Just kicking around alternatives to the Rover axles. It seems like the Dana 60 is really too big for the underside of our vehicle (at least the front), Ford 9" has been suggested and of course somebody is going to say "mog" or "volvo's". With proper time and effort and money anything is possible. But I want to consider a middle of the ground expense. i.e. Not swapping in a Dana 30 cause their everywhere and cheap, but something strong enough for a 250 -350 ft/lb torque engine and drivetrain. Possibly a Diesel or a slightly tuned Rover V8.

What's really driving this question is the enormous cost to upgrade stock axles to perform "satisfactory" instead of not having to worry about it. Besides I might have to go to 37"s on the Rangie within the next year to "keep up with the jone's":flipoff2:

Cut and shut the rover axles with forc 9 inch centres.

Toy diffes 80-100 series.

A few guys over here fitting nissan patrol diffs under RR.

Michael.

I like the Ford 9" idea, not so keen on the Toyota idea. I wouldn't think it is as strong as the Ford or Dana axles, plus wouldn't mind getting away from CV's. Their just too damn expensive to build up and replace.

Really a 44 or 60 is the only way to go IMHO. I would lean toward a 60 and just be done with it.

toyota axles are really a pretty good alternative you should use longfields but there are guys that consistantly run 38 inch tires with strong 350s and don't break shafts. Especially the people running FJ80 axles and it's possible to get them with lockers and they aren't all that expensive I've seen them as low as 750 for a front with a locker but they seem to run about 900-1100 for a locked front and about 450-700 for a locked rear. I think that would be a very good option and I think that it is an excellent middle of the road solution. A 60 is a great axles but they are getting more and more expensive and it would take more fabrication to hang one of those with under a rover. The FJ80 all ready have radius arms and coils so less work. Well that's my two cents.
-ben

I vote Toyota as well:

The FZJ80 axles are the only vote for a Rangie: Coils already mounted, lockers available. If you get the factory locking axles the rear axle is a full floater with disks. Prices are much chaper than building a D60, and the factory birfields (in the *ZJ80) are capable of 38" tires without longfield modifications.

as has been mentioned, the FJ80 axles are stout (ask tisdale .. he's seen firsthand). ... & 9s are a solid option. i like KCs rover9s ... especially from a clearance standpoint.

i'm with Way, though. if you are looking for the strongest & have time & a little cash, go with the 60. they are getting more expensive, but i just picked up a complete front for $500. you can find gear sets for $100. it would take some fab time, but a rover bolt pattern can be done. even with a locker, GM brakes, new hubs, etc you're still coming out pretty well. biggest issue is reworking the steering ... which, again, can be done without 'too' much trouble.
T

As far as finding 60 for less than the usual $$$, I know a few places back home. I figure if I am going to be replacing the axles with something other than Rovers I am going to do it once and do it right. I really think either the Ford 9" or D60 are the only options for me. I don't know what the Ford axle weighs but I do know the D60's are pigs. I would ultimately like something only slightly heavier than the rover axle. Plus of the D60 is that with that kind of wieght I could probably do 50+ degree side angles no problem. However I would have to look at bosting engine output to compensate. Regarding the steering, it would be nice to get that out of the way.

I probably won't seriously consider doing this until next winter at the earliest.