I'm planning on doing this to my front hp d30 and I'm wondering how to go about starting this project and if its going to be worth the time and effort. Thanks
I saw this picture and I want to do something like this

 

I'd put the gussets on top. On bottom they rob ground clearance. Gusseted axles are a pain in the *** to install by yourself.

 

That's why I thought doing it on the bottom will make easier to install since it won't effect upper arms. Or am I wrong here?

 

Any one?

 

It doesn't affect the upper arms. It's just heavier than hell. That one in the pic is probably 150lbs, maybe more.

 

You can buy a prefabbed Truss or you can make templates and fabricate it yourself. I'm not sure what you're asking...

I'd certainly truss the top if you wheel in the rocks.

 

I made my own for about 15 bucks in steel.

 

Odds are that if you're wheeling hard enough to need a truss, it wouldn't hurt for you to rebuild that passenger side arm tower anyway.

 

its stronger on the bottom.

 

I am not sure if i see a point in doing all that work on a dana 30, the weak point in those axles are the chintzy axle shafts. I know because i have broken upwards of 10 shafts.

 

That's what a super 30 kit is for

 

Ya, I was debating on doing that to my new D30HP, can get a Ballistic Truss Kit for $50.00. That's the only reason I was thinking of doing that but, now I think it's pointless for me to spend any more to truss it..

Looks Cool as HE(bouble Hockey Sticks) though!

 

the reason i want strengthen it up is because it already has cromo shafts and 4:56 gears with arb locker. and i dont want to spend more money on another axle.. but so far i like the ideas about reinforcing the upper tower.

would i have to completely disassemble the axle to be able to weld on it safely?

 

I have to ask... WHY?


Personally under axle clearance is important to think about. If it was me.. I woud build a truss that spans the whole axle... and is welded to the center section ( that is if you have the skills and equipment to do this), if not at least tied into the front diff cover. Also moving your LCA mounts to where they are even to the axle bottom is a good idea.


The easiest way to start.. is to get some cardboard/poster board tape and a razor and cut your design out and place it on the axle... The cut metal.. then tack in place.. Then Install said truss.. and flex the suspensionwith and with out tires on the axle... After that fix what mght be causing lcearnce issues.. then weld it up.

 

i cant prove it to you, im no engineer. most people who crawl/trail ride run it on top for clearance and it offers plenty of strength. guys out in the desert run it on the bottom bc they dont need the clearance.