The reason I ask is I am sending my HP60 to the machine shop to get narrowed down to 64". On the rear 14 bolt I was going to go 64" as well, but then got to thinking that I should put that a little narrower to helping with turning radius. The search I did basically said an inch or two isn't going to matter. My question is, since I am having them cut down anyway is there much benefit in me going 2" narrower in the rear? Or 1" narrower in the rear? The axles will be dropped into a 94 XJ FWIW.

TIA,

Ken

Why not use the Cab and Chassis hubs on the 14 bolt and make it 63" wide. Then there's no need for custom axleshafts $$$$$

I hadn't thought about that. Up until yesterday I was planning on going with a FF60 rear so I haven't looked at alot of info on the 14 bolts yet. Thanks for tip.

All (many?) stock pickups are from 2-4" wider in front to reduce turning radius.

Only you can answer how important turning radius is to you

Only you can answer how important turning radius is to you

Yes, but how much is it going to effect it? Is there a formula? For every inch narrower you gain X amount? My XJ right is now rounghly 60" WMS to WMS (I know it is different than track width, but I have the same backspacing on all of the wheels, so the track width is equal front and rear, correct?) and I love the way it turns. So if I go 64" in the front and go 63" in the rear, how much am I going to GAIN by not going 64"/64" (other than saving money by not having to narrow a rear end if I use the C&C 14 bolt :D ).

ken

You are probably going to loose turning radius by swapping out the stock axles. Those XJ's havea very tight turning radius compared to just about any other vehicle with similar WB.

If you want to get the best turning radius out of your new setup, you really need to pay special attention to your steering geometry and components (ackerman angle).

im 55" inthe rear and 63" in the front,,but only temporarily until i swap tcases and go to a new rear axle..i havent really noticed any difference other than it looks weird being so different widths

I can't give you formulas or anything but my CJ-7 is 3" wider in front than the rear and I really like the way it tracks around obstacles. I would however think that any more than that might become a problem in V notches and ruts etc.

So basically from the searching and the replies, there is really no difference if you run them the same width. I am planning on going 1" smaller in the back (thanks for the CC 14 bolt info ;) ) than the 64" HP60 that will occupy the front, anyway, but I just wanted to confirm it.

Thanks guys. :)

Ken,

Where are you using for the cut down? Austin's?

One of GNRRpreacher's buddies is going to narrow it down for me. Talk to preach if you want the skinny. I talked to him a couple days ago and he said he was doing a few right now and it would be a good time to get it shortened as he is doing quite a few right now and has it all set up.

Austin's himmed and hawwed alot about cutting the axle down. Said it wasn't really worth it for them to do just one. :rolleyes:

ken