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The BillaVista 60
Building a Bomb Proof Dana 60 Front Axle |
The BillaVista-60 Super Dana 60 Front Axle Project.
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Introduction
This part of the article will detail my ongoing testing and evaluation of the finished BillaVista-60, as well as serve as a condensed summary of parts 2-5 of the article.
Testing
Obviously, you can't thoroughly test an axle like this in a couple of weeks, or on just a couple of runs.
As such, this section will be an ongoing project that I shall periodically update with pics of wheeling, testing, and my observations and feelings as I spend more and more time with the BillaVista-60.
| Pics below from the inaugural run with the project completed . I certainly appreciated the bulletproof diff cover on this outing. | |
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An early run, before the project was completed - at this time only the drive flanges, axles, and U-joints are installed and being tested. |
There's nothing quite as brutal on equipment as heavy duty snow 'wheeling. ESPECIALLY if you're breaking trail through a couple of feet or more of fresh snowfall. In Feb 2004 we received a record snowfall of 95cm in <24 Hrs!! We were snowed in for several days and the plows were still not on the way (we live about 2 miles back on a windy, dirt road) when I had to take matters into my own hands - we needed milk and bread for the kids! I decided to pull the Wolf out of the garage where it normally spends the winters and try to bust my way through into the town to see if I could find an open store. It was brutally tough work - I had to put the two transfer cases in high range and juggle the 4 speed manual between 2 and 3 with my loud-pedal foot planted and the engine screaming to make any prgress. Wheel speed was critical, and as anyone who'se tried to powershift an SM465 from 2 to 3 at 5000rpm can attest - it wasn't easy. The engine screamed, tires spun and grabbed and flung great roosters of snow, often the suspension hopped and hammerd as I alternatly grabbed traction and then hit looming walls of white stuff conspiring to halt all progress. I twice overheated the engine - full-on boilover. All 4 wheels spun, hopped, grabbed and skidded around - I thought for sure something would give - after all - I just kept hammering on - I had to - my family needed me to! (Great excuse eh? It was a hoot, and I had fully rationalized flogging the beast to death :-) Nothing broke I was amazed VERY Cool! |
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Summary
A brief summary of the product's used in the BillaVista-60 project.
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Poly Performance Drive flanges Fact:
Opinion: Love 'em. Strongest AND coolest - and from a super guy with great customer service who has always supported the tech boards. Not the cheapest, but definitely the best. Get them! |
CTM U-joints Fact:
Opinion: You have to ask? There are very, very few products in the world, let alone the 4x4 world that stand so alone, so in a class of their own. The best Joint you can buy - there is no equal. Ultimately, this leave you with an awesome product, but you do have to pay for the best. Gotta have 'em! |
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Superior Evolution Series Alloy Axles Fact:
Opinion: Quite simply the best axles available for your 4x4. No other axles offer the same combination of material, manufacturing, and good ol' made in the USA Quality Control. Expensive, yes, and the anti-corrosion coating isn't really, but otherwise these are a superb product, the ultimate match to CTM U-joints Need 'em, want 'em, gotta have 'em! |
Crane HSC 60 Knuckles Fact:
Opinion: Awesome. Unquestionably the strongest knuckle you can buy. They also have the best features: from dual steering stops to the brilliant indexing system for steering. Not the cheapest, definitely the best. Highly recommended |
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Crane Indexed Steering Arms Fact:
Opinion: Not recommended. As highly recommended as the Crane knuckles are, I'd pass on these steering arms and either await the second generation design or have my favourite Dana60 High Steer arms modified to fit the Crane HSC 60 knuckles. Pass |
Crane Extreme Duty Diff Cover Fact:
Opinion: More of the best from Crane. Best made, best material, superb customer service, and a no-nonsense lifetime warranty - break it and it gets replaced. The completeness of the kit adds a nice touch. Once again, not the cheapest kit available - but if you want the best, look no further. Nothing better for the job. Get one. |
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Contact Info:
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Poly Performance Offroad Products 725 Buckley
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CTM Racing Products, Inc. 32991 Calle
Aviador #E |
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Crane Hi Clearance Phone: 303-917-4851 |
Superior
Axle and Gear |
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