notnalc68
That dude from Mississippi
Nope.
The housing isn't the problem. D60's generally break axle shafts first, then ring/pinions...and usually only r&ps if they're running alloy shafts/joints..and even then, it's still usually just axles. The 44 is simply a smaller r&p and much smaller shafts/joints. Granted, I'm talking at least 1.5" 35 spline inners and outers for the 60.
How many 60s have you run?
Doesn't matter what I say at this point...it will come across as elitist, so I'll say this: I view forums as places where we can all learn from each other and hopefully avoid mistakes by having the people who made them relate their experience. I've wasted the money building custom half tons that simply don't hold up to the abuse a 60 will. I was simply trying to impart that knowledge to save you guys some serious money in the long run (selling the half tons usually nets a hefty loss in the initial price paid).. But whatever....it's your guy's money and choice. I'm just saying that if/when my wife grenades her JLUR's front axle....we're stabbing a 60 or better in it. Considering the typical cost of a fully built Dynatrac PR44, I'd wager I can build a fairly custom D60 for the same or less money that is much stronger and rated to handle much larger tires with hydro assist or better steering.....
All that said, I just looked at a JK front housing only for a Dynatrac PR44. $2300 isn't too bad provided you can set up your own gears and it's a bolt-in direct swap. From that standpoint, if you busted the front end like pictured in this thread, ~$3K with chromoly shafts isn't crazy...but I'm betting it will have to be significantly higher priced for the JL b/c of the replacement of the gears and locker ....but now you're up to half the price of a 60 with upgraded inner/outer knuckles & arms, custom center, chromo shafts, 35 spline outers, locker, gears, master install, 3/4T discs etc....but that's doing a lot of the work yourself too. And then there's the 8 lug conversion to 5 lug...which boosts the price another $1K or so. You gotta pay to play, so to speak.
Everyone can’t build an axle, and I’d wager your junkyard 60 build would not beat a Dynatrac 60.
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