Convert Scout front D44 5 lug to 8 lug

[Lewman]

I have a cj Jeep with Scout d44 front axle, SUA, outboard/reverse mounts, and 4” lift springs.
I am converting the Scout 5 lug to 8 lug, (to match the planned GM ff 14 bolt c&c rear).
I don’t know much about this, but have researched what I could.

I think a GM 10 bolt, 8 lug is the best donor axle for my project:
is this the best donor axle and will all years work?
Are there variations or years I should avoid?
Will the GM outer knuckle bolt right up to the Scout 44 inner knuckle, with the same ball joints?
Will the GM stub shafts work properly with the Scout axle shafts?

If I decide to use a Scout d30 outer knuckle (to maintain steering geometry):
will the Scout d30 outer knuckle bolt right up to the Scout 44 inner knuckle, with the same ball joints?
Will the GM 10 bolt spindle (6 bolt?) mate to the d30 knuckle?
Will all the GM parts from, the spindle out, bolt right up?

I need specific answers to these questions please, and also any suggestions for this project.

 

[ihpartsjeff]

See answers below in red

I have a cj Jeep with Scout d44 front axle, SUA, outboard/reverse mounts, and 4” lift springs.
I am converting the Scout 5 lug to 8 lug, (to match the planned GM ff 14 bolt c&c rear).
I don’t know much about this, but have researched what I could.

I think a GM 10 bolt, 8 lug is the best donor axle for my project:
is this the best donor axle and will all years work? I would agree as it being a good donor axle. No one wants them yet all the outers are the same as a Dana 44.
Are there variations or years I should avoid? I believe up to 1992 you should be ok but my memory is a little fuzzy on that.
Will the GM outer knuckle bolt right up to the Scout 44 inner knuckle, with the same ball joints? yes
Will the GM stub shafts work properly with the Scout axle shafts? yes

If I decide to use a Scout d30 outer knuckle (to maintain steering geometry):
will the Scout d30 outer knuckle bolt right up to the Scout 44 inner knuckle, with the same ball joints? yes
Will the GM 10 bolt spindle (6 bolt?) mate to the d30 knuckle? yes
Will all the GM parts from, the spindle out, bolt right up? yes, but you May have caliper to knuckle clearance problems. Nothing that a grinder can't take care of.

I need specific answers to these questions please, and also any suggestions for this project.