So, I feel like every time I wheel my Dana 30 it I've got a ticking time bomb under me due to the extra horse power and torque I'm laying down with the supercharger. Anyways, this is what I am thinking.
Dana HP60 Front - Stock w/ 4.10 Gears
Sterling 10.25 Rear - Stock w/ 4.10 Gears (Welded? If I do that I would put a Detroit in it latter on)
Military H1 Double Beadlocks w/ 7†backspacing
Military 37" Goodyears
Obviously, what started me looking was wanting to upgrade to a stronger front end and 35's. I'm looking at the combo above because I honestly think it will be more cost effective. I found a HP60 Kingpin front for $500 with 4.10's. The same guy wants $200 for the matching 4.10 Sterling rear. The axles are in running condition. So, for much less than the cost of a D30 Front Hub Conversion and Chromo's or HP44 with Chromo’s/truss and brackets, I can have 1 ton axles. I’ll still need the brackets for the HP60, but that is still less than the cost of chromo axles, brackets and a truss for the HP44.
Then there is the tires and rims to consider. If I go with a HP44 Front with chromo axles, I would need new wheels and wheel spacers for the rear to match the width of the HP44. I found the H1 double beadlocks with the PVC inserts for $75 each. Also, the H1 rims run a large offset, so I can run the axles full width and still keep almost the entire tire under my 7†flares. I would use these wheels regardless of where I go with this build because they are a DOT legal double beadlock. Using a HP44 full width would still require the offset anyways. The 37†Military rubber cost $75.00 a tire as well which to me is much less then I would pay for 35’s.
So basically, this is what I am thinking in a nutshell. Buying a HP60/10.25 Rear, H1 Rims, and 37’s will be less than building up my Dana 30, building a HP30, or building a HP44 because I wouldn’t be buying hub conversions or chromo axles. Also, the military 37’s will be way less than 35’s. The other good thing about this route is I could then sell my locked D44 rear, part out the D30, and sell my current rim/tire combo to help recover some of the cost.
I’m looking for and open to thoughts and ideas? Is this a bad idea? Ed, I already know that two days ago I said I didn’t want more then 35’s, but those 37’s are a heck of a deal. Also, the built HP30 I found sold.