Rear axle upgrade? - Infamous Nissan

Ronin · 09-15-2021, 02:37 AM

New guy here, starting a new build. Have a 96 Hardbody 2wd. Was wondering what rear axle upgrade is the most popular? I see folks have done the Dana 44, has anyone done a Ford 8.8” Explorer swap? Strong axle and disc brakes all in one. I’ve read the rear axle in the Hardbody is 59” wide and the Explorer 8.8” is 59.75”. Thoughts?

LugNut1990 · 09-15-2021, 02:50 AM

Planning to do an engine swap too? To what?

Deerhurst · 09-15-2021, 03:48 AM

Axle swaps are not real common around here. Some of the pathfinders had rear disk. I think the izuzu axles (Rodeo??) Are a little 44 that fits.

The OEM axle is way stronger than people expect. The H233 is a monster. 233mm ring gear. A guy that was on here had a supercharged D21 V6 on 37" tires with a H233 in the rear. Kept blowing out the front wagoneer axles. The rear never had any issues. The Flaming Marshmallow has a PS4. I think he still has a stock 4cyl rear axle from the late 80s. I'm running a mild VG33, so is JP, on stock H233 axles.

Ronin · 09-15-2021, 04:31 AM

Thanks, that’s really kinda what I needed to know. I built a 68 Bronco from the ground up, but I really don’t know anything about these trucks other than they are sturdy and a good project truck. Is there a rear disc brake conversion kit? I HATE working on drum brakes… lol. I’ll have to check what axle I have. Is it stamped somewhere? Or did all that year come with the same?

Ronin · 09-15-2021, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LugNut1990

Planning to do an engine swap too? To what?

Was thinking of either the small 240sx turbo kit or swap to the V6. I’d be happy with 275/300 HP.

PoBoi850 · 09-15-2021, 12:30 PM

Honda Passport/Isuzu Rodeo rear ends should swap over pretty easy. I havent done it myself, but have read several places, that it is a direct bolt on. The break lines may or may not need some modification.

dvdswan · 09-15-2021, 01:53 PM

Being that you're a 2wd, IMO it would be easier to find a D44 from a Rodeo with the gear ratio you want than finding a 2wd V6 HB with a H233 axle.

H233b axles with discs (pathys only) can be found but the ratio is going to be 4.1, 4.3, or 4.6:1 usually the 4.3:1.

As far as the disc swap, it is really simple, hooking up the parking brake may require some fabrication though.

www.nissannut.com will cover the swap.

alabama_lowlife · 09-15-2021, 04:22 PM

I have a 2wd V6 HG37 H233b but I’m in alabama.

Ronin · 09-15-2021, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alabama_lowlife

I have a 2wd V6 HG37 H233b but I’m in alabama.

Thanks anyway Brother!!

Stinky · 09-15-2021, 05:23 PM

What are you trying to do?

In stock form, there is no reason to upgrade the rear axle, as it is strong enough.

If you want disc brakes...put in a Nissan Axle. IMHO, drums work just fine in the rear.

09-15-2021, 02:37 AM	#1
Ronin Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Oregon Age: 56 Posts: 28 Vehicle: 1996 Hardbody D21 Thanks: 12 Thanked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Rear axle upgrade? New guy here, starting a new build. Have a 96 Hardbody 2wd. Was wondering what rear axle upgrade is the most popular? I see folks have done the Dana 44, has anyone done a Ford 8.8” Explorer swap? Strong axle and disc brakes all in one. I’ve read the rear axle in the Hardbody is 59” wide and the Explorer 8.8” is 59.75”. Thoughts?

09-15-2021, 02:50 AM	#2
LugNut1990 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: N.E. Kansas Posts: 912 Vehicle: 1990 Nissan Hardbody Thanks: 0 Thanked 138 Times in 119 Posts	Planning to do an engine swap too? To what? __________________ Original owner 1990 Nissan Hardbody, Aztec Red Standard cab, 4x4, KA24E, 5-speed Intentionally near-stock Mods: Second OEM horn, stereo/speakers/sub, mud and snow tires, HD trailer hitch (cat 3+), liquid bed liner, G1W dashcam Definitely not for sale!

09-15-2021, 03:48 AM	#3
Deerhurst 4/86 SE-V6 2 tone 4x4 HB Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oregon Posts: 8,041 Vehicle: 1986.5 SE-V6 4WD D21, 2003 Audi A4 Avant 3.0 Quattro Thanks: 917 Thanked 1,080 Times in 976 Posts	Axle swaps are not real common around here. Some of the pathfinders had rear disk. I think the izuzu axles (Rodeo??) Are a little 44 that fits. The OEM axle is way stronger than people expect. The H233 is a monster. 233mm ring gear. A guy that was on here had a supercharged D21 V6 on 37" tires with a H233 in the rear. Kept blowing out the front wagoneer axles. The rear never had any issues. The Flaming Marshmallow has a PS4. I think he still has a stock 4cyl rear axle from the late 80s. I'm running a mild VG33, so is JP, on stock H233 axles. __________________ 1986.5 SE-V6 4X4 D21 Hardbody Pacesetter Long Tube Headers Morimoto Mini D2S HID Projectors and Hella 500s VG33i

09-15-2021, 12:30 PM	#6
PoBoi850 Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 915 Vehicle: 88 2wd Z24i HB D21 Thanks: 417 Thanked 140 Times in 117 Posts	Honda Passport/Isuzu Rodeo rear ends should swap over pretty easy. I havent done it myself, but have read several places, that it is a direct bolt on. The break lines may or may not need some modification. __________________ https://www.instagram.com/p/B9xQ5v_h...=1sufmtnljrva8

09-15-2021, 01:53 PM	#7
dvdswan Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Port Orchard, WA Posts: 5,681 Vehicle: 96 HB Thanks: 212 Thanked 906 Times in 791 Posts	Being that you're a 2wd, IMO it would be easier to find a D44 from a Rodeo with the gear ratio you want than finding a 2wd V6 HB with a H233 axle. H233b axles with discs (pathys only) can be found but the ratio is going to be 4.1, 4.3, or 4.6:1 usually the 4.3:1. As far as the disc swap, it is really simple, hooking up the parking brake may require some fabrication though. www.nissannut.com will cover the swap. __________________ Dave 96 HB XE SAS'd D44 3-link on 35s http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2618002

09-15-2021, 04:31 AM	#4
Ronin Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Oregon Age: 56 Posts: 28 Vehicle: 1996 Hardbody D21 Thanks: 12 Thanked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Thanks, that’s really kinda what I needed to know. I built a 68 Bronco from the ground up, but I really don’t know anything about these trucks other than they are sturdy and a good project truck. Is there a rear disc brake conversion kit? I HATE working on drum brakes… lol. I’ll have to check what axle I have. Is it stamped somewhere? Or did all that year come with the same?

09-15-2021, 04:22 PM	#8
alabama_lowlife Owner and Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: jack, alabama Age: 42 Posts: 10,782 Vehicle: 2012 370Z, 1970 Datsun 521, 1995 Nissan Hardbody x2 Thanks: 1,088 Thanked 2,227 Times in 1,828 Posts	I have a 2wd V6 HG37 H233b but I’m in alabama. __________________

09-15-2021, 05:23 PM	#10
Stinky Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Whitewater, CO Posts: 126 Vehicle: 86 2wd 720, 86 4x4D21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts	What are you trying to do? In stock form, there is no reason to upgrade the rear axle, as it is strong enough. If you want disc brakes...put in a Nissan Axle. IMHO, drums work just fine in the rear.

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