¿Durango Ideas?

[Durango]

She's no jeep... But does anyone smell a solid front axle swap this spring? Old XJ axle? Input on what I'm getting myself info?  Could use some serious help and I'm willing to put something down for this and take in a lot of learning in the process.

Sorry I missed the last meeting I was called into work, I'll be at the next trail ride.
(Front recovery point in the picture, Trashed those A/T.)  

Anyone with any axles, hands, help, I could use it.

Also, I'll be down at Rausch Creek the weekend of April 24th if anyone wants to meet up.

[98xj]

I'm swapping in two dana 44s at some point (tbd) and I won't need my stock axles. I could sell you them. HPD30 and C8.25

[Durango]

Could possibly fit, I have to do a bit more looking. My swap is TBD too, but it's nice to know I have a go-to axle spot if needed. Thanks!

[98xj]

Sounds good, I'm not very familiar with Durango builds so forgive my lack of input lol

[Mr Rock]

does anyone make a kit for the Durango?  that's the way to go, it's a lot of work if you have to fab up one from scratch!

[98xj]

Does the Durango have an IFS setup? 

[calvynandhobbs]

I did a quick google search for Durango SAS and found a build thread on Pirate4x4. I don't know how to copy a link and post through my phone, but it was easy to find and would give you a good idea of what you're in for.

[98xj]

I did a quick google search for Durango SAS and found a build thread on Pirate4x4. I don't know how to copy a link and post through my phone, but it was easy to find and would give you a good idea of what you're in for.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/dodge/1069789-sas-durango.html

There you go!

[Durango]

I read another detailed step-by-step on another Dodge forum, I'll have to look back for it. This looks very similar, seems like a challenging but rewarding project. I definitely have not seen one sit that high though, seems like the d44 and d60 from a 96 or newer Ram or Ford would be the only options for axles.
Thanks for the replies!

[calvynandhobbs]

Due to the weight of a Durango I wouldn't go any smaller axle than a D44 for the front axle. D30s are great axles, but they are primarily in lightweight Jeeps.

[98xj]

Figured I'd give it a try, makes sense though. I guess I was thinking about the width fitment haha. All. I have from a Durango is a steering box  Have you priced out how much all that will run you? D44s are cheap enough but the right D60 can be pricey.

[Durango]

I'm probably in for $800-$1500 if all goes well. Could spike if I go for both front and rear. 44 would be perfect in the front and 60 in the rear to have improved gearing across the board. Taking it one step at a time.

[calvynandhobbs]

Do you know what axle you have in the rear of the Durango? I have no clue what it is or how strong it is. If it's similar to the 8.25 that came in the later year XJs you'd probably be ok up to a 33 and maybe even a 35" tire if you're not heavy footed. What gears do you want to run? Finding a D60 for the rear with the gearing you want is going to be difficult. Chances are you'll be regearing both axles or if you manage to find a D44 or D60 for the front with the gearing you want you'll still be re-gearing the rear axle to match. I would venture to guess you'll be almost $1500 into the axles alone unless you find a pair being sold somewhere with the same gearing. Even then you'll be cutting off spring perches and setting it up for the correct stuff for the Durango.

How good are you with a welder? There's going to be a lot of welding and fabrication involved from the little bit I know about this type of swap.

[skibum]

It's either an 8.25 or 9.25 chrysler rear diff. Thats the only diff they came with.

[Mr Rock]

if you don't pickup a matching set of axles, just keep in mind that you don't want to have two different lug nut patterns between the front and rear...