Cheap way to make a D60 front axle

[Rot Box]

I ran across this today and thought I'd share with those that are as broke as me Some have probably seen it, but I though it was really cool. It's no mystery that the D50 TTB share a lot of the same outer parts as the D60's. And it so happens that D60 rears and D50 Fronts are a dime a dozen in scrap yards.

Watch the language it's pirate http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519881

I thought it would be cool to use a D80 (early model 35 spliner) or 9 inch for the same build. Like stated it still has ball joints, but they aren't all that terrible right? Anyway what do you guy's think?

 

[cuban b]

looks like a crap load of work to save a couple hundred bucks, of course if you're doing something crazy like a dana 80, it might be worth the effort.

 

[rondo]

I personally didn't want a D60 ball joint axle because i needed high steer. But i've heard they are okay, not knowing from personal experience. I know on my dana 44 the ball joints were a weak link and a source of constant irritation on a daily driver that sees abuse.

 

[Rot Box]

It's definatly for those with more time than money. With the latest crunch though D60 fronts are getting CHEAP!

I talked to a guy that worked for Dynatrac awhile back, and he told me that they try to avoid building kingpin style D60's They prefer the ball joints for whatever reason thus being the reason most Pro Rock's have BJ's.

 

[Milner]

I had thought about doing something similar with using a SD 50 and TTB but just not worth the work to have something that you can't trust. Also getting everything lined up well enough for a daily driver is questionable. I scrapped all the ttb parts and bought a 60 frt for $300

 

[cannoncrawler]

for all the work and supplies, I think you would be better off finding a D61 for a couple hundo, and just get the right gears. IMO

 

[cuban b]

I think they use the ball joint 60's because they like to use the newer unit bearing set-ups