So one of the bigger reasons my build hasn't made much progress is I'm not really into polishing turds. If I'm gonna build my XJ, I'm not building the 8.25 and D30.

So that means this: I need to source and build axles.

My original plan was to build a HP44 front and Ford 9" rear end, trussed and sleeved so I could reliably run 37s. Basically giving me 3/4 Ton axles.

Thinking more about it now and after spending WAY too much time on Pirate, I'm kinda re-thinking things and heres why: The D44 ball joints are a known weak point and its not that uncommon for them to break while being beaten on.
Also without getting RCV shafts(a $1000+ investment) You're still stuck with the same 297x series u-joints that you have on a Dana 30.

I want everyone's opinions, I'm gonna post a poll up so please vote and tell me why you voted the way I did.

For the 3/4ton option it'd be easier and probably alot cheaper, and if I break them alot I could sell the axles for a decent amount and build tons. If you were in my shoes what would you do?

Incase anyone is wondering I have the tools needed to do this, sans a Plasma cutter. Power Mig 255 anyone?

 

i vote for the tons might as well go big as you can so you dont have to re do it all over again

 

i would try to grab a 14 bolt rear, shave it for clearance. then a dana 60 front... or dana 60 front/rear

 

I forgot to mention if I go 60s they'll get shaved. The biggest reason I was gonna go 3/4s was clearance.

Unless I somehow end up running 40"+ tires or put a 400ft-lb+ motor in the heep there is no way I'm doing a 14bff, that is just WAY to big for 37s.

 

Tons. I have broken chromos in my front 44 (see your comment on u-joints) running 35s. They will cost about $600 motr to build but you only have to build them once.

 

Go big or go home.

 

Thats going to be nice either way. Go big!!!!!

 

daggonit. Yall are gonna end up costing me more than I wanted to spend anytime soon. I guess I better start saving for a Plasma, axles and find another car to drive so I can cut the Jeep up.

 

hp 60 front and a 70 rear outta late80s and early 90s model w250 dodge diesel, or you could twin 60s outta a old dodge 3/4 ton trust me it you start breaking stuff in axles u need to just stop and seriously consider building a buggy and go top loaders

 

if there is any question of strenth go for the D60 frt. and the corp.14 rear i've done 500hp big blocks to that setup in chevy trucks and NEVER hurt them

 

also if you find a wrecker spec. 14bolt they are far narrower than standard single or dually

 

if you gonna do an up grade do it right the first time dana 70 rear and dana 60 front

 

tons, to build a front axle for coil springs your gonna dump a tone of money into it might as well start with a better axle.

 

Zach, if your looking to make some quick $$ i'm going to be in richmond this weekend and could use a good d30HP, if it has 3.55's and non-vac disco.

 

i'd buy the tons and if you wanna add the locker and gears now then do that and throw them under the jeep. i wouldn't add axles till you get breakage or the money to do it. don't fix it if it ain't broke! that's how i'm building mine. i threw some coils and spacers under mine for 5.5"s of lift on stock control arms just to get it in the air. when i start having issues i'll upgrade to long arms. just my opinion