Axle improvements

[msggunny]

OK, so who out there has done the following:

Toyota diff conversion
Toyota axle conversion, either from a cruiser or mini truck
24 spline OEM axles (i havent seen any stock 24 spline in the US yet)
GBR HD axle 10 spline and 24 spline
Any other axle type

Since i now have the SIII parked as my dedicated trail/hunting/fishing rig i want to do something to it so i dont have to worry about the puney 10 spline stock axles.

Cost is always a factor, but so is quality.

I am leaning twords the Toy conversion or axle swap. Better strenght, better gear ratios, disk brakes, more rim choices.

Thanks.

[jimfoo]

I have used both GBR 10 and 24 spline. 10 spline was stronger than stock, but still obviously not as good as 24 spline. I currently run 24 spline with a Detroit. I have broken one, but I am very hard on them.

[slouzon]

I have seen all these axles upgrade posts and was wondering if anyone have ever swapped in a set of early Jeep or Scout axles?

I have had a few older Jeeps with Dana 44 rears and Model 30 fronts. There use to be heavy duty axles available for both.
I believe that some of the Scouts had 44's in the front as well.
Even conversions to make the rears a full floater.

The diffs are offset correctly I believe and I think the spring perches might be right or close as well.
I haven't measured any up to see yet.
Lots of possible ratios and bolt patterns available for these and can be had somewhat cheap.

[msggunny]

Originally Posted by slouzon

I have seen all these axles upgrade posts and was wondering if anyone have ever swapped in a set of early Jeep or Scout axles?

I have had a few older Jeeps with Dana 44 rears and Model 30 fronts. There use to be heavy duty axles available for both.
I believe that some of the Scouts had 44's in the front as well.
Even conversions to make the rears a full floater.

The diffs are offset correctly I believe and I think the spring perches might be right or close as well.
I haven't measured any up to see yet.
Lots of possible ratios and bolt patterns available for these and can be had somewhat cheap.

I have thought about that too, there are D30's and 44's everywhere. The only thing is getting one with the right offset for the pumpkins.

O, and M-go blow!

Buckeyes gonna smack that ass!

[slouzon]

Originally Posted by msggunny

Buckeyes gonna smack that ass!

Hey do you know what it is costing me to send my daughter to M??

I am pretty sure that axles from one of either that used the Dana Model 18 transfer case will work since there are a lot of people using the Model 18 with engine and trans conversions without changing axles.


Steve

[Mercedesrover]

I have a Toyota conversion in my 88" and am doing a second in the 109 I am building. This conversion consists of installing Toyota differential carriers and 30-spline axles into the original Land Rover axle housings. I also opted for factory electric lockers for both trucks. This conversion isn't cheap but it is pretty straight forward and builds an axle that rivals, if not exceeds a Dana 44 in strength. It does, however, require changing both differentials as 4:70 gears were not and are not available for the V6/Turbo style differential. Here is what it looks like when done:



Here's the difference between 10-spline and 30-spline axles:



You can also upgrade to a newer style Rover differential carrier and install the Series 4:70 gears but have the better 24-spline side gears and even install an aftermarket locker. This will allow you to have a fairly strong rear differential but keep the cost down as you won't need to change anything in the front axle. If the front axle concerns you, the same upgrade can be done there too.

There is also a rare Toyota T-100 that used a 4:70 gear ratio from the factory. Another option is to find one of those carriers, modify the Rover housing to accept it and the 30-spline axles. As this carrier was never offered with a factory locker, an aftermarket locker would need to be installed if desired. Again, no changes to the front axle are necessary but you would end up with an extremely strong rear axle.

Or you can choose to do nothing and keep running the 10-splines. With an 88" that doesn't see much abuse you can get away with it. These axles fail from fatigue more than anything so change them out every 20k-30k, carry a spare set and in most cases you'll get away with it.

If you're interested in going the Toyota route or the 24-spline route, I can help you with axles.

jim

[msggunny]

Originally Posted by Mercedesrover

I have a Toyota conversion in my 88" and am doing a second in the 109 I am building. This conversion consists of installing Toyota differential carriers and 30-spline axles into the original Land Rover axle housings. I also opted for factory electric lockers for both trucks. This conversion isn't cheap but it is pretty straight forward and builds an axle that rivals, if not exceeds a Dana 44 in strength. It does, however, require changing both differentials as 4:70 gears were not and are not available for the V6/Turbo style differential. Here is what it looks like when done:



Here's the difference between 10-spline and 30-spline axles:



You can also upgrade to a newer style Rover differential carrier and install the Series 4:70 gears but have the better 24-spline side gears and even install an aftermarket locker. This will allow you to have a fairly strong rear differential but keep the cost down as you won't need to change anything in the front axle. If the front axle concerns you, the same upgrade can be done there too.

There is also a rare Toyota T-100 that used a 4:70 gear ratio from the factory. Another option is to find one of those carriers, modify the Rover housing to accept it and the 30-spline axles. As this carrier was never offered with a factory locker, an aftermarket locker would need to be installed if desired. Again, no changes to the front axle are necessary but you would end up with an extremely strong rear axle.

Or you can choose to do nothing and keep running the 10-splines. With an 88" that doesn't see much abuse you can get away with it. These axles fail from fatigue more than anything so change them out every 20k-30k, carry a spare set and in most cases you'll get away with it.

If you're interested in going the Toyota route or the 24-spline route, I can help you with axles.

jim

Jim, your stuff rocks. I have checked out your website many many times.

If i can get away with it, your conversion may be the way to go for the truck, and I think it would be eaiser than trying to match up a Toy axle especially since mine is RHD.

Money is all that stands in my way.

The toy conversion is going to be the way to go, 4.88 with 33's or 5.29 with 35's.

Anyone got any stock 10 splines they want to get rid of?

[slouzon]

This guy has used Dana 44's, first one I have seen.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-...QQcmdZViewItem