HPD60 swap - kingpin or balljoint?

[P@vementPounder]

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

1. 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.
2. 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.)
3. 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.
4. 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?

[olivesta500]

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.

[P@vementPounder]

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

[HardcorewannabeXJ]

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.

[P@vementPounder]

Originally Posted by HardcorewannabeXJ

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.

[HardcorewannabeXJ]

Originally Posted by P@vementPounder

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??

[P@vementPounder]

Originally Posted by HardcorewannabeXJ

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.

[HardcorewannabeXJ]

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.

[bentonedge]

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.

[P@vementPounder]

Originally Posted by bentonedge

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. That one will definitely be getting a kingpin axle.


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

[bentonedge]

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.