new to fsj's lots of ?'s and buildup to come

[kamikaze4x4nj]

I recently found a clean, almost rust free 1980 j-10 that im going to buy, it has a 360 and in auto with mint interior. I will keep the 44 front and run a 14 bolt or 9 inch rear, maybe a 44 depends on cash situation. axles will both be locked, with aftermarket shafts also, suggestions on what gears to run? i would like to run 38's and a flat bed, any pictures of combo's like this are GREATLY appreciated. i am looking to get flex out of my suspension, what would you's suggest? im thinking soa with 4 inch springs and 1 inch lifted shackles should fit 38's, but i dno about the flex part :( thanks for the help and see you's on the trails.....i will also have a full write up on this, thanks, Matt :drivin:

[kamikaze4x4nj]

also i need a suggestion on highsteer vendors and if there is any flatbed kits like all-pro makes for toyotas

[BRUTUS]

First problem.... D44 front is 6 lug, Corp 14 is 8 lug. You can probably get a 3/4 ton D44 that is 8 lug.

I run 4.56 gears with 38" TSL's. I like them but I think if I had to do it over again I would have gotten 4.88's.

Here is a picture of a J10 flatbed for starters:
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/body/j10flatbed/dcp_0175.jpg

Here is the link to Terry Howe's buildup for the flatbed:
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/body/j10flatbed/

Here is a picture of my truck with 4" lift springs, SOA and STOCK shackle... comes to a total of 17" (with tires) of lift from stock height.

http://www.jasonhabrock.com/jeep/lift/images/fulllift1.jpg

Finally, here is the link to my buildup thread:
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=54890

Hope this helps...
My front axle came with high steer so I can't help with that.

[kamikaze4x4nj]

that does help alot, i will run soa with 4 inch springs now, that flatbed is awsome, i will run 4.88's or 5.13's (?) what springs are you using and how is the flex? also what shocks are you using, and what axles? should i switch the rear to a 6 lug dana 44 (get from waggy?) since im trying to do this cheap and keep the same front 44? also i plan to use mainly used parts except for shafts locker or spool and r&p, im sure i will have atleast 1 lincoln locker, thanks, Matt

[BRUTUS]

that does help alot, i will run soa with 4 inch springs now, that flatbed is awsome, i will run 4.88's or 5.13's (?) what springs are you using and how is the flex? also what shocks are you using, and what axles? should i switch the rear to a 6 lug dana 44 (get from waggy?) since im trying to do this cheap and keep the same front 44? also i plan to use mainly used parts except for shafts locker or spool and r&p, im sure i will have atleast 1 lincoln locker, thanks, Matt

SOA with 4" springs gets between 9" and 10" of suspension lift.

Front springs are superlift 4" springs. Rear are 2" lift custom springs with the hangers moved under the frame and a 5" shackle.

No shocks yet. Just got it back from the lift guys 2 days ago!

Front Axle is a Dynatrac Prorock 60 with an ARB, Disk brakes, warn hubs. Rear is a Corp 14 bolt SRW, disc brake conversion, 1" trim. Front axle is DEFINATELY not on your menu if you want to do a BUDGET build.

If you are wanting to run 38" tires on D44 axles... it isn't a matter of IF they will break... it is a matter of WHEN. Some people will argue that if you go easy on them they will last... I wanted to kill the problem dead before it was a problem.

If I were you and were doing a budget build... I would get the Superlift 4" lift, 35" tires and two selectable lockers. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT! That is a pretty killer setup right there. No axle upgrades needed! No new driveshafts!

[kamikaze4x4nj]

year budget idea seems great, i can afford a little more (the 38's and axle shafts) because my bestfriends uncle builds buggys so he will be doing the axle work for free since i have never done any, but i will be along side to learn, by selectable you mean ox or arb? i think im going to run full detroit rear and aussie or some "lunchbox locker" in the front, any more ideas on flat beds? im looking into something more with wheel wheels/fenders sorta, maybe some tubeing that turns into rocker guards. how does yours flex?

[kamikaze4x4nj]

also i got the hookup for my rear driveshaft and i think im going to have my buddy make a front one along with custom front bumper with winch mount, i will make the back one myself.

[BRUTUS]

I haven't flexed it out yet. I just got it back wednesday and in the drive home my PS box leaked so bad (from a junkyard, dried up seals) that just as I turned into my driveway the pump started to whine. So I haven't taken it to work for the forklift or anything yet. Most likely next week though. I am going elk hunting tomorrow and coming back Tuesday to work on the truck.

