OP
I'd let you use the shop now and then...
Wildman's TJ is getting a face lift
- Thread starter Wildman
- Start date
I'd let you use the shop now and then...
OP
Back to the original thing that got this started. Either a Hybrd 609 or 44/60 will most likely be my next front axle.
OP
One KEY thing here is that like many of you I've been thru all the tire sizes. When I bought my TJ it had 33" Boggers on it. I ran a 33" Les Schwab A/T as my everyday tire and kept the Boggers for weekend trips.
Then when I came home from Iraq I installed 35" Toyo M/T's. And as I was building the Jeep the first time I swore that 35" tires were as big as I'd ever go.
Then I got a wild hair up my ass when a club member showed up on 37's on his TJ. And that was how I ended up with 38" Swamper SX tires.
So when I talk about building a new front axle it'll be built to fit my current tire size since I already know I don't wnat to go any larger than the current 38" tire. And if I was ever to go larger it would be to a 39" or 39.5" tire and that would be my max tire size.
Now contrary to what SOME like to believe & for some reason like to shout it out for everyone to hear I DO pay attention to things like steering and axle width. I also am aware of scrub radius and all the other things related to this. Am I a expert? Nope sure ain't and I'll be the first to admit I only understand the basics of it. But knowing this it is why I'm looking at a new front axle. But I want to get the Jeep running and driving on some trails before I do any other modifications. I've changed just about everything on this Jeep and need to STOP for a while.
So when addressing going ton's unless I start breaking R&P's in my axle I see no reason to go to a Dana 60 front.
Then when I came home from Iraq I installed 35" Toyo M/T's. And as I was building the Jeep the first time I swore that 35" tires were as big as I'd ever go.
Then I got a wild hair up my ass when a club member showed up on 37's on his TJ. And that was how I ended up with 38" Swamper SX tires.
So when I talk about building a new front axle it'll be built to fit my current tire size since I already know I don't wnat to go any larger than the current 38" tire. And if I was ever to go larger it would be to a 39" or 39.5" tire and that would be my max tire size.
Now contrary to what SOME like to believe & for some reason like to shout it out for everyone to hear I DO pay attention to things like steering and axle width. I also am aware of scrub radius and all the other things related to this. Am I a expert? Nope sure ain't and I'll be the first to admit I only understand the basics of it. But knowing this it is why I'm looking at a new front axle. But I want to get the Jeep running and driving on some trails before I do any other modifications. I've changed just about everything on this Jeep and need to STOP for a while.
So when addressing going ton's unless I start breaking R&P's in my axle I see no reason to go to a Dana 60 front.
For a complex build like yours, that would be helpful to members mining your build for ideas. I did that when I started my bread and butter build and I keep it updated. Not too much new or different for general consumption, but it helps me find info I have forgotten.
Just want to add that my ECGS bare D489 axle which is their front JK Dana 44 but beefed up was about 1500 for the housing. I think they use Artec brackets still but I got it without any, just the C's. Can't imagine they would charge much more for a Dana 60 housing as this one already has the 1/2" thick 3" tubes and a thicker pumpkin, but who knows. I don't actually have any miles on it yet tho so can't exactly vouch for it yet.
There are some guys on FB building some very nice looking housings if you are ok not going with a big name brand. Pretty sure is one that Josh from American Iron recommends but can’t remember the name. If I were looking for axles working with one of them on 609 would be high in my list. Granted I’ve had a G2 core 44 front housing sitting in shop waiting for like 2 years so probably should get that in and run it before think about bigger.
OP
When the time comes I'll be reaching out to all the companies asking what I can get and prices.
Heck no I'm not a brand snob. I've been following Josh for a while now and like what he's been doing. And yes some of the axles I've seen on FB are just as good as the big name guys.
Even if I do Dana 60 outers I'll run American Iron ball joint deletes also.
Time to get ready for my appointment. See ya all later today.
OP
People must be smoking some GOOD SHIT.....
HP44's are now going for the same or more than a Ford Dana 60 $1250
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/757014845999662/
HP44's are now going for the same or more than a Ford Dana 60 $1250
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/757014845999662/
OP
Just crazy what people want for these things now. And yes before I'd pay those prices I'll buy a custom unit or a Dana 60.
Non cast on wedge Dana 44’s are ridiculously priced anymore. Better off buying a JK Dana 44 and retuning it for Dana 60 outers.
OP
Yep I'm realizing this now, It's silly that these are going for so much. Rickyd linked me one that was down in CA but by the time I drove down there to get it I'd cost as much as one from up here.
I need to get the Jeep out on some trials first before I decide which way I want to go.
I want to build one, just because. No really good reason to do so at this point, other than to prove to myself that I can and it would be a great axle. I almost pulled the trigger on a center section, but I felt the 250 they were asking was still too much.
OP
I never know anymore what an acceptable price is for stuff. A guy was selling a bare Dana 60 housing for $500... IMO it's worth maybe $250.
I'm trying to make a decision about buying a done Currie 60 rear or looking at other options. JKs keep surfacing, so I guess I'll need to get smarter on them.
OP
Everything has gotten stupid expensive, except when I try to sell something.
Story of my life.... It's why I still have some parts.
I'm pretty much decided on a custom front axle housing at this point since prices are so stupid. Hope the gears stay together in my CRD60 this time.
I think a 60 in the rear is overkill, unless you’re running 40’s and/or V8 power.
OP
100% Agree. The only reason I did the CRD60 was that I'd gotten it for a killer price at the time. A Dana 44 with either 33 spline or 35 spline shafts IMO would be fine up to 37" tires.
Edit: I should add that I was dragging that CRD60 all over the place on 35" tires so I wouldn't ever recommend it.
The one thing about the Ford HP44 axles is that TNT Customs makes a truss for the cast in wedge style axles. So they aren't totally out of question as an option just means a little more work to make them fit.
You need to come up with your final tire size first and then go from there.