My "Hero" Blog

[knucklehead 61]

you can get the sye directly from AA. they are pretty cheap.

 

[CAJJ93XJ]

I've always ordered directly through the JB site too. I really like the instructions the best out of the other companies.
typically, all the SYE kits seem about the same I've installed like 4 now. but I go for JB for the special yoke. too bad they take like 2+ WEEKS on shipping

 

[Jeep450r]

I'll give JB a call this week. Both JB and AA websites say they are out of stock.

 

[Jeep450r]

So I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with my 44 and 60. Im having second thoughts about building them because to build them the way I want to will just be outrageous lol. And my rig works well as it sits now, so why change it?

My problem is that I just like building things. And now that my jeep has most of the major fab work done, part of me wants to just keep building. Which leaves me with 3 options... Dump a crap load more money into my jeep (44/60, air lockers, coilovers) and take it to the next level. Or leave it as it is, build something else, and likely end up selling this jeep when it's all said and done. Or lastly, keep the jeep as it is with balding 33's and not build anything any more lol.

I'd like to hear peoples thoughts, I guess. But at this point I'm just rambling so I'm gonna go wrench now haha.

 

[CAJJ93XJ]

keep it and BUILD DIFFERENT AXLES

screw building 3/4 tons. and your jeep is way too unique to just sell off. go get some solid half tons, or some solid one tons. pick a side. you're already having 2nd thoughts about this setup so clearly it's not what you want deep down

 

[XJensen]

Everyone I Talked To With ARock Crawler That Started full body Wishwd They Would Have Just Kept It Smaller And Built A Tube Buggie. I Say Keep It The Way It Is And Build A Buggie. That Is If You Make It Out To The Big Rocks Often Enough.

If You Just Need To Build Stuff I Need A Cage And Tube Fenders. lol

 

[Skipper51]

Get another one and keep what you got. Build on both of them, then you will never run out of stuff to build and when one is down, drive the other.

 

[Jeep450r]

keep it and BUILD DIFFERENT AXLES

screw building 3/4 tons. and your jeep is way too unique to just sell off. go get some solid half tons, or some solid one tons. pick a side. you're already having 2nd thoughts about this setup so clearly it's not what you want deep down

Jake, I'm curious... What is it you don't like about 3/4 tons? The flat top knuckles for true high steer are a big plus to me, and the width between 1/2 tons vs 3/4 tons is only 2 inches or so, (65ish vs 67 ish) right?

It's not this particular setup I'm hesitant about. It's more of what josh mentioned, how a lot of people look back on making the jump I'm about to make and end up regretting it in the end.

 

[blondejoncherokee]

Kevin. Leave your rig as is. Build a second rig if bed be. I regret ever leaving a 30/44 with 35s and 4.88s . Please just enjoy the Xj. Build something else for your craziness

 

[CAJJ93XJ]

Jake, I'm curious... What is it you don't like about 3/4 tons? The flat top knuckles for true high steer are a big plus to me, and the width between 1/2 tons vs 3/4 tons is only 2 inches or so, (65ish vs 67 ish) right?

It's not this particular setup I'm hesitant about. It's more of what josh mentioned, how a lot of people look back on making the jump I'm about to make and end up regretting it in the end.

I've always been a fan of the ferd half tons. and I know I'm fresh into it but I'm absolutely loving the "jump" so far :dunno: it's certainly not a DD but it's far from a trailer queen. I get to tinker with it when I have time/funds and DD the Honda to work. but I don't have to go as far as buying a tow rig and trailer just to take it out. I get to smash on it through the trails and drive it home (except that one time :doh

if you're gonna put serious dough into a pair of axles shouldn't they be a lifetime pair? I mean if the flat top knuckles are what have you sold on the idea I suppose we have different priorities. I dunno man. going to 1 tons on a street driven rig has given me nothing but smiles so far. except for that one time.. stupid track bar bracket



I guess the thing that really stands out in my mind about the 3/4 tons is that no one I know who ever ran them kept the D44. they sold it for a loss and built a 60. so if you really want a 60 rear, go find a 60 front. or make a firm decision to go half tons and limit yourself on purpose so you don't end up overbuilding. like I said, I'm all about picking one side of the fence

 

[Goose_XJ88]

If you are itching to fab, my jeep needs a cage. Haha. I'm also looking to build a new bumper and some other stuff. I say build a second rig to be stupid with. Do what you were talking about with an old ranger or something and throw full size under it. Just do it like Jake did and keep it street legal so you don't need a tow rig.

 

[Jeep450r]

Kevin. Leave your rig as is. Build a second rig if bed be. I regret ever leaving a 30/44 with 35s and 4.88s . Please just enjoy the Xj. Build something else for your craziness

Jon I'm surprised to hear that. Can I ask why you regret it?


Jake I see what your saying about spending the coin on a 60, rather than a 44. I've just never been a big fan of 60s. I don't feel that I need one, nor do I think I ever will. I'm an easy wheeler and I tend to stay out of the skinny pedal.... Most of the time...

And the high steer comment was comparing to a 5 lug front end without flat top knuckles. I slam my steering into everything so I'd like to keep it up as high as I can.

