dang i was just about to mention that

 

I had a unimog 404 and it was awesome! The big downside in using 404 axles is they have bushings instead of roller bearings in them and they heat up big time with sustained highway speeds( in unimog terms that means 45+ mph), they will burn up and seize. If going with unimog axles use model 406 on up, a little more HD compared to 404's and roller bearings. I think the 404 axles are 1.5 ton and the 406 on up 2 ton plus. Also they are 7.56 gear ratio and need a 20" wheel to clear the drums(404 only has drums front and rear). On the plus side ALL unimog 400 series axles have a selectable locker .Just something to think about if it will be a daily driver that goes on the freeway.

 

I run a D60 up front with full chromolly and the chromolly 35 spline outer hub-replacement and a 10.5 rear end; currently running 40's. My wheelbase has been stretched 6" and I have plenty of ground clearance.
The LTB's measure out about 1/2" shorter than 42's & I am going to go to 42's after this season, but point is: I run all the tough trails in Colorado - in fact doing Carnage Canyon at the end of the month again, Penrose possibly before that.
If there are trails out there that are rockier or where you can use more ground clearance, I don't know where they are... I very rarely get hung up on a diff, usually can crawl over it, but if I do get hung up, I just back up - move over a couple inches and keep going. I have bullet-proof diff covers and honestly, I don't ever give them much thought about whether I need more ground clearance.
The thought is that more ground clearance is always better - but take it from me, something like that set-up is really unnecessary. There will ALWAYS be a rock out there that can reach your diff... just go prepared and just pick your line around them.

 

if you want to spend 8 to 10k like you said

http://www.dynatrac.com

 

To clear rocks plan on at least 10" of lift since they are top loaders and you actually have 2 gear ratio choices now, stock 6.72 and IIRC 4.56 but the gears are 1500 a set. Unless you plan on bigger than 44s skip the rocks. Portals are pretty but overpriced and not necessary for what you're wanting to build.

 

hmm, i never heard that they came out with 4.56. im goin searching lol

 

found it! its 4.90 though
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce-m...ell-axles.html

 

I knew it was 4 something but for what it cost not worth it. If you have tires big enough to run rocks you prolly need the 6.72s.

 

true dat! lol, still really hard to fit under an xj

 

ya i dont think ill be going with rockwells...i think ill go with a d60 combo...

i do more mudding and bogging than anything else so rocks are not the worry, its more me getting the center of the diffs caught up on the ground, leaving the wheels to spin in the air....which is the reason the portal conversion really interested me...alot of ppl around here like to mud and bog on big tires on full size rigs...

i was also looking at the g2 bullet proof d60 kits...which are about the same price as the portal conversion....but they dont give you the extra lift im looking for under the diffs


looks like its time to start saving up, lol...my goal is 2 years to finish the project...

 

60's ftw!! rockwells are just way to damn wide imo.

 

60 and a 14 bolt with superior shafts youll be fine truss and weld the tubes

 

If you're that worried about ground clearance look into some 609s. 60 strength and a few inches more clearance and stronger than a 60. Or do like the rock hoppers around here do and run 14 bolts front and rear. Either option won't be cheap but will be way strong.

 

you are going to spend $7000 to put portals on $1000-$3000 worth of axles?

to build one tons up nice is a little more pricey than that.

but the big issue is getting any uptravel on an xj with portals.

you would need a ridiculously high ride height.

 

actually the d60-10.25/10.5 is going to cost a total of 1500 including diffs and instalation...already worked out a deal...good for now and get the portals when i got enough to spend on them...

lift is 10-12"....should be enough....


this is going to be a long term project as i am not rich, but this is my goal and i plant to take my time and do it right

also, i plan to keep it street legal...not a DD, but street legal so i dont need a trailor to tow it to the trails...simple laws here to keep it street legal...mud flaps, and according to lift height of truck wheel base width must be (X)...