Kingpin vs Balljoint obs

[CreepyCrawler]

Ok so I’m planning on getting another ranger. Planning to do 1 ton swap. I’m having trouble deciding between a kingpin front 60 or the obs Balljoint 60. It’s going to be a trail truck but I don’t plan to beat it and rock rod in it. As far as the build goes the truck will probably never see past 2nd gear on the trails as I’m shooting for 200+ final crawl. So obviously I’m not going to try and destroy the front end.

My question is for my specific application: would a Obs Balljoint 60 suit my needs over a kingpin 60?

I just can’t justify paying 1k-1.5k on a bone stock axle that would probably have an extra 2-3k dumped into it eventually. I’ve seen sets of steering u joint Rockwell’s selling for as much as a single ford kingpin (especially the snowfighter)... they’re not that special in my opinion but that’s just me

 

[Shran]

The kingpin 60 was always considered stronger but there have been a lot of advances in ball joint technology in the past few years - check out Dynatrac. I think you are good either way - out here it seems like the 78-79 D60s are impossible to find. Ball joint 60's are $500 and up, Super Duty 60's are a lot cheaper and a lot better in some ways but have a couple major downsides for swap purposes.

If you are planning on dropping $3-4k on an axle, maybe consider just starting with a brand new fabricated housing and built it the way you want it.

 

[CreepyCrawler]

Swapping it isn’t a concern. And yes people act like the 77-79 kingpins are gold mines for whatever reason idk besides they are essentially a bolt on part

 

[CreepyCrawler]

But I’ll look into dyna trac. I was also considering 05+ super 60 and 10.5 rear

 

[Snoranger]

If I were you, I'd be looking for an '05+ superduty d60.
Pros:
Bigger ujoints.
Bigger/stronger unit bearings.
Bigger brakes.
Stronger knuckles.
Set up for coil springs ( only a pro if you want to run coil springs)
Cons:
Set up for coil springs (only a con if you want to run leaf springs)
Have to run 17"+ wheels.
Unit bearing (although the 05+ unit bearings are a lot better than the 99-04. They gave unit bearings the bad name they still have.)
Metric bolt pattern wheels (not an issue if you're swapping the rear axle also.)

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

For the record I have yet to meet a unit bearing that I like.

Its the $200+ price tag per side that is the biggest irritation.

 

[Will]

I never understood why they put ball joints in a straight axle. The only answer is that they planned to build it bad from the start.

And those unit bearings?

These are two areas that never failed in the old days with king pins and cone & rollers.

I like the advice of putting an aftermarket unit in.

 

[CreepyCrawler]

If I were you, I'd be looking for an '05+ superduty d60.
Pros:
Bigger ujoints.
Bigger/stronger unit bearings.
Bigger brakes.
Stronger knuckles.
Set up for coil springs ( only a pro if you want to run coil springs)
Cons:
Set up for coil springs (only a con if you want to run leaf springs)
Have to run 17"+ wheels.
Unit bearing (although the 05+ unit bearings are a lot better than the 99-04. They gave unit bearings the bad name they still have.)
Metric bolt pattern wheels (not an issue if you're swapping the rear axle also.)

I’m looking to run 3link front and 3/4 elliptical rear packs. I have been looking around and found a 06 60/10.5 for 1200. Is this a good price for the combo? As far as a 10.5 what are the drawbacks? I know the hog head is much bigger but with the build I’m planning I should have plenty of diff clearance. Is there a larger aftermarket for the 10.5 now?