 

[Goose_XJ88]

I agree keep it but if you're dead set on upgrading, maybe you can convince Jon to sell you his 44 in the off season and he can build a 60. Haha

 

[GordoSmasho]

I dont think there is anything wrong with building those axles or putting them in your current rig. I really like the dual purpose ability our rigs are capable of. Even a mild build with those will be vastly stronger than your stock axles and then you will never have to worry. Having wheeled with you kev I dont think youll ever out drive that set as long as you keep it street friendly.
I think you would be fine building the 44. Its the right width that with the right backspacing you'd be pretty close to stock width. I'm actually at 65inches wms on my d30 with my spacers.

 

[CAJJ93XJ]

Jake I see what your saying about spending the coin on a 60, rather than a 44. I've just never been a big fan of 60s. I don't feel that I need one, nor do I think I ever will. I'm an easy wheeler and I tend to stay out of the skinny pedal.... Most of the time...

And the high steer comment was comparing to a 5 lug front end without flat top knuckles. I slam my steering into everything so I'd like to keep it up as high as I can.

I thought the same exact thing about 60's. but as of now I would never go back. it's a lifetime pair of axles I can put under any rig or sell and get a decent chunk of investment back. I like the 44 too but my preference is the smaller f150 version matched with a full width 8.8 rear. I know you can't flat top them without chevy knuckles or reids but hitting your steering isn't as much of an issue if you're on 37's. I was talking with Jon on bronco canyon and he said he regretted his 44 and wished he built a 60 because it would've cost the same and he never would have to worry

I agree keep it but if you're dead set on upgrading, maybe you can convince Jon to sell you his 44 in the off season and he can build a 60. Haha

nope. I already have dibs on Jon's axle when he inevitably builds a 60 lol

 

[blondejoncherokee]

So my main regret is the fact that I spent so much money putting the 44 in , and after running the numbers in excel, I could have started with a stock 60 for 700$ and been into it less than my hp44 or have the same money and legit coil overs. its a learning curve, and its tuition into the school of wheeling.

the 30/hi9 with 35s was a sweet setup. light, hi clearance, and the most important , readily available , bolt on parts.
now that I'm into a 14b and a hp44 and tons of other crap, everything I do is completely fabricated. there are no bolt on parts. Jeep didnt steer good, I cant just buy currie steering, i cant just bolt on long arms and call it done. its like playing texas holdem and chasing a alright hand to the river because you are pot committed in holdem but know you are probably going to lose.
don't get me wrong, I am happy with my current setup. Its pretty sweet and I learned a ton of stuff while doing it, but through all of that, I can honestly say that either stay on the 30(its strong and swapping shafts on the trail is easy, bolt on parts, tons of aftermarket support, everyone has one, etc) or go to a 60. I know Ill be doing a 60 soon, since it will be cheaper to build a 60 than do the jana 54 kit and RCVS, which is also something I am considering, in addition to a atlas 4 speed and building a stroker.


I have to say that jake already claimed this hp44 pretty much as I was building it, so ill give him first dibs. honestly, I am really hoping it lasts all of 2014 and 2015 with minimal breakage , hopefully none to just outers and hubs and doesn't kill the ARB in the process.


once you get into plating your entire frame, cage, fab up a 3 link, steering, all axle mounts,chromos, spindles, hubs, synergy ball joints, lockouts, tons of spares, you still have (if you are me) 19 spline outers and 760s which is basically as strong as the 30 maybe stronger with some chromos. Now granted, you have much bigger brakes, bigger tubes, bigger housing, bigger gears, bigger outers, the R&P are massive in a 44 compared to a 30, which is piece of mind for sure.

every time something goes south on my rig it has to be fabbed up and researched like crazy and then a few iterations usually. with a 30 its all bolt on a readily available parts and info.

 

[yossarian19]

Speaking as a guy who has only ever wheeled a Dana 30 (so, grain of salt)
It seems to me that a Dana 30 with alloys & CTM u-joints or RCVs is going to risk breaking R&P gears, whereas a 44 with CTMs or RCVs (and hopefully hubs / drive flanges, too) is going to stay strong WAY past where the '30 R&P would grenade. I would *so* build a 44 if budget allowed.
But then, I also don't wheel / escalate things like Jon.

 

[Mike1331]

just build the axles you have and initially wanted kevin. I know how you wheel, a 44 will be perfect for your style while still be lighter than a 60. And coilovers....always a yes. Nobody ever regrets coilovers and with all the xj's out there you think youd see more of em but you dont. Your jeep is THE cleanest built xj on 33's ive ever seen, it and you are ready to step it up.

 

[Mike1331]

By the way we're wheeling gold lake the week of 6/29-7/6. Itll be the mayden voyage for the couriour, you should roll out with your jeep if you can.

 

[CAJJ93XJ]

still be lighter than a 60. And coilovers....always a yes. Nobody ever regrets coilovers

what's the issue with the extra unsprung weight again? if someone is planning for coilovers anyway it's not a huge deal to be a little heavier it seems..

and that brings me back to my last point. if you're going for a D44 for a little less weight.. why the 60 rear lol