Best 3/4t or 1t running gear

[johnnywagon]

I too just read thru this thread for the 1st time and I whole-heartedly agree w/everything VT Blazer has to say. He knows his sh#t!

I 1st went with a D44 front and a 14 bolt rear and that worked great for a couple years until I got more serious w/my off roading. The 14 bolt has proven, so far, to be bullet proof and way worth the low cost. Last year I stepped up to a Dana 60 front and I love it but the D60 at least for me is a bit less streeetable with the big tires and all. I'm sure a full kingpin rebuild would cure my "woes" and a cross over steering kit would fix my steering issues but still a D60 is the way to go for any serious full size off-roader.

BTW. If you're shopping for a D60, keep checking Spokane's craiglist. I have a friend in town here who has about a dozen of 'em. He's own's almost every damn one-ton 4x4 crew cab in the fricken state! He's always buying and selling, wheeling and dealing. He might even deliver to the Boise area. OR if you're in a hurry let me know and I'll get his info to ya.

Good Luck!

[RckyMntnKng]

Very helpfull advice, thanks gentlemen....

I know what you mean about big ideas not transferring to real world success.
These projects can go unlimited ways and knowing where your going and why sure helps in the planning process.

When building a rig for rock crawling and off road you are changing everything that made it streetable to begin with. The best you can do is make it great and one, crap at other...or sort of mediocre at both.

I think the very first thing to do is get a solid base in there to build from...drivetrain, motor, tranny, and body etc.

Ive thought long and hard and decided to sacrifice on the "off road" end of things to keep it fairly street-able. Not going to be running the rubicon or anything like that, im going to be camping and four-wheeling around in the back country and maybe hit some mud holes if you know what I mean. Ive had alot of lifted vehicles so I sort of know what im getting into...before this ive had a Z71 with 3" body lift and 33's, a Jeep with 6" lift and 33's, another chevy with 6" and 35's, a Dodge V10 with 4" and 35's, and currently own a Ford with 4" and 35's as daily driver.

Im planning a 37-38" tire, on 6-9" lift and Dana 6o, 14bff, with whatever gearing allows me to do 70mph on the interstate when needed. I have no doubt eventually will need fuel injection, steering upgrades etc.

Im soaking it all in here, everything you guys give me knowledge wise....