Time to beef things up! - - a build thread of sorts - Page 18

**EricsXJ** · 09-06-2008, 11:51 PM

So then I painted them up and the very next day (today) we took a trail ride that would be a good test for them. I don't even know if the paint was dry yet...

This canyon we were in is aptly named "Bronco Canyon":

**EricsXJ** · 09-06-2008, 11:56 PM

So how did the new mounts fair... pretty darn good, just needs more paint.

**EricsXJ** · 09-07-2008, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kg4kzv

If you had it all to do over again would you have still kept the D-30 or would you swap it out if so to what F/S D-44 or other?

I'd look at the JK Dana 44s but I don't know everything about them as they weren't available when I was dumping money into this thing. The thing is I spent a little here and a little there until it got to the point if I added it all up I could have bought a custom Currie or TeraFlex axle. But that is just how it goes. This axle has served me well and I'm on 35's, so I consider the money well spent since it hasn't let me down. As it is now, a Dana 44 wouldn't be an upgrade for me and in the future I will be going to a Dana 60 or one of the above mentioned custom axles. These are keepers though and as I have a son who will be driving in the next couple years, my plan is to get another XJ for him and swap these under it. That way I get the maximum benefit from the money I spent building this one. Also my 8.25... I've got some coin in that one as well.

**kg4kzv** · 09-07-2008, 12:41 AM

Eric, Thanks for your input as you can see I'm not far off from having to deal with my axles like it or not. I have been away from here for over a year. Between gas prices and my rig having persistent DW. We won't even talk about most of my wheeling spots getting closed off. I put my XJ up for sell twice I changed my mind both times and just parked it except to play around our place.

But now we have moved and there are plenty of places to wheel. But now instead of mud and fallen trees it will be mud,water crossings and oh yes ROCKS. Being that I'm on 35's as well as open diffs and 307gears my axles seem like the best place to start putting $$$. As soon as DW is fixed.

I was thinking of just saving the bucks and getting one of the axles you mentioned but if I keep the D-30 and break something I should be able to go to a JY and get parts quickly and cheaply. The other axles would take longer to get parts for and be pricey.
That's why I thought I would ask you about your D-30 because I know it catches $#@.

Thanks for info.

Chris

**EricsXJ** · 09-07-2008, 12:59 AM

35's and 3.07 gears? Yikes!

I think the D30 is a GREAT axle to build for 33's and smaller. As you know it can handle 35's too but it takes some money. Most of the time a set of alloy shafts will do ya. But I think if you ever want to go bigger than 35's and you are close to that point, I would get a bigger axle from the start. A Dana 44 can work (look at Sierra Drifter's build) but it can add up too. Thats why I'd even go for something bigger than a 44 if you are willing to spend the money. Just keep in mind, you will be doing new steering as well...

**kg4kzv** · 09-07-2008, 02:13 AM

I'm thinking of going the other way smaller lift/tires. I'm too old to have my door sills higher than my inseam.

But then I'm not sure how much of the junk I have would still be usable.U-turn and I have a SYE & DS for the 6.5 just never got around to putting it in so I know it would need to be cut down. Too many things to think about never enough time or money.

Anyhow I don't want to steal your thread thanks for taking time to chat.

Chris

jeepxj91 · 09-11-2008, 01:34 PM

What kind of front bumper is it that you have before you modified it to the winch bumper?

**EricsXJ** · 09-11-2008, 11:07 PM

BPI FAB.....

dcorn · 09-12-2008, 08:44 AM

Eric, its awesome to know you are doing all that hardcore wheeling on a D30 and 8.25, so there is hope for us all. I can't wait to start the modding with my gears, locker and covers. I almost bought an Aussie for the front as well, but I didn't want to be DD'ing with dual auto-lockers. I'm just going to stick with my 32" tires and 3" lift for a while, maybe start putting on some skidplates since I'm so low still. I just need to learn to weld and do a little fabrication so I can beef up my Jeep like you have.

Pretty crazy that even with your big lift and tires that your axles still get beat to hell on the rocks. I'm sure your area has tons of wheeling spots, being out in the desert and all, must be nice. The closest private property wheeling area is about an hour from me and the closest OHV park is Raush Creek which is at least 3-4 hrs away

suzukisailor315 · 09-23-2008, 10:37 PM

How did he mount those off road lights on that white xj.
its what I want to do to mine. Thanks!

**EricsXJ** · 09-24-2008, 12:23 AM

He just made his own brackets.

tennis203 · 09-27-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason, aka: Jeepin.com

Dang you Eric, guess I'll be one of the last guys around still rockin' the RE drop brackets for a while longer.

Yep.

I bought ScottZTT's old rig from jeepsunlimited around... 3 years ago.

As of 1 month ago... Long Arms...

**Jason, aka: Jeepin.com** · 09-29-2008, 12:28 PM

man, now there's a blast from the past.

jshaab2 · 10-04-2008, 10:36 PM

eric. can you post some pics of your snorkel set up and some interior pics . also how does your OBA work ?

familyxj · 10-19-2008, 11:07 AM

Any updates Eric? I know you can't go this long without doing something to your rig.