how much work

[goinpostal]

I've got a bone stock '85 with a TTB front and an 8.8 rear. About 2 1/2 hours from my house a fella has a Dana 44 solid axle and a 9" rear for sale. $450 for the complete 44 and $200 for the complete 9". He'll sell me both for $550.Both of these are under his '87.
So two questions-is this a good deal for both diffs and how much work and money is it to change a TTB to a sold axle?
I asked him if either diff has a locker and I haven't got an answer back yet.
So my wise all-knowing Bronco brothers and sisters :notworthy: what say you?

[broncosbybart]

Depends on the year of the 44. I am assuming he has C-wedges on it and is running stock radius arms. For a 77 front axle, that isn't a bad price. 78-79, way too high. Seen those for the $250 range. After 77 they used cast wedges instead of weld wedges. The welded wedge can be removed and relocated, though this is no concern to you. You can use a cast wedge axle, they just aren't worth as much. The rear axle is a touch high, if stock.

It is a fair amount of work. You won't gain much going to a 9", IMHO. It would be the front that is your biggest concern. If you can weld and have some tools, it can be done in a few weeks over the weeknends.

[jollygrngiant]

I agree with broncosbybart. Definatley find out what year truck the axles came out of. Ask if they have stock gears or any kind of locker in them too. That will tell you what you need to spend on these. I'd almost offer him $500 cash if everything is stock. Just my $.02