I am planning on doing an SAS on a 2002 Frontier 4x4. I have seen a lot of info on front axles but what is everyone doing about the rear axle?

I have noticed the factory Nissan axle is expensive to regear and lock. I was wondering what other options are out there and is it worth it to swap. I was wanting to retain the 6 lug pattern. I am using a Dana 44 front from an early Bronco and I have the possibility of obtaining the Ford 9" from it. Just curious as to what you guys think.

your stock Nissan axle is a lot better than the 9"... but it is REALLY expensive to lock and gear... the early bronco front axle will probably be too narrow fro your truck unless you're planning on running wheel spacers...
grand wagoneer d44s are what almost ALL frontiers swap in... front and rear...

I'm runnning an Isuzu Rodeo D44 disc. Same 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern. Cost me $150 + $75 for a lock rite + $150 for Yukon 5.38:1 gears. Yes, its not as strong as a 9" or H233B, but spare axle shafts cost me $50 and I saved a ton of money over working on the Nissan axle

I love both my H233. But I have a 31 spline. Discs are cheap and easy to find. 4.9s are $345 new. Cheaper used. Spares are easy to find. Driveshafts are cheap and easy to find. I have 2 one piece stock fronty units. ARBs are about the same for any axle. So are lock rights for the 31 spline.

For the w/d22 folks If you want lower than 4.9s than a honda/isuzu disc brake dana 44 is your best option. I considered a dana 44 rear but could not find a deal. I wanted stock rear shafts. I have a spare for each rig.

quote:

For the w/d22 folks If you want lower than 4.9s than a honda/isuzu disc brake dana 44 is your best option.

AC sells the 5.14 for the H233b, not as cheap as D44 gears, but much easier to setup and a stronger axle.

True. I should have said if you want lower than 5.13.

H233 all the way baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My rear Isuzu Dana44 was cheaper to buy and build than my keep and build my H233b so that's what i went with. And it came with disk brakes. Lost the abs though.
I did discover a bent axle shaft a couple yrs ago and have since bought another isuzu d44 for the spares. Changing the bearing on the semi--float was a HUGE PITA. This axle is cheap and can be found for $150-$250 at least in Utah.

I've got a ford 9" rear and HP dana 44 front from a '79 bronco on my Frontier... Full width axles on the D22 chasis are friggin' perfect.

I replaced the rear 'cause I bought and rebuilt a 9" for cheaper than just the gears for the H233B.

i have toy axles in mine...

I think the toy axle would be a good upgrade for the 720.

do all these axles yolks bolt up to the drive shaft?

probably not. You'll need a DS made.

I'm changing out my rear h233b for a dana 44. Stay with a 70-80's 1/2 ton dana 44 with the 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern.

I would take the ford 9". In stock form it's not as strong as the H233b neither is the dana 44 stock. There's a ton of after market support for the rear ford 9" then there is for a rear dana 44.

You replace the third out of the ford 9" . You can buy complete brake kits(disc or drum). Plenty of parking brake kits. I almost forgot, you can buy better axle shafts for the 9". Lockers and gears are about the same price as the dana 44.

IMO ford 9' is a better option if you are going to change out the h233b.

thanks guys for the imput. I think im going to just save up money and use the factory rear axle.

When I built the Nissan h233 I was told it was a mistake by some people, and in hind sight I wish I would have listened.

The Isuzu 44 is a pretty good option in my opinion, disk brakes with a 4.56 ratio (not sure on that ratio, but its what I read)