85_Ranger4x4
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Older CJ (CJ2/3) for sure, I don't think they were that overbuilt to start with as they were kind of a 4cyl go-cart. CJ5/7 I think could be had a 44 for the front so that may be close. I have never been in a D44 or a LC for that matter so I won't say how they really compare that way. I was watching this the other day and was amazed at the beef they put into an SUV not much bigger than an Explorer. Solid front axle? Real wheel bearings? Big wheel bearings? Massive spindle with lots of room between big wheel bearings? Kingpins? Floating rear axle? And don't forget the I6 diesel and 5 speed trans...Better then an old CJ? Thatd be interesting to see.
If we are talking about anything post chrysler...then yes i could see it.
The best Explorer had spindles like this, coming off a D35 swap I was amazed at how big the spindles are on the LC:
That LC is a 1997 model, Explorer was well into torsion bars and unit front wheel bearings by then. I don't know if they still make SUV's like that today but the truck I posted a picture of is still very much in production and I would assume is built similar if not heavier. So while at worst (IMO) they may be similar to old US iron... you can still buy them new (and of course late model used) in most of the world. Your shopping options are not from a collector or a pasture like old US iron.