I do have some pictures of the truck flexed out with 4" lift and 33's though...

http://www.dakotacom.net/~jeepster/100_3604-1.jpg

http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/groups/g_1112219/3d25/__sr_/3e93.jpg?gro8FTFBeSC6Bkdb

[Deus]

Heres my "ideas". note i making big changes to it so its gonna be dif, also im working on dif views.

its based on that blue one with my own ideas. just rough rightnow but it gives the idea well.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k217/Wiindigo/Plans.jpg

and here is someone elses bed. i would like somthing heavier on the bouncy dirt roads in new england so your a** end isnt all over the place.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/Kali548/Nellybell.jpg

[KaiserMan]

Why do you want to swap out your rear axle? The AMC M23 rear in your Jeep is a little bit stronger then a Dana 44. Not that it will like 38" tires any better.

You could upgrade the front D44 to an 8 lug setup and swap in a rear 14b full floating axle. 14b's are dirt cheap and should hold up pretty well.

[kamikaze4x4nj]

were would i get a dana 44 front from? bronco? i think i will definatly run a shaved full float 14 bolt if available, deus, i love your idea except i don't need the back part cuz i can't afford a kayake lol, also like the picture of the other one except for the rear tailgate and the sides, i know someone with a yota with a flatbed that i think would look great on a j-10 (pics soon) anyone else have 37-40's with good flex? thanks, Matt

[kamikaze4x4nj]

how do you think something like this would look?

http://allprooffroad.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=28

[Deus]

cool but designed for another truck, and possibly to light for a big truck, im looking into a flatbed for dif reasons, id like to have a flat area in back for a camp stove and such(one tailgate usally isnt enough plus i just like flatbeds better), heres another newer version of my design, but has panals on the sides to keep crap from coming out.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k217/Wiindigo/plans2.jpg

[kamikaze4x4nj]

i like the idea for sides so stuff don't bounce around or out when it gets :fsj:

[rustywagoneers_com]

if you can talk yourself into wheelin it on 35's, instead of 38's, then just keep the front 6 lug, run the rear AMC 23, and if you do pope the rear end, then go with a GM 9.5 inch semi-float 14bolt (6-lug)

OR

at that time, maybe you will be ready to go full 8 lug and big tires big gears, etc.

peace
Dave

BTW, WELCOME

FSJ's RULE

[kamikaze4x4nj]

i think i came to my conclusion im goin to weld the front and rear if the front has manual locking hubs if not i will leave it open, i will drive on the stock axles while i build up a 14 bolt rear and a 8 lug dana front or a 60
i don't know what size tires yet, i guess whatever i can fit with just stock springs and soa, maybe a little trimming or 1 inch lifted shackles i think this would be the cheapest route until i graduate in june, then i can get a real job lol

[El Jefe]

you can convert your front 44 over to eight lug real easy like. ,thats what i'm doing, to match my rear 14 bolt.

[kamikaze4x4nj]

i like that idea ALOT el jefe, how are you doing so, is there a kit? does it mean more splines on the shaft too? i already plan on upgrading the shafts if i keep the 44

[kamikaze4x4nj]

anyone?? also what other year/model springs will fit a 1980 j-10? i plan on buying used ones

[jeepguzzi]

If you run 38's, it won't be the shafts or hubs that give up, it will be the axle tubes on the 44.

[kamikaze4x4nj]

what do you suggest i run for a front axle? a real 8 lug dana 44? i will be running the 14 bolt rear

[kamikaze4x4nj]

anyone???

[El Jefe]

iam going to be running 36's, and i have my axle trussed. just a side note, my dad has a gm dana44 under the front of his 75 chevy, he runs 35's and has a cummins diesel and that axle has been just fine for the past 5 years.

but mine will have a 454, so we'll see if it blows.

oh yeah, all you need is spindles, hubs/rotors, off of a 3/4 chevy of jeep.

[El Jefe]

iam going to be running 36's, and i have my axle trussed. just a side note, my dad has a gm dana44 under the front of his 75 chevy, he runs 35's and has a cummins diesel and that axle has been just fine for the past 5 years.

but mine will have a 454, so we'll see if it blows.

oh yeah, all you need is spindles, hubs/rotors, off of a 3/4 chevy of jeep.

[yeep74]

what do you suggest i run for a front axle? a real 8 lug dana 44? i will be running the 14 bolt rear

I suggest you ease into wheelin a litlle bit at a time. Stick with your stock axles for now. I would recomend running a real spicer ujoint in the front axle knuckles not some Japan/China cheepy.Future plans are a great thing but you will learn exactly what you need to wheel in your specific area. Stock axles will hold up to moderate abuse even with 38" tires. Now I am not saying they will not break but they are not giong to snap just because you shifted out of park either. In the long run axles should be chosen to compliment tire size. For now stick with the stockers and get a good feel for the local terrain you will be wheelin in. Like said 1/2 ton axles don't like big tires any too much. But a well built d44 can handle even a 40" tire in most situations. It all costs money when ity comes down to it. But if you see bigger tires are needed for your local terrain it would be worth it to upgrade to 1 tons, mogs, volvos, Duces, or any other axle that fits the application you are building the truck to serve. It is senceless to spend the big money polishing a d44 when you know you need a 60 from the getgo.:thumbsup:

Thanx for the compliment BTW. If maybe you decrided the local wheelin conditions maybe we could be slightly a better source of information as far as upgrades ect for that particular style of wheelin.

