Custom Dana 60's worth it?

[roundeye]

After years of building up my rig and spending soooo much money on different axle parts, I went to 60's front and rear. Haven't broke anything yet!
So when do you call it quits and just pony up for the right stuff?

For me it happened when I was broke of course, wife sitting there for 4 hours watching me work and bored off her ass. (Iwas taking my time BTW) Finally she asked, how do we keep this from happening again? Told her to call DynaTrac for me.....

Anyway, we are a distributor for Alloy USA. They just released some D60, 35 spline chromoly shafts for any custom built axle. Front or Rear. Our stock sizes are made for Jeeps but we can do custom lengths for any application as well. No 44 stuff right now because they just don't seem to hold up. Couple them up with CTM U-Joints and you'll be happy for many years. Did I mention that Alloy USA has a 10 year no questions asked warranty?
Front 4340 Chromoly
Rear 4140 Chromoly

[kris1351]

This an ad or story or what?

[Blt2Krawl]

This isn't hardcore take this shit to the newbie section, or better yet the VENDOR section.

[roundeye]

Originally Posted by kris1351

This an ad or story or what?

All 3. Just depends how you look at it.

Market research as well. Since Jeeps are so popular, are you comfortable wheeling with the stock axles?

[XJ_ranger]

Originally Posted by roundeye

No 44 stuff right now because they just don't seem to hold up. Couple them up with CTM U-Joints and you'll be happy for many years. Did I mention that Alloy USA has a 10 year no questions asked warranty?
Front 4340 Chromoly
Rear 4140 Chromoly

when do the 44 components come out?

you know - for us less than hardcore wheelers?

[roundeye]

Originally Posted by XJ_ranger

when do the 44 components come out?

you know - for us less than hardcore wheelers?

That's funneeey! Were hoping for mid 2006. If you can wait, great, but if you can't we understand.
You could buy some brand new stuff from Charlie, but then again, it might be used.

[Todd W]

After breaking my d30 and d35 I did it right a few years ago and put a 60 up front and 14b rear... to this day only problm i`ve had is the hubs up front. Drive flanges are going on my new axle, and it will be a built rockcrusher/60

I put in the larger 60 shafts (80s) in my 79 housing and have been fine but for the price if I was to build that axle again i would go with Alloy USA the price os only marginally more than the upgraded 60 shafts from any axle manuf. so for the ADDED stregnth it's alomst stupid NOT to go wtih those alloy usas

[JJSBADYJ]

Originally Posted by roundeye

Since Jeeps are so popular, are you comfortable wheeling with the stock axles?

My whole project started out as a simple motor swap. then while thinking about the power of a stroked V8 I decided to change out the axles. I started with a waggy LP44/ford 9" but that changed to a HP44/14bolt and changed again to a HP60/14bolt and yet again to Rockwells F/R. I dont remember the $$ I have spent on the D44's or the 60 but I know they were completely gone through(hot tanked,bead blasted,new bearings,gears,lockers,alloy axles,yokes,wheelstuds,brakes,etc...) that stuff gets pricey when done correctly. I didnt wait to get on the trail to break, in fact the motor hasnt even been fired yet.

Roundeyes, I am wondering a few things-

why did you take your time while fixing your rig? I understand doing things right but you stated you took your sweet ass time?

why didnt your wife grab some tools and offer to help? I know some wives only like to ride and not wrench but I thought I would ask.

How did you break? how often did you break prior to this? did you break on purpose with the wife there so you could justify calling Dynatrac?


JJ

[crawlin'YJ]

Originally Posted by Blt2Krawl

This isn't hardcore take this shit to the newbie section, or better yet the VENDOR section.

His company has helped the sport more then you have. BTW where's your red star? STFU until you pony up and then maybe I'll listen to you.
That is all...

[DocRocks]

Originally Posted by Blt2Krawl

This isn't hardcore take this shit to the newbie section, or better yet the VENDOR section.

How 'bout relax with the "hardcore" attitude sh!t. Bruce has done more to support the real "hardcore" wheelers here (whatever that is) than you obviously know.

Sooooo...... back on topic, I decided early on that I wanted to skip all the interim buildup steps and go straight to 60's. It just didn't seem to make sense to me to waste money on stock axles or even 44's given the size tires and type of trails I wanted to run... more importantly, my heavy right foot.

