what to pick for axles?

[new2fsjeeps]

Ok, I see a lot of people swaping axles and since im in the process of building mine, I might want to go there. The 14 bolt seems to be choice for the rear. What about an easy swap for the front? Here is my low down: 80 cherokee W/T, I want to run 35-37" maybe 38s. I have the stock 44 front and the amc 20 rear. What axles from what donor vehicles? I can change the gears and all but what matches width wise. 2 or thre inches wider would not be bad. Also what steering mods for the front axles. Any? Im debating the sky jacker 4" kit and a 2" body or SOA and river beasts shackle flip. (both?), any info on the axles is GREATLY appreciated. Also, what to avoid!!!!!!
Marc

[orangecherokee]

if you go with the skyjacker lift and SOA talk to me, i just finished that lift. you'll definitely need the SOA for clearance of big meats. well, maybe not but if you want a lot of flex then SOA is nice.

[scotty]

youll need lots of lift,or youll need to have a sawzall and not be afraid to use it ;)

i fit my 38s with a minimal susp lift and i dont have any of the driveshaft or steering issues my friends with lifted rigs have. they get mad at me cause i like to remind of that fact whenever theyre having an issue with one or the other smile.gif

im still SUA and run about a 4" spring up front with a block in the rear(that id like to eliminate) and a 3" body lift

biggest issue on the front axle is do you want to retain your current tranny/xfer or are you willing to swap them out for someting with a pass side front output?

i had a prollem breaking rear 44s so i swapped in a 14 bolt.im still running a 44 up front however,and havent had alot of prollems with it. and i wheel my rig pretty hard. theres no harm in staying with a 44 until it becomes a prollem. i would however,not reccomend spending a bunch of $$ beefing it up with aftermarket shafts,etc. it will never be a 60. run it and if it breaks right away,relace it with a front 60,if it last you awhile,maybe just collect some spare parts and keep running it smile.gif

[Merc69]

new2fsjeeps:

come on out to Bufflao's on Youngerman Circle in the Jacksonville/ Orange Park area off 295 on Saturday around 6:00 p.m. There is a Jeep Claub that meets there and there a couple of us with FSJ's.

To answer your question. The front axle would have to come out of a Ford 250 HD or 350. Expect to pay $1500.00 for the front axle. A rear either Dana 60 or 14 bolt can be had for around $150.00. Then you have to make sure they match gear wise and if you want lockers add a bunch more money. You will need RB's shackle reverse kit and spend some more money for steering modifications (Check out River Beast's on going axle upgrades.)

If I was looking for lift I would first do a body lift. It was very inexpensive less than $90.00 then I would do a 4 inch suspension lift...check out the kit from BJ's. You should be able to fit 35's on a wide track with this set up.

If you are going to wheel hard or just want to try an axle swap then look for the Ford front Dana 60...hope your wallet is thick :D BTW you will need new wheels to do the conversion...did I say I hope you have a lot of money smile.gif

[ June 03, 2003, 08:32 PM: Message edited by: Merc69 ]

[Navajo]

Rockwells and coilovers
smile.gif

[ June 03, 2003, 10:17 PM: Message edited by: Navajo ]