Have a good one
B:drivin:

[kamikaze4x4nj]

local trails some mud and some rivines, and ALOT of paragon and rauch by the end of next summer if i can afford a new truck to tow it with.

im going to get 4 inch springs and run stock axles sprung under still with whatever tire i can fit, during that time i will rebuild and 14 bolt rear and a ____ front (suggestions?) when said and done i would like to run a 38-40 inch tire with the new axles, and a flatbed.

im going to classic tag it and drive around with the bed and stock axle plan in the winter and to have a little bit of fun when i don't drive my dd which is a beat up 95 pathfinder that was free.....also does anyone have a fsj vendor list?

[kamikaze4x4nj]

also would any other sprinsg fit or just j10's? i plan on buying used

[JeepinPete]

Any FSJ springs from about '75 on up will fit.

A 4" lift will fit 35's on your J10. They might rub if you can get it twisted up enough. My Cherokee with this setup (and old stiff springs) lifts the tire long before rubbing though.

Since you plan on dumping the bed, why not do a SOA, and cut the front fenders to fit the 38's? You can build your flatbed to clear the rears easy enough. Use some late model waggy springs. They are as soft as you are going to find, and therefore as flexible as you are likely to get.

Lastly, check out MidAtlantic-FullSize-JeepClub.org. (http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/MidAtlantic-FullSize-JeepClub.org) We run a trip down around Batsto every spring, and this year added a fall trip to Rausch...
(http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/MidAtlantic-FullSize-JeepClub.org)

[kamikaze4x4nj]

thanks for the lift advice, im goin to run the 35's with the bed on, then once axles are built comes 38's, flatbed, cage. i will check out that site.

[kamikaze4x4nj]

anyone with a suggestion to match a 14 bolt rear? 8 lug dana 44? what did they come out of? i can't afford a dana 60

[kamikaze4x4nj]

anyone?

[BRUTUS]

3/4 ton chevy's (blazer, sub, and truck) have what is called a HD44 front. Basically a D44 with 8 lug conversion. I seem to remember that you can convert a regular D44 to 8 lugs with a conversion kit. Might be easier/cheaper than trying to find a HD44.

[kamikaze4x4nj]

thanks, is there a big aftermarket for these chevy 8 lug 44's?

[BRUTUS]

thanks, is there a big aftermarket for these chevy 8 lug 44's?

Yeah I would say there is... it is the good cheap alternative to a D60 that still allows you to have a true 1 ton rear. On the same note though, I think that there is probably a pretty healthy aftermarket for 8-lug conversions for D44's out there.

[kamikaze4x4nj]

do you of any companies that make the conversion?

[jtr]

anyone with a suggestion to match a 14 bolt rear? 8 lug dana 44? what did they come out of? i can't afford a dana 60

Easiest way would be to take everything from the steering knuckle out off of a 3/4 chevy 10 bolt or a dana 44.

Your knuckles and spindles will work with the 8 lug Chevy stuff as long as they are "big bearing" 8 lug outers. You will need the brake backing plate off the Chevy stuff too. Your axle stub shafts will probably work but I would have to research it to make sure.

Junk yard shopping list:
8 lug hubs/rotor
brake backing plate

re-use your:
spindle
wheel bearings
calipers
lock outs hubs

[BRUTUS]

do you of any companies that make the conversion?

I have never done it or researched it... the guy that I bought my 14 bolt from had a HD44 that he broke the tubes out of jumping his truck... he wanted to sell me the HD44 stuff along with the 14bolt... I passed because I didn't want to get left on the trail because my HD44 wouldn't stand up to 38" tires. I think they would do alright with 35" tires though.

I would read through JTR's post, search this site, search pirate (if you have a little red star), search google or search the junkyard. I am sure you are bound to find any number of companies that will sell any portion of the conversion. Sorry I can't help out more but honestly I haven't read much into it.

[kamikaze4x4nj]

thanks, i think im goin to get a 8 lug chevy 44 and put new axle shafts in it, im not to bad on the skinny pedel so i think it will be good with 38's if maybe even more

[Mud Buzzard]

My HD44 is out of a 1 ton chevy. It has held up real good and i'm running 38" skinny boggers with a built motor/trans and 4.56s (locked). 35 spline alloy axles and ctm u-joints and quality R&P (precision gear). never had a precision gear product go back in six years if that tell you anything about US made stuff versus the foreign crap.

don't be afraid of the HD44s. They are capable.

[j20brett]

mud buzzard, who made your alloys? how much?

[Mud Buzzard]

Moser. I paid $369 for the alloy shafts and $250 for the u-joints.