Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffahart
OK, I see; since that year has narrow frame you may need to match the hangers to the perches not vice versa(on later model axle). But, I noticed one post above said his later axle was a bolt in. I can see you have the ability to do this if it can be done. And I think if you can do it you should scrape the extra $250 and do it.
"Axle claustrophobia"..... yes that's right!
Let me pose this, to ruminate on.
Go to the Dynatrac site, look at the prorock60 or 44. Nice right. Let's agree you want one. But let's also agree that it's overkill. Not necessary for your build. But what is necessary? I'll tell you, and that's the room to grow and upgrade. When you look at the Dynatrac you say nice, but too expensive and not needed. What do you think when you analyze the old drum closed knuckle? See, you probably feel you may be boxing your self into a corner a bit. Two years form now you may be feeling like you should have upgraded the first time you had your hands on it! Ya, you don't need the upgrade... but you actually do, you will be driving it every day. And since you posted the question it bears weight!
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I agree with your outlook COMPLETELY.
That's the reason for this post.
I'm trying really hard to balance my wants, needs and long-term use of the truck.
Option B-16 is to have my friend at Ultimate Driveline in Michigan take the original 44 housing and cut the ends off, then weld on later ends to convert to open knuckle and disc brakes. That's if I can't find a 44 that bolts right in.
(the original 44 in my Suburban failed because the plug welds from the housing to the tubes all cracked, so the tube was sloppy in the cast center housing, causing a bind where the splines entered the original posi unit... the inside spider and last 1/2-inch of the axle splines stripped smooth, and at some point spun the carrier bearing in the housing. He welded the original tubes, trailing arm perches and panhard mount to a new center)
He regularly re-tubes Danas for rock crawling, with thicker-wall tubing in the center housing... I don't need anything that drastic, but he's a hell of a resource.
He's the first one that made me think about the open vs closed knuckles, but his first comment was "parts are hard to get and expensive," we didn't get to the part of the discussion concerning strength and brakes. (This was actually loooong before I bought the truck).
Two things should be noted: I am frequently accused of suffering from Analysis Paralysis; and when I finally do it, it never needs to be rethought or redone.
-Brad