XJowner25

Hello, I have recently purchased a Jeep Cherokee, I am looking into modifying the jeep, rebuilding the whole vehicle really. Eventually installing a diesel engine and manual shifter. However, I am deciding between Twin Traction Beam and a solid front axle. I understand the differences, but Id like to know if it is possible to make Twin Traction Beam axles lock together, and act as a solid front axle until unlocked, allowing for better rock crawling and trail traversing? Any ideas and information would be appreciated.

XJChang

I used to think about this, but no not possible since the ttb pivot off the frame independently of each other, locking them together in the center, would make it rigid,
video is better without sound
see how the beams swing past each other, if you put a pin or something in the middle it would not allow the suspension to move. Maybe, just maybe if you were super crazy, you could put the pin in the center, and unbolt the pivot brackets on the frame (from the beams or the frame), it could move like a solid axle. but then you have one bolt holding them together and you've got other stuff to deal with like a track bar and strong enough control arms and steering.
So pick one your the each other, the solid front axle is proven to work great on the XJ and lots of people drive fast through the desert with it. But beams are super cool and youd have a pretty unique XJ. But the XJ frame/unibody is flimsy so you need A LOT of reinforcement to handle the stress beams would put on that part of frame.
The XJ isnt really a good option for a prerunner type of build so i would say keep the solid axle for cost, simplicity, and reliability. But TTB if you have the skill, patience, and understand you going into beyond the deep end.

XJowner25

Fantastic and thorough response, its a serious bummer but the video shows perfectly. My goal is to build a rig that can hit the trails, crawl over rocks, eventually run on most fuel types(Old diesel motor) and still be able to handle and move swiftly. Its a tough decision but based on what is in front of me I may choose to stick with the solid front axle, for the reasons you stated. I appreciate the help

XJChang

There is a lot of great information on this site, NAXJA, old pirate 4x4, and others. Look through build threads people have posted, and you can see how cost and difficulty level adds up very quickly and what level you are willing to take it.
3" lift and 31"s keeps price range on the lower end, keeps addition mods to a minimum and works extremely well. But nothing wrong with trial and error and experimenting and figuring out what will work for you.
Want 39"s and JK axles? go for it will be badass, just be prepared to open your wallet and set aside a lot of time

00t444e

Straight axle is superior to a TTB.