Yeah it seems to be the weapons of choice for big block power and 40+ inch tires. I do have a choice between a D70 or a Sterling rear, either one should hold up well. I'm leaning towards the Sterling because of parts availability and aftermarket support. Plus the one I have is setup with disk brakes already. I hear you! Money seems to be the biggest problem, toys come last unfortunately. Getting really tired of hearing people hype about GM 14 bolts, yes I know they're strong. However they have their own share of downfalls.

 

Here's what I'm working with. The 70 was favored by me for ground clearance. I did have to swap from drums to rotors but that was easy plus I already had the 70 so it only made sense

 

Looking good, I see you are running a triangulated 4 link front and rear. Mega Truck style, I like it! Are you also planning to run full hydraulic steering? Have you stretched the wheelbase slightly? Looks longer than standard issue Bronco. I agree, the D70 is a good way to go. The bottom of the housing is smooth, no humps or ledges to get hung up on. What gears and lockers do you have planned for it?

 

Actually I shortened the wheel base 59" it's now around 118". Hydro steering will probably come into play but I'm not where near that point to think about that yet. From what little research on have done a d70 can be shaved on the bottom to have the same ground clearance as a 60. For now it's just 4:10 the rear is welded front may end up getting welded. I'm going to see how it goes with those gears for now... if I don't like it I'll be ditching the dana danas for some big boy axles.

 

Personally I can't see the axle ground clearance being the issue on a setup like that. Your breakover angle is horrable!!

 

I could be wrong, it looks like he's building it mainly for mud. Just my opinion, I think 4.10s might not be enough even in low range with 40s; depending on what t-case he uses.

 

Breakover angle is perfect it's hard to tell from the angle. And yes I though it was quite obvious this is a dedicated mud bogger. I agree 4:10s will not be enough with my C6 and 205. I'm going to have plenty of things to fine tune once it's to the point I can drive it and test it anyway. If I absolutely hate it i will be ditching the danas all together instead of sinking a ton of money into the 1 tons

 

Ya, I can understand its dedicated Mud, but from the pic it looks like the bottom link bars are dam near level with the ground. I'm sure they are not, but it doesn't look like they are up very far at all..


But yes, 4.10s are a bit high unless you have maga HP. 35s are about the tallest you should go with 4.10s. If it's dedicated mud go as low as possable in the axles as you can. But that's just my personal preference.

 

That's just it, there supposed to be level once everything is on it. This is a mega truck style build, that's probably what is throwing you off. Meritor axles will go onto it if the 4:10s don't do it. There's no sense in spending a ton of money to make the danas work. I can sell them and recoup enough money to pay for the meritors. I should end up around 450-500 for now and 600 or so by the time I'm done building it if not more

 

Guess I'm use to seeing Maga Trucks with huge tires, so the ground clearance is up there a ways. To me 40s isn't what a maga would have at all. To each his own tho

But than again, I came see having a mud only machine either. I always end up going on all types of terrain with mine even tho it's got tractor tires on it. Lol. I like really good approach, departure, and breakover angles. Hell, I don't really like the fact my tcase crossmember had to be below the frame rails a bit.

 

Yeah eventually the 40s will be tossed for tractor tires and the danas for meritors axles. That's why I said mega truck "style". If you don't know anything about those axles there the way to go over Rockwells. Sence funds are low currently and I had all this crap laying around it was my best bet but I'm also incorporating the future plans into also so life is easier down the road

 

I can relate, you are building the rig in stages as funds allow. I'm taking the same approach with my 79. I bought my 1/2 ton axles already geared and locked, they bolted right in. My plan is to run them until I get the tons built how I want. Then will come the big horse motor after that. It works fine for now, and I can still wheel it. All comes in due time.

 

I have Meritor axles in my Boom truck at work. They are very good axles.


Idk anyone personally has has been able to build a rig from the ground up without going in stages! My Wagoneer build went in a few little stages too, hell I've still got a stage left, in the process of doing a new motor too.

 

Yuppur, that can only be done on TV. Kinda frustrating to not have an unlimited toy fund. My Bronco sat for two years with the body off the frame, the whole rig torn completely down. This was the most elaborate part of the build, had a number of things I planned to do while it was apart. The project was slowed by marriage and buying a house, it was well worth it in the end. It's much more solid and dependable truck because of it.