I got a pair of 2000 F250 SD axles for $200. I plan to use them, but I want to install a mini spool in the front since it's going to be for an offroad rig. I figure I can also run it on the street since the hubs can unlock (if I need to)

Problem is, nobody seems to make a mini spool for the 50 (makes sense). It does, however, appear that I can get one for a D60. Now, I know the carriers aren't the same size. Not a problem, I have a full machine shop at my disposal. And this would be a great opportunity to put the d60 35 spline shafts in.

So (with the understanding that it's not going to be as strong as a 60 since the ring gear is 0.75" smaller in diameter) does that sound like it'll work? Machine the mini spool to fit the 50 carrier, install 60 shafts. Is there anything I'm missing?




No, I'm not going to "just go get a D60".

 

Not sure about that. But the guy to ask is Carl Jantz of Jantz Engineering. He has put larger ring and pinion gears in all kinds of stuff. What you may and up doing is putting 60 guts in a 50 housing. On a side note, you may have steering issues off road with being locked all around. Just a thought

 

Don't know why you would want any kind of spool in a front axle, for cheap you can weld it, or a better option would be to put a lunchbox locker in it.

 

I think there is definitely easier options than custom machine work to go the route of a D60 trutrac into the D50 carrier. Like mentioned - welding it would be far less involved and will get you the same result. Also keeping in mind that while yes they run the same diameter shafts, the D50 shafts neck down at the carrier- i would think you may need to also open up the sides of the carrier for shaft clearance which may also affect the amount of material leftover for the carrier bearings. Its been a while since i seen the inside of the 1 or 2 D50's i've been around so this may not even be the case. *drops salt*

 

A 60 carrier won't fit in a 50 housing unfortunately. I've already found that info a few times in my searches.

With the size of tires and locked axle, I'll be using ram assist steering regardless.


I don't know. I think it's because I like the idea of being able to put the spiders back in if I want to go back or maybe go selectable in the future.

Because I can do all the machine work myself, so why not? I'd think it would be as easy as turning the spool down to the size of a D50 carrier, and maybe sleeve the cross pin or bore the carrier out for a larger pin from a D60.


Maybe so. I'll just have to crack mine open and see.

 

My xj eats the trails up running wirh front fully locked. Yes at times its harder to steer but the benifit far out weighs the compromise.

I think id weld. Actually going to weld a d44 pretty soon on the front of my old ford cause im cheap and have had great luck turning a handfull of open carriers into spools.

Just lock one hub if trail doesnt require 2 or if a tight turn or snow is encounterd

 

Keep in mind, you can't put D60 spider gears in a D50 carrier, and the D60 carrier won't fit in a D50 case. If I weld the gears, I'm still stuck with the 30 spline D50 shafts. That's why I figured a slightly modified mini spool would accept the D60 35 spline shafts... so long as there isn't something else keeping me from sliding a pair of those in.

 

What will you do for steering. I think id concentrate there as 30splines probly plenty strong I think the psd 60 has bolt on crossover steering brackets

 

Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone.

This isn't for my XJ.

But the XJ will be getting the axles from what the 50 and 10.5 are going in, but that's gonna be another day.

That's why I'm slightly concerned about the 30 splines. As for steering, I don't know yet. I'll probably fab up some a tie rod and weld on a high steer arm to support the crossover steering. I like to fabricate my own stuff.

 

Fabbing is the only way to go the platform doesnt matter only good geometry does

 

If you put a lock right locker in it you can put the spiders back in later, and you will still be able to turn with the hubs locked.

 

Yes... with the 50 shafts.

I don't think I'll be able to cut a lunchbox down on a lathe to fit it in the 50 carrier.

 

Keep it simple use dana 50 gears, shafts and lunchbox locker. Unless you are running larger than 40" tires you are very unlikely to break anything.