I have both available and I'm really leaning towards the balljoint axle since:


I don't give a crap about perch location dictating how much I have to cut off the passenger side since its a coil/link suspension.
This axle was designed to support a much heavier vehicle and I'm thinking that the weight of an XJ should not be an issue. My 98 Ram V10 has a balljoint D60 front and its still on its factory balljoints after about 160k and years on 37's (now 40's). (Granted, I have gone through multiple sets of unit bearings on that one.:flipoff2:)
The tie-rod arms are above the center line of the axle, which is higher placement than on most balljoint axles. Flipping the tie-rod to the top will gain me another couple inches beyond the higher factory tie-rod position and level the drag link out even further. I already have 1-ton inverted-t steering on the XJ and it appears (visually) that it would be a nice improvement.
By using the balljoint axle in the XJ, I can save the kingpin unit for my CJ-8.

Can anyone point out anything I am overlooking regarding this balljoint axle? Why should I not use it?

If you have both, I couldnt see why youd want to use the balljoint 60 until i read your last reason. Now it makes sense.

Not to mention that the BJ's are generally cheaper, too. Everybody can appreciate a good, cheap BJ.

I plan on installing a Balljoint HPD60 in my XJ. I don't buy into the whole kingpin vs balljoint debate. Just be aware that Dodge front D60's are not high pinion, use sealed unit bearings, and have a center axle disconnect.

I plan on installing a Balljoint HPD60 in my XJ. I don't buy into the whole kingpin vs balljoint debate. Just be aware that Dodge front D60's are not high pinion, use sealed unit bearings, and have a center axle disconnect.

Yes, I am aware. That's exactly what I have in my Ram (factory). My good experience with that axle is pretty much what lead me down this path. The axle I'm referring to for the XJ is a 92-ish Ford F-350 HPD60 (have to verify BOM). I have a Dodge solid AAM 925 available also (along with the matching 1150 rear), but I don't really want to go hacking into that just yet. It may end up in the Ram if I can't locate a 1050 front, as I have been reading its nearly a bolt-in swap.

Yes, I am aware. That's exactly what I have in my Ram (factory). My good experience with that axle is pretty much what lead me down this path. The axle I'm referring to for the XJ is a 92-ish Ford F-350 HPD60 (have to verify BOM). I have a Dodge solid AAM 925 available also (along with the matching 1150 rear), but I don't really want to go hacking into that just yet. It may end up in the Ram if I can't locate a 1050 front, as I have been reading its nearly a bolt-in swap.

Where'd you get the AAM axles? What's a 1050 (10.5?) front??

Where'd you get the AAM axles? What's a 1050 (10.5?) front??

They are said to have come from a 2004 Ram 3500, which appears accurate frm the research I have done. A local guy was selling them.

The 925 is a 9.25" ring (hence 925), HP, dual-piston (I believe), non-disco axle. Its a bit smaller than a D60, but said to be pretty beefy on top of being HP. The 1050 is what's commonly known as the 14-bolt (10.5" ring). AAM 1050 fronts exist, but as best I can tell they are Government Service or Military applications and I haven't found one yet, or been able to determine if they are HP or not. The 1150 rear (11.5" ring) is available in Dodge and Chevy 1-ton trucks and just plain big like a Dana 80. The aftermarket is pretty small for these axles right now, but they are standard issue in a lot of 1-ton trucks now and it will grow. I hear they're making lockers and such for the IFS 925 in Chevy's, but the Dodge solid 925 has internal differential differences. I believe I read that people have been successful in applying the Chevy lockers to the Dodge axle with some clearance grinding on the inside of the dodge housing.

Never heard of the 10.5 fronts, but it's good to know they might be out there.

I've seen several applications of the 9.25 from chevy's working in dodges, but I didn't know about the clearancing required. Strength seems in the range of the D50 from ford.

I would just go with the AAM selectable lockers and 4.56 gears like the power wagon does. Or find some powerwagon axles, that'd be a sweet find.

spro??? when you get a xj man? what happened to the cj-8? i still got my 84 and 82 cj8s and now a 59 willys pickup and wagon. i want to be just like you. a yard full of projects. good to see ya man.

spro??? when you get a xj man? what happened to the cj-8? i still got my 84 and 82 cj8s and now a 59 willys pickup and wagon. i want to be just like you. a yard full of projects. good to see ya man.

I got it when I returned from Iraq in December of 2005 and its serving me well. I still have the CJ-8, also. It'll get built....someday. :shaking: That one will definitely be getting a kingpin axle. :D


I know someone looking for Willy's pickup body parts locally if you're interested. I'll send you a PM.

sorry i am still retarded. anyways thanks but no thanks on the selling my babys parts. i got to leave in nov for 9 months.