bad decision time......maybe

[AKjeeper]

So I welded up the rear end on my 86 waggy. This is my trail toy and occasional cruiser around town. I REALLY want a front locker but this is a budget build so Im really thinking about putting in some manual hubs and welding up the front axle. I KNOW the drawbacks of steering on the trail, I figure if the steering is to hard I can always unlock a hub on the trail. I see so many people running lock rights and detroits up front, so why couldnt I weld it and get much better off-road capability?. I do carry extra shafts, I do have a ford dana 44 to get swapped in SOA next year IF I hate the welded front. Whos done it?

[AKjeeper]

Ive talked to alot of guys who run welded front and they say in the dirt it aint that bad to steer, especially in the mud. I don't run rocks, its Alaska and we have alot of mud, ruts, roots, slimy hill climbs. The guys with lockers or welded up front do so much better with the front locked and say it isnt that bad, only occasionally they gotta make a 3 point turn or unlock a hub on a tight trail, so im really considering this. I only run 33's so If Im not an idiot I see the front axle holding up just fine.

So Question, IF I convert to manual hubs, what application do I need? Will GM dana 44 hubs work or should I just ask for another year Jeep dana 44 hub, if so which year should I ask for so I make sure I get the right hubs.?

[blazer3664]

I'd say go for it.
I think Chevy hubs will work, but not 100% sure. A little checkin should turn up what years ours had manual hubs though.

Worst case, you really hate it and know to do something different when you swap axles to go SOA.

Probably gona weld my D60 for a while until I can afford an OX locker for it.

Jim

[MonsterZ]

I am just about positive that chevy hubs will work, but if you can find yourself hubs for a J20 that would also work. I think you are going to find that you are gonna love having no BS 4 wheel drive. Whether or not you decide to eventually go to a full time locker up front is a different story, but I do recommend that if you decide to stay welded up front that you eventually pony up for an actual spool. They tend to hold up better than welded gears. Enjoy, and the next time I can get down to Anchorage I will be sure to shoot you a message. Looking forward to seeing it man, good luck!!

[AKjeeper]

I think the worst case scenario is that I don't like the steering, but Im pretty sure on a nasty trail in the middle of no where I'll rather have TRUE 4wd than easy finger tip steering for "convenience". And yes, If I weld it and hate it then atleast I can say from experience that I didnt like it. I only need this axle to survive one summer anyway.

[Stuka]

So long as you never need to drive in the snow, go for it.

Although I don't see how a welded front would do better on a hill climb than a locker. As they are both acomplishing the same task. Just one unlocks when you let off the gas. A spool is not going to give you more traction than a detroit. A detroit locks the axle shafts together whenever you apply throttle.