To fix, or to FIX the problem

[Seth]

Here is the situation...

I have a 44 up front with full hydro steering and 39" tires. And as you can guess I go through u-joint and axle shafts like (insert something that happen a lot here).

Do I:

1) Replace the Shafts and Joints with CTM parts.

2) Make a hybrid 44/60 axle with 60 knuckles and shafts keeping the gears and lockers the same.

3) Replace the 44 with the 60 in its entirety.

2 costs about twice of the first option. And 3 is about 3 times the cost of 2.

 

[James K]

I was going to go the ctm's and chrmo shafts but, found a 60 for what I would of spent on those parts alone.

when all was said and done I am into my 60 a total of 1600.00 including the steering w/ram assist, detroit, 4.56's, and of course narrowing it myself.

 

[James K]

so I would say get a 60 if the price is right.


is your jeep Jeff Beach's old jeep?

 

[Seth]

I won't be doing the work myself. As I am but an amateur, less than amateur really. So I can replace parts, but if I do the full 60 that requires new brackets and if I am going to do new brackets I might as well move it forward, and if I move it forward I might as well do the coilovers, etc, etc, etc.... (I am finding my dreams are much bigger than my pocket book)

I don't really think the first option is even an option. I made it through 5 outings with the last setup. That is just too much for a patch.

I was talking to Curtis McNeil, he was telling me since I have broken only the u joints and the shafts (I have never twisted the shaft or broken the spline) that the hybrid would work for a good long time.

H e double tooth picks! I can't make up my mind.

 

[Seth]

so I would say get a 60 if the price is right.


is your jeep Jeff Beach's old jeep?

Yeah, I got it from him about 3 years ago. Curtis has done a ton of work on it since.

 

[James K]

come on its only money :greg:

 

[Seth]

Normally I would agree. But I just purchased a new megacab. So the extravagant spendy side of me has to hold back.

 

[Crinco]

If you stick with the 44 I would recommend dropping a couple tire sizes, THAT is what is breaking your parts. If you go to a 60 you have no worries. Everything worth doing is more expesive than taking a shortcut and wishing you had spent the money right the first time.
I know how much it costs to build a 60, but if I could go back and put a 60 in in the first place, I would have saved thousands on "upgrading" and replacing parts that broke when I 'thought it would be strong enough this time'.
It is a tough choice, and it has to be made by you. Good luck!

 

[sbr]

if you go with (I think the name is) moly usa shafts and joints they will warranty it for ten years no matter what.

 

[Milner]

Coming from a guy that has done both....go with the 60 and only spend the $$ once! With 39's a 44 will never be enough, you will always have a worry. With a 60, you just have fun....
JMHO

 

[mbryson]

Coming from a guy that has done both....go with the 60 and only spend the $$ once! With 39's a 44 will never be enough, you will always have a worry. With a 60, you just have fun....
JMHO

Good advice, IMHO. If you do have issues with stock shafts in a 60, you've got an upgrade path. With the 44, you're already maxed out.

The hybrid is kinda intriguing, though. You may end up with something pretty cool (that'd be my guess), or a big, e$$$$$pensive, steaming pile of junk that has little value.

 

[Ohms]

Coming from a guy that has done both....go with the 60 and only spend the $$ once! With 39's a 44 will never be enough, you will always have a worry. With a 60, you just have fun....
JMHO

X2

 

[troutbum]

60