4WD Front Axle question
 

Can the front 4WD axle be shortened on the hub ends by about 2" on each side. I want to put 4WD under a 54 and the front end in narrower than the 76 the axle & frame can out of. I still need to keep the spring mounts on the axle in the same place since I'm using the 76 frame under the 54. Any comments, I did not want to use a wimpy S-10 running gear.

It can happen. I don't know how much it would cost for the machine work or new inner shafts, outers would not change.

I met a guy that put 3/4t chev axels (dana 44 & 14 bolt) under his Wrangler. If I remember right he had to get new axles for the rear, but was able to cut the front axels and have them re-splined. The axel tubs were cut and rewelded.

I have never done this, but just info I gathered by talking to the guy.

They can be shortened and it is pretty common in the jeep world as lots of guys narrow dana 60 axles for a jeep.
here are some links:

http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/axle/yjrcdana44/

http://www.off-road.com/~jweed/dana60.htm

http://www.fabworxinc.com/Automotive...s_narrowed.htm

good luck

If I am not mistaken the axle on a jeep truck is narrower than one on a Chevrolet truck.