana 44 and a 14 bolt with a locker. I’m going to be building my 2006 Taco into a linked sas machine. What am I getting myself into cost wise?

 

The 44 is kinda beat to be honest, and it needs to be rebuilt. I think the guy ran it with different gears than the rear. Some bolts have sheared off. So that’s going to be either expensive, or a giant headache to rebuild myself. Rear is 5.38’s.

 

Personally, I think your nuts to turn a $10K truck into a $2K truck. Aside from that, a GM corporate 14 bolt is waaaay overkill for a 4.0L. You're going to have about a foot of tire sticking out each side. And a spool? What are you going to do with this truck when you're done. Surely you're not going to drive it on the street.

But hey, it's your truck. Make it your own.

 

Why run a 14 rear and 44 front. Your weakest point will be your 44. Might as well go kp60 to equally match your axle

 

I’d see if the guy you got it from will give you your $$$ back

 

Cost wise? Depends on what your intention will be and setup. Buy quality parts

-4wu 3 link: 3800
-Marlin dual case: 2200
-Drive shaft modification: ~1k depending on brand
-Frame plate, gear box, hydro assist, steering shaft assembly, gears, lockers bla bla bla: 6k+
-beadlock and tires: 3-4k

Pay someone to do the work: 6-9k

Make sure your pocket is heavy...

 

I like it

 

Whats going on here? Looks kinda funky.

 

Well first off, I can fetch anywhere from $15,000-$20,000 out here in nor cal for this truck. Secondly, what front axle would you recommend if I were to keep the rear end stock and just regear it?

 

Looking into that now lol

 

And no it wouldn’t be a daily. It would be a trail rig for pure pleasure tbh

 

I got it as a set from a buddy. I could always go fetch other axles though. What would you recommend?

 

I personally really like Ford 9" rear axles. You're gonna need to have it narrowed. There are soooo many aftermarket options for that rear axle. For the front, there's lots of high pinion Dana 44 choices, without going 8 lug 3/4 ton. You don't need 8 lug wheels. Just need to make sure you end up with the same wheel bolt pattern front and rear. If you go with custom rear axle shafts, you can have them drilled any pattern you want. There are probably Jeep front axles that would be an acceptable width without the need to narrow them.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/installing-a-currie-ford-9-in-a-tacoma.545890/

 

This^^^. 80-91 wagoneer axle. Dana 44, driver side drop, already the correct lug pattern and only 2-3 inches wider than stock

 

Another consideration is the weight of the axle you choose. A heavier axle will require more work to get the shock and spring settings right. Heavy axles on a light truck are generally not a good combination.

 

Cost benefit doesn’t look good

 

Don't waste your time in here. Post this in the Solid Axle Swap subforum if you want real answers.

 

If you were to keep the factory 8" rear end, just do the 44 up front. Depending on your type size, i wouldn't recommend pushing pass 37 to be on the safe side.

If you're doing 14b rear, I'll look for a kingpin 60 for the front and avoid running the 44.

 

A high pinion Dana 44 with chromoly axles and chromoly axle u joints will easily hold up to a 460 big block and running 38.5" comp cut Boggers. I know. I've got one. There is no way any Toyota powered truck needs a Dana 60 front axle. As for the rear axle, we all know the Tacoma axle isn't very strong. Again, a Ford 9" holds up to the above motor and tire combination and weighs a whole bunch less than a GM corporate 14 bolt. A 14 bolt is a great axle for a truck hauling heavy loads, but is overkill for most peoples off road needs.

 

I’m not sold on the 14b. So I will be keeping stock rear end in this build. Looking for a wagoneer 44 currently. Thanks all!!