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thread on modifying front axles

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Offline hwyman

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thread on modifying front axles
« on: March 05, 2018, 06:44:04 AM »
Was it on this forum or another one that someone modified the front differential housing to use the drivers side front axle on both sides?  I have read about it somewhere but I am having Zero luck finding the thread.

If someone has a link I would greatly appreciate it

Thanks
1994 Geo Tracker  2dr 4wd 1.6l 8v Manual Trans

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Online fordem

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Re: thread on modifying front axles
« Reply #1 on: March 05, 2018, 04:24:02 PM »
Google "hagen widening mod".
'98 SQ420 Grand Vitara
'05 JB420 Grand Vitara
'16 APK416 Vitara
'21 A6G415 Jimny

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Online RJkick

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Re: thread on modifying front axles
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2018, 12:13:29 PM »
92 Sidekick 1.6L 16v Calmini\OME 4.5" lift 3" Body Lift OME962 springs in front w\.75" spacers OME955 in rear w\1.75" spacers Extreme Duty Strut Eliminator kit and rear ProComp MX6 Shocks 31X10.50 Nexen M\T   Thorley Header   2" exhaust  Calmini front truss bar and stabilizer and skids   Custom Bumpers and Rock Rails  Limit Straps

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Offline hwyman

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Re: thread on modifying front axles
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2018, 12:36:51 PM »
Thanks for the help

I need to replace both front axles and will go with a stock setup.  I have a 2" spacer lift and it is my daily driver and sees 80% on road and 20% offroad/fire road  so it may not be worth the effort and expense of finding a shop to do the fab work for what I use it for

1994 Geo Tracker  2dr 4wd 1.6l 8v Manual Trans

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Online fordem

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Re: thread on modifying front axles
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2018, 01:24:48 PM »
I can't help but wonder if it would be worth it to do this differently.

Instead of widening the track to accept the longer axles, make the stub as described along with three shortened axles to fit the right side, add a spacer on the left side so the shortened axle fits, and you've achieved the intent of the modification - the ability to easily swap a broken axle and to carry a single spare.

You could also combine this with one of the other axle mods - using a larger stronger outer CV - I think it might have been from a ranger.
'98 SQ420 Grand Vitara
'05 JB420 Grand Vitara
'16 APK416 Vitara
'21 A6G415 Jimny

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Offline hwyman

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Re: thread on modifying front axles
« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2018, 10:24:52 AM »
I wonder if it would work with standard length drivers side axles if I used the drop brackets for the differential?
For what I use the tracker for I think the ranger axle mod would be over kill  but I am sure it would be worth reading about just to satisfy my curiousity
1994 Geo Tracker  2dr 4wd 1.6l 8v Manual Trans

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Offline BRD HNTR

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Re: thread on modifying front axles
« Reply #6 on: March 09, 2018, 06:40:49 AM »
The stub shaft can be made independent of the widening mod.  As you raise your ride and adjust Diff drop to get every set in right spot it makes changing out the ps CV's a much simpler job.  If you look at your CV shafts, they are slanted towards the back of vehicle.  So when you move the back hole of the A-arm mount outwards, it moves the ball joint forward and outward (in an arc, it is a triangle). 
This outward move is somewhat canceled by straightening the CV, so it is not slanted backwards as much, and the reason for using the extra flanges.
If you make the stub shaft getting the shaft length correct is very important, as it ends up really close to the diff mount bolt heads.  I have heard of some using counter sunk bolts to keep clearance between the diff mount bolt heads and the CV shaft bolt heads.
93 Tracker,XL7 springs & 1" raised spring pads in front with YJ springs in back, home built bumpers rear & front (w/winch), 2" x 4" rock tubes,  ARB front & rear, converted Sami rear to IFS, 33x12.5x15  aluminum rims, roll cage, 2.7L w/5 speed auto.