cost benefit analysis on axle swap

After reading the new jp mag article on junk yard axles, I am wondering how much money is actually saved on running used verses new. Has any one out there thought of buying a 78 or 79 ford 4x4 f350, for lets say 2000 bucks, not running, and tried to put the axles in a tj? If so how much money was spent on the making the axles work such as narrowing, new shafts,ring and pinion, lockers,ect. And how much is spent in getting rid of a truck that now doesnt roll? Does any of this make sense,or am I way off target on putting one ton axles in my tj as cheap as I can?  

I think that you'll find if you can do most of the work yourself it's way worth it to swap in junkyard axles...if you can find 'em. However, if you have to source out the big stuff like narrowing and fabrication then it may not be cost effective in the long run. It really depends on how much you shop around and and what you can or are willing to do yourself. Of course it's more expensive to simply order a Dynatrac or Currie axle, but they generally just bolt in and are built with new components. So it's not an apples to apples comparison. Hope this helps.  

I am capable of all of the fab work of installing axles in my tj, but as far as narowing the housings, purchasing new after market shafts,and diffs, does it get to a point that the total investment is closer to new purchased axles. I can see how it is worth junk yard axles if no mods are performed, and they are dropped right in. But that is not the case here.I would like to have them at 63.5 inches wms to wms and ARBS and I havent concidered steering gear yet. Thanks for your response.  

You can't beat this. $2500 for both front and rear Dana 44's with electric lockers and 5.13 gears from a JK.

They are a tad under 63" and that's close enough that you can make the track width what you want with the propper offset wheel.

Do you really need 1 tons? These are considered HD 44's and are ok for 37's.

Click here for the Phoenix craigslist listing.  

Thanks for the tip.That is an awesome deal. My axle mountings are modified due to lift kits, stretches, and so on,so I think the rear will work with out any problems. The front on the other hand, I just dont know how much different it is, and how much alterations need to happen to mount up. My steering and track bar are from bullit proof in a knuckle over position with a tnt truss,for the track bar mount. Do you think the front will bolt to the control arms with no problems?