After a failed attempt at getting some "lower cost" 60's installed (long story involving a bad vendor that is no longer in business), I decided I wanted it to be right and it was worth the money to me. I called Dynatrac and ordered a set of Pro Rock 60's. That was about 3 years ago and I wheeled the piss out of them under my YJ until I decided last year to put them under my comp buggy. Never once had a problem with them (until recently, which was my own doing, pics to demonstrate).



Yea, ball joints and all... they've still been kick ass set of axles and to me (and that's what counts anyway) they have been worth it. Could I have done it for less with junkyard axles, sure. In fact, I built a 14b/60 set from a CUCV to put back under the YJ after I robbed the Pro Rocks from it. I think all in all I had about $3K in them once I was done and they are also a kick ass set of axles. It just depends on what you are looking for and your own situation. So can you do it cheaper, absolutely. Is it worth it? Only you can make that call.

Also, since I'm in no way sponsored by Dynatrac (that's the other guy named Ken from the east), I have to say that if I had it to do over again, I'd seriously look at a Rockcrusher center with deadenbear king pin knuckles, some bling 4340 shafts and blah, blah, blah.... in fact, workin on something like that for next year's comp rig.... gotta keep up with the times....

Now for the "hardcore" tech.... this is what happens to standard Dana/Spicer U-Joints and 35 spline shafts when you abuse them.... nothin some 4340 shafts and CTMs won't cure.... and yes, the ball joints held up

[jaybirdd]

toss the bolts in the high steer arm, they suck! Use studs. Other than that, impressive!

[roundeye]

Originally Posted by JJSBADYJ

My whole project started out as a simple motor swap. then while thinking about the power of a stroked V8 I decided to change out the axles. I started with a waggy LP44/ford 9" but that changed to a HP44/14bolt and changed again to a HP60/14bolt and yet again to Rockwells F/R. I dont remember the $$ I have spent on the D44's or the 60 but I know they were completely gone through(hot tanked,bead blasted,new bearings,gears,lockers,alloy axles,yokes,wheelstuds,brakes,etc...) that stuff gets pricey when done correctly. I didnt wait to get on the trail to break, in fact the motor hasnt even been fired yet.

Roundeyes, I am wondering a few things-

why did you take your time while fixing your rig? I understand doing things right but you stated you took your sweet ass time?

why didnt your wife grab some tools and offer to help? I know some wives only like to ride and not wrench but I thought I would ask.

How did you break? how often did you break prior to this? did you break on purpose with the wife there so you could justify calling Dynatrac?


JJ

Hey JJ, to answer your questions, it took me so long because I never had all the money up front. Mortgage etc...was a big reason taking my sweet ass time. As for my wife, she's an engineer supporting my off road habits and hand tools just doesn't turn her on.
I broke almost ever other trip it seemed like. So yeah, I planned it out a bit knowing she'd be with me sitting there....bored out of her mind..........Asking how do we avoid this for the future?

[roundeye]

Originally Posted by crawlin'YJ

His company has helped the sport more then you have. BTW where's your red star? STFU until you pony up and then maybe I'll listen to you.
That is all...

You guys are cool...Thanks for the props!

It actually blows my mind that so many people have negativity towards us vendors instead of looking at what we're trying to do in a positive way. Make a living and support EVERYONES OFF ROAD HABIT. Roundeyes as a company does everything it can to support keeping our trials open and giving back to clubs/organizations. Keep bustin us down and we all lose.


Breakin 60 stuff like that is crazy! Must sound like a 44 Magnum going off.

[DocRocks]

Originally Posted by roundeye

You guys are cool...Thanks for the props!

It actually blows my mind that so many people have negativity towards us vendors instead of looking at what we're trying to do in a positive way. Make a living and support EVERYONES OFF ROAD HABIT. Roundeyes as a company does everything it can to support keeping our trials open and giving back to clubs/organizations. Keep bustin us down and we all lose.


Breakin 60 stuff like that is crazy! Must sound like a 44 Magnum going off.

U bet Bruce. Man, we're all in this thing together. BTW, I sent you a package this week. Give me a call when you get it, I want to order another spare headset from you.

As for the 60 breakage, I really couldn't hear it cause I had the motor pegged on the rev limiter. Take a look at my spotter's reaction, he knew what was coming. I was about to time out so I said "I'm just gonna have to launch it".
What's missing are the cool pics the guy in the background took of the wild nose ride that happened after I hit. He was spotting for Buddy Carlton if anyone knows his name, I would appreciate it. Lost his e-mail address.

