Ok I can't use a rockwell, or Portal axles like a Moog...the HP 60 won't fit either (crank snout to axle issues)..... so a LP front axle is a must.... and I have had some previus issues with cracked 60 housings....(at the axle tube where it enters the housing) So.... I got to thinking maybe building a 9" hybred with 60 outers and a nice beefy front truss possibly could be a stronger alternative?...The rig in mention will be 4500# on 42's with a healthy big block and it is NOT a mud only rig persay..... although far from a specialized crawler either. BTW this is a front axle aplication. Thought was a new HD 9" housing, Chromo tubes.....den usual beef up pieces in 3rd member....I am not wanting to start a "which is stronger thread".....just wondering if I am wrong thinking in THIS application a beefed steel one piece housing may be better?

NoRM
interested in yr opnions

whats wrong with trussing a d 60? would be cheaper i think.

Nothing at all wrong with trussing the 60....and in fact thats the plan if something better can't be done. But given this is a rather "low" truck and I have a very low engine mounting position every inch I can gain a plus, and well the 9" is more compact and I can run a front truss knuckle ta knuckle so ta speak...On the front of housing where it's out of the way.........just a idea at this point but houing strength concerned me so I thought I would ask the collective wisdom of those that play hard and see this stuff abused in a wider scope than the terrain we have here.

NoRM

OK Molly tubes... with a 9" housing, are you thinking of getting just the center piece of sheet metal,
Like this (http://www.new9inch.com/html/housings.htm) http://www.new9inch.com/images/text%20support/9plusassembly.jpg
and attaching your tubes from there to use D60 outers? Or whacking off the 9" ends and attaching a short tube and d60 end? use JUST the center part of the housing, you used molly tubes from there to the d60 ends, did a rear brace to guard against front impacts, a limited girth under brace. I think it would last housing wise. BUT, now you need a Strange or like drop out, 35-40 spline detroit, a RR 9" ring gear to go with it. All lots of $$$$$ Would be cool axle under the M, but $$ better spent me thinks friend

Actually Erik, I was going to start with a housing like that yes, then use the Chromo tubes...build a flange at inner knuckle side to BOLT on a set of 60 inner knuckles, incorperating a additional seal in this area if possible to limmit mud invading the inner seals and basically truss the snott out of it. And agreed not maybe the $$$ cheapest way to do this but.....one ruined 60 housing would make up for the differance...... and I already own the Strange Nodular 3rd member and 35 spline Detroit and assorted goodies remember;-P And Yeah all yr concerns I have been going over as well and some may sway me back to a 60....but I figured housing strength is my big worry, the rest may or may not break the idea, but that issues worries me enough ta question a few peeps;-)

NoRM

I don't see a problem with the housing you are describing. The 9" internals that you have are up to the task and with allof the trusses and heavy tube I wouldn't think twice and you'll have a unique axle that is super stout!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by P|n-BaLL
[B]Ok I can't use a rockwell, or Portal axles like a Moog...the HP 60 won't fit either (crank snout to axle issues)..... so a LP front axle is a must.... and I have had some previus issues with cracked 60 housings....(at the axle tube where it enters the housing) So.... I got to thinking maybe building a 9" hybred with 60 outers and a nice beefy front truss possibly could be a stronger alternative?...The rig in mention will be 4500# on 42's with a healthy big block and it is NOT a mud only rig persay..... although far from a specialized crawler either. BTW this is a front axle aplication. Thought was a new HD 9" housing, Chromo tubes.....den usual beef up pieces in 3rd member....I am not wanting to start a "which is stronger thread".....just wondering if I am wrong thinking in THIS application a beefed steel one piece housing may be better?

Hey pinball,that 9" 60 outters works real good,currie housing with 3 1/8 tube 1/2 wall ,the tube is long right up to the carrier bearings, ends machined for inner tube seals, DT. locker 35 spline, "N" case ,35 spline pinion, the rest is ford dana 60 -steve Differential eng. inc
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