Now that the swap is done (just waiting on backordered fender flares) I wanted to write up a summary of what I did for anyone that may be interested in doing the same thing. I know my approach wasnt the "right" way to do it, but it was easy and the jeep drives SO GOOD! So, lets get started.
The axles:
Front Axle is a 1975 Wagoneer
Dana 44. I went with Motive 4.27 gears, ARB air locker, International Scout stub shafts, and CJ outers. You will note in my pictures that I painted the knuckles chevy orange. That automatically makes them Reid knuckles, right? lol. Now I know I am going to get some hate for using CJ outers instead of stronger Ford outers, but whatever. My thought is that running weaker hubs will act as a fuse, they are cheap and easy to replace, and if I break one, I can still drive home in 3 wheel drive.
Rear Axle is a 1976 International Scout
Dana 44. I scored a brand new Yukon Duragrip with bearings on Facebook Marketplace for $200. Again I went with Motive 4.27 gears and a Motive install kit. The breaks were in great shape but I went ahead and replaced the wheel cylinders to avoid any future leaks. I re-used my CJ parking brake cables and they work perfectly.
Axle Swap Kits came from RuffStuff. I used their "simple swap kits."
Suspension:
I worked with WFO Concepts to spec out my suspension and steering and cannot recommend them enough. Trevor was AWESOME to work with. I went with shackle reversal, BDS 3.5" YJ springs, and 4" shackles. I set my shackle angle to 6 degrees and absolutely zero noticeable brake dive. Honestly my 2020 4Runner has more nose dive.
Steering:
Since I am using the CJ knuckles, I reamed them for top down GM 1 ton TRE's and used WFO's Inverted T kit. I also used M.O.R.E's steering box mount that moves the box an inch forward. Also, my factory box and shaft were worn the heck out. I replaced them with a Redhead steering box and a Borgeson steering shaft.
Thoughts:
This thing drives like never before. 80MPH on the freeway one handed. The nose sits a little high for my liking but I am hoping the front springs settle. My brand new pinion seals leak like crazy so I ordered some emery cloth and new seals. I will polish the yokes and re-install and hope for the best. Once my flares from Xenon come in, I think it will look amazing. If anyone wants a parts list, I can totally post that too!