PDA

View Full Version : Project "No more weak ass axles"



Krawlin98zj
03-22-2007, 08:17 PM
I guess I'll start with an introduction, my name is Scott and this is my junk.
I originaly bought my jeep to wheel. There was never any other reason for buying it. 2 weeks after i bought it I had already installed my first lift, a rock krawler 4" short arm kit complete with noisy krawler joints and a set of equally noisy 31" Swamper LTB's. Here's a picture:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e72/swatts1122/P1010082.jpg
Within 6 months i had already broken several CV joints and ripped several teeth off of my front ring and pinion, then after the ring and pinion problems I decided that there was no use in rebuilding that POS so i started looking for new axles. I found a '79 HP60 and a GM 14bolt both in pretty poor condition for only $500 so of course i jumped on that deal and began to learn the ins and outs of rebuilding axles, I did my own gear installs and even bought my first welder (MM210) and learned how to weld all of this took about 2 years to do but in the end it was very satisfying. Now while i was replace the axles i might as well go with long arms so i bought claytons long arm kit. (now I think I would just build my own) then it was all going very well right up until I began to install everything on the jeep. I had installed the rear axle and welded up the link mounts to the unibody then i began to install the front axle first i pulled out the dana 30 and as i was about to install the dana 60 i had to remove the tires to slide it under the jeep, so i did one side and as i was lowering the axle it somehow fell off of the jack and pinced my finger between the draglink, which I was holding at the time and the head of the jack this completely severd my Middle finger tip and really pissed me off. Time for another picture this one was taken at the ER with my phone. http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e72/swatts1122/11-12-06_1603.jpg
So after my finger had healed up for a few months I was back to work on the jeep and had it up and running in no time, so here are some more pictures taken in my garage after the first shakedown run.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e72/swatts1122/100_1454.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e72/swatts1122/100_1470.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e72/swatts1122/100_1458.jpg

Cue-Ball
03-22-2007, 08:22 PM
Thanks for sharing, I don't feel so bad about my never ending project now.

I need to buy a welder and start learning how to weld, I live so far from AW it is really a PITA when I need to run over there to weld stuff up.

So that is one of my next big purchases.

If you read through my build thread project "money pit" you will see that it is taking me forever also (I am actually trying for the longest build ever title, LOL).

Dirk

Krawlin98zj
03-22-2007, 09:03 PM
oh and i forgot to mention, i'm running 6" of lift (4"RK springs with 2" spacers) and 35" pro comp mud terrains.

jfowlzj95
03-22-2007, 09:38 PM
Nice finger, and nice rig. :flipoff2:

Welcome to MC.

DJJordache
03-22-2007, 09:50 PM
Hi stubby! Nice ZJ and EAT SHIT AND WELCOME TO MC:D

ATL ZJ
03-22-2007, 10:05 PM
So are those 31s on a 60/14b? If you can break anything in those axles you've got my full attention :D

Krawlin98zj
03-22-2007, 10:12 PM
The 31's where on the dana30 and al44 I have 35's on the 60 and 14b

corrupt143
03-23-2007, 01:00 AM
Rigs looking good. The finger, been there, unbelievable SORENESS. Just be glad it didnt happen below the first knuckle, it wouldnt of grown back.

Anyway, Welcome and http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/corrupt143/eatshit2.jpg

adam99wj
03-23-2007, 09:48 AM
nice rig i wish i could find a friggin HP 60 , lots of 1 ton rears around for dirt cheap

chadjans
03-23-2007, 10:47 PM
nice rig i wish i could find a friggin HP 60 , lots of 1 ton rears around for dirt cheap

Look harder: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499358

adam99wj
03-24-2007, 11:39 AM
yeah if buddy coulld ship it for freep , i wonder how much that would be to get to me here in newfoundland canada

FlamesFearMe
03-24-2007, 05:04 PM
How difficult is that axle swap? Are the axles the same width?

Krawlin98zj
03-25-2007, 08:30 AM
How difficult is that axle swap? Are the axles the same width?

The front axle is slightly wider than the rear. Difficulty would be based on a lot of things, like your ability to learn and do new things. The axle swap it self isnt too hard, just weld some brackets on the axles and bolt'em in (you can weld right?). But if you have to rebuild those axles than the difficulty level is going to go up, you may need to set up gears or pay someone to do it for you. I would suggest learning how to do it yourself you can never have too much knowledge (or tools). And replacing kingpins on a dana 60 isn't exactly easy but can be done. You may not have to do this, I did. If you really think you might want to do this than I would suggest doing A LOT of research before you start anything because only you can decide how difficult a particular project will be for you.

AprilzWarrior
03-25-2007, 01:23 PM
I get that sinking feeling in my gut when I saw your finger !



FAWK !

Snowhobo
03-25-2007, 02:02 PM
Hi, im new to mallcrawlin..
My dad owns 2 IH scout2's and only needs one, so Im thinking free f&r dana44's. Are scout axles decent swaps into wj's? or should i look for something that already had disc brakes or is an easier swap.