Hey I know the answer is going to vary on driving style, but i'm trying to decide how big i can get away with.

Breakdown on the rig: 400hp and ft/lbs, crawl ratio: 80:1, Total weight approx 5k lb, 105+ inch wheel base, full width axles, 90% trail rig.
Front: D60, (1.5, 35 spine selectably locked)
Rear: Here is where the options are- D60 (1.5in, 35 spline), or 14bolt (10.5, 1.5in, 30 spline). Selectably locked.

Driving style: light foot when crawling and possibly heavy foot in the snow and mud.
Can i get away with 44" boggers or am I asking for trouble? What have you been able to get away with?

Thanks

i run 44 in swampers, same axles it can be done, sooner or later something will let go

Yeah i'm trying to avoid that "something" by running an auto tranny and only using the lockers when necessary.

only using the lockers when necessary.

if you dont need the lockers, then your probably not in a situation where you'de be breaking the axles anyway.

You will want the 35 spline outers.

Mud & Snow - go with the 14 bolt rear ( or D70 ). I made the mistake of 60 f/r and had to change to 70r. Mud and snow you may want the Powerlock diff which handles ice better and saves marginal axles. Rock crawling stick with the Detroit (or ARB).

Rocks and 80:1 with 44"s and lockers ? 400 lb.-ft x 80:1 = 32,000 lb-ft. and even the D80 is only rated at 10k so you can and will break something if and when you manage to wedge a 44" tire in the rocks.

My weak link is the D60 Ring & Pinion.

Rocks and 80:1 with 44"s and lockers ? 400 lb.-ft x 80:1 = 32,000 lb-ft. and even the D80 is only rated at 10k so you can and will break something if and when you manage to wedge a 44" tire in the rocks.
My weak link is the D60 Ring & Pinion.


400 ft/lbs? at what RPM though? in snow and mud you might generate 400 ft/lbs of torque. i know what your saying magnum, but on rocks, is he really going to have the engine at a high enough RPM to generate 400 ft/lbs of torque? i know i probably wouldnt at least. i dont think ive ever had mine over 1500 rpm on rocks.

Here is an estimate of the power curves, except my engine is a 400, not 383.
http://www.lehigh.edu/~dwm6/7186graph.jpg

I agree, I go really easy on the rocks, but then again i'm running a 4 banger with a slipping clutch and 31's now. Only have a few rocks around as well.

Thanks for your help. I guess I'll pick up the 14bolt over christmas break.

Edit: Is there a huge difference between 44's, 42's or 40's such as actual tire size? I'm going to have to shave the 14bolt as well to get comperable ground clearance to the D60 correct?