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Just as a side note, IF I am not very quick on this build, it is because I am working on a second project at the very same time. My other vehicle is a drift car. I am building a Miata with a 5.0 Ford Mustang block, with a T-4 turbo. Here is my dummy block mocked up for the fabrication aspect. This car is almost done. When it is drivable, I will be back on the Jeep fulltime.
I can now remove all of the rear subframe now that the supports are in place. This is so the body isn't going to get tweaked, and the doors work properly. Plus I can plasma cut out the floor above the gas tank.
I am installing JK axles for a few reasons over Dana 60s, or 14 blots.... Hear my reasons out. REMEMBER, First off going this route due to weight. To keep the unsprung weight down. and NOT MAKE my Jeep like everyone else's.
1). Everyone is going with the trend of "Tons"... While they are stronger than 30s, they weigh 3 times MORE. Yes they are stronger, but you would need to upgrade some parts to then eliminate their own weak spots.... Just adding full sized axles doesn't make them bulletproof.
2)Tons make a wheel lug patter come into place. Then your wheel selection (and spare rim) come into place.
3)Width. I want a wider stance, and the JK axles are 5 inches over a Dana 30
4) Kind of adds to the 1) above. When you wheel a full sized axle, you are dragging the axles over obstacles. The characteristics of that much weight changes HOW your vehicle climbs rocks. You have to of wheeled both to grasp this first hand.
5)It is still a unibody setup. The stress is amplified on the XJ, and will create other issues of reinforcement to address with your rig.
WITH THAT SAID, I see nothing wrong with tons, but I want to build JK44 axles for MY Jeep, and I have upgraded the parts for each. I will post up the parts I bought to improve the final product.
I'm also starting my journey towards Swapping a JK D30 Front & D44 Rear into my XJ so I'll be paying attention to what you end up doing. Besides all the other awesome stuff you're working on!
Holy behemoth xj! Don't even know what to say about this project man. This will be the xj of all xjs, kiss the ferrarjeep goodbye as my favorite xj on the planet. I will cross the country to check this thing out when finished in person if allowable. I wouldn't mind to have prints on the sub frame you fabled up. That is if you are cool with that. Subbing for sure. Pm me if you don't mind about the sub frame. I also understand if you don't want to as well. Keep up the amazing work man. I'd also like a link to the miata if you have it on another forum. Would be sweet to check it out. Thanks bro.