That one stung a bit.

[roundeye]

Originally Posted by DocRocks

U bet Bruce. Man, we're all in this thing together. BTW, I sent you a package this week. Give me a call when you get it, I want to order another spare headset from you.

As for the 60 breakage, I really couldn't hear it cause I had the motor pegged on the rev limiter. Take a look at my spotter's reaction, he knew what was coming. I was about to time out so I said "I'm just gonna have to launch it".
What's missing are the cool pics the guy in the background took of the wild nose ride that happened after I hit. He was spotting for Buddy Carlton if anyone knows his name, I would appreciate it. Lost his e-mail address.

That one stung a bit.

Looks like it!
I'll let ya know when it comes in. Keep the pedal floored!

[JJSBADYJ]

Originally Posted by roundeye

Hey JJ, to answer your questions, it took me so long because I never had all the money up front. Mortgage etc...was a big reason taking my sweet ass time. As for my wife, she's an engineer supporting my off road habits and hand tools just doesn't turn her on.
I broke almost ever other trip it seemed like. So yeah, I planned it out a bit knowing she'd be with me sitting there....bored out of her mind..........Asking how do we avoid this for the future?

I understand the $$ issue, I have 3 kids,a home and a wife so I am always broke!!!!

My wife was an Electrical Engineer and tools dont really get her going either. She used to support the cause but now she is home with the kids and the even more supportive there.

I took the " better to ask forgivness than permission" attitude, she still has my nuts and it isnt looking like I am getting them back anytime soon. But the rig is almost done and she is pretty impressed with it so far, maybee I get them back for christmas(Ive been really good,honest)

Nice job on your manipulation of the situation!!!

JJ

[roundeye]

Originally Posted by JJSBADYJ

I understand the $$ issue, I have 3 kids,a home and a wife so I am always broke!!!!

My wife was an Electrical Engineer and tools dont really get her going either. She used to support the cause but now she is home with the kids and the even more supportive there.

I took the " better to ask forgivness than permission" attitude, she still has my nuts and it isnt looking like I am getting them back anytime soon. But the rig is almost done and she is pretty impressed with it so far, maybee I get them back for christmas(Ive been really good,honest)

Nice job on your manipulation of the situation!!!

JJ

Post up some pics. So you went with 60's?

[JJSBADYJ]

Originally Posted by roundeye

Post up some pics. So you went with 60's?

check out the SUV YJ Buildup under Gen4X4. it is 12pages long with a bunch of pics. I originally went waggy44/9in, then hp44/14bolt, then hp60/14bolt, now rockwells and linked suspension. it has been a long and very expensive road but I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

JJ

[roundeye]

Originally Posted by JJSBADYJ

check out the SUV YJ Buildup under Gen4X4. it is 12pages long with a bunch of pics. I originally went waggy44/9in, then hp44/14bolt, then hp60/14bolt, now rockwells and linked suspension. it has been a long and very expensive road but I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

JJ

Seems you're not the only one.

[ptownTSI]

how mcuh for 35 spline axles for the rear D60?

[ptownTSI]

how mcuh for 35 spline axles for the rear D60?

[dotrappe]

Originally Posted by ptownTSI

how mcuh for 35 spline axles for the rear D60?

Alloy USA doesn't make FF 35 spline rear axles, only semi-float stuff. At least that's what I was told 2 weeks ago.

DT.

[roundeye]

Originally Posted by dotrappe

Alloy USA doesn't make FF 35 spline rear axles, only semi-float stuff. At least that's what I was told 2 weeks ago.

DT.

This is true. Only semi float 4140 Chromoly with 35 splines in these sizes.
29.5"
29.25"
31.5" with 3.5" of spline so it can be cut down if needed and
31.25 with 3.5" of spline so it can be cut down as well.
Also all these axles are dual bolt pattern. 5 on 4.5 and 5 on 5.5

These axles use the Torino 9" housing ends and timken set 20 bearings coupled with Ford explorer style disc brakes.

Around $330/pair

[actionpaintball]

Originally Posted by crawlin'YJ

His company has helped the sport more then you have. BTW where's your red star? STFU until you pony up and then maybe I'll listen to you.
That is all...

X2

[MC]

I did the 44 upgrade then the 60's then the 60 with 70 parts then the rockwells... I am happy at the rockwell stage so far