Freshmeat's Explorer EB on 34s (for now)

[Freshmeat]

I'm thinking about narrowing it 3-4", which would put it at 65-66". The benefits would be to get the spring perches to a better location as well as less strain on the front driveshaft. The biggest question is whether I want to measure and cut perfectly to get a stock shaft in there or if I just want to get the long side cut and resplined. One of my customers can do this work for me... it's just a matter of which way I want to go. with it.

 

[out cast]

is that axle in a dakota? if so I can post a pic that would be funny... i have 2 dana 30's in a white dakota with the same bed mat. so 2 D30s = 1 D60... lol... sorry had to share

 

[Freshmeat]

No, it was in the back of my F150. Which reminds me- I need to go rescrew the tool box back in- the axle ripped the passenger side out of the bed. Can't believe it was held in by one screw.

 

[Freshmeat]

I'll very likely use Ballistic Fabrication mounts for all my brackets. These in particular:

http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/Flat-bottom-radius-arm-coil-mounts_p_1184.html

 

[Freshmeat]

I scored a smoking deal on some used 38.50 boggers and SXs (two of each) from a buddy. I'll pick them up in the next couple weeks. Just trying to figure out where I'll keep them until I buy a house with enough space to store them.

 

[1badexplorer]

BTW, don't bother with a D60 rear, you want a D70 or a 10.25" out back. 60 rears almost always have smaller shafts than a 60 front (they're D44 size, smaller than even the 8.8's shafts).

He could always use d70 rear shafts in the d60 if you bored the housing out. It wouldnt be as strong as a d70 but would help elliminate the weak shafts from the d60. Plus he already has the d60 and d70 rears are hard to find compared to a d60.

 

[MikeWild]

right on, glad you found a 60 for the front, although it sounds like you had to work to get it. The price was pretty decent too. Can't wait for some progree pics!

 

[Freshmeat]

He could always use d70 rear shafts in the d60 if you bored the housing out. It wouldnt be as strong as a d70 but would help elliminate the weak shafts from the d60. Plus he already has the d60 and d70 rears are hard to find compared to a d60.

Actually, I found the D60 before I bought the D44/D60 combo, so I talked to the guy I was supposed to buy from and he said he'd rather hang on to them if I'm not directly going to use them. I'm going to keep looking around- I want to find a rear axle with discs and a parking brake function; we'll see how it goes when the time comes.

I have the two most expensive parts in my possession- the kingpin Dana 60 front and the full set of 38.50s. Should be downhill from here, but dropping way over a grand in under a week hurts.

Next step will be to contact Ballistic Fab regarding my options for the axle brackets. Long story short, I need some sort of offset, not just straight-back brackets like I linked earlier.

I've found kingpin rebuild kits, tools, etc. The front rebuild is no big deal, nor is regearing, so I'll get to that when I get the time/parts together at the same time and in the meanwhile I'll talk to Ballistic about what we can do for a good bracket combo.

 

[Freshmeat]

Picking up the 38.50s today.

 

[NMB2]

BTW, don't bother with a D60 rear, you want a D70 or a 10.25" out back. 60 rears almost always have smaller shafts than a 60 front (they're D44 size, smaller than even the 8.8's shafts).

true, unless you know which 60 rears to look for. Alot of specific years came with 35spline shafts. Mine cost me $50 from pull and save in abq.

 

[Freshmeat]

true, unless you know which 60 rears to look for. Alot of specific years came with 35spline shafts. Mine cost me $50 from pull and save in abq.

Hey, I know you! Haha
where can I find out which 60s had 35 splines? I tried looking a few weeks ago but didn't have much luck.

 

[Downey]

we need pics

 

[Freshmeat]

Of what?
An axle sitting on jackstands?
A stack of tires?
Kittens wrestling in a basket of yarn?

I'm willing to provide, but I need to know what you want to see! Haha

 

[Downey]

all of that lol

 

[Chance]

Kittens wrestling in a basket of yarn?

Hell yeah.