10 replies to this topic

[Justshootme84]

Might help to give a little more info. You can install a spool in the rear if it's a 9". Any kind of locker will affect your street driving, though. Best option up front is a limited slip instead of a locker, or an ARB air locker (pricey).

[Broncoholics]

The cheap way is to weld it up (lincoln locker) or use a spool. The best locker I found is the Detroit. If you plan on pulling with this truck or do lots of street driving go limited slip. Up front I used a trac loc LS for years before my detroit. I do see more traction with the locker than the LS but the steering is much tougher to steer with a detroit. Go LS, OX locker, electric locker or air locker so you can engauge it when needed for steering.

[Broncoholics]

I sure hope you aren't running 3:54 gears with 38's!

[Justshootme84]

My advice would be to scrap the stock axles and swap in some 1-ton units if you plan to keep the 38's. By the time you re-gear to 4.88's and a new front carrier, plus spend the money to beef up the 8.8" and D44TTB components, you could save a bunch of headaches with a GM 14-bolt rear and D60. That's my plan, starting with the front axle. I just think the shafts, ujoints and whole design of the Dana44 twin i-beam front axle will not stand up even to my 35's. I'll try to get by with just a spool in the Ford 9" rear, then replace that when I break it. I feel like a stock Ford 8.8" axle is even weaker.Last bit of advice is to be patient and wait for a good deal on the parts. look at several axles before you buy one, and get an idea of what you want to pay for it. Again, I would not advise a locker up front, unless it's a selectable one like the ARB. And I've had my Bronco for 4 years, only halfway with the buildup to the ultimate machine I want it to be someday.

[Broncoholics]

Dana 60 Rears are also a dime a dozen. Its the front D60 thats the spendy one. Most yards sell for $500-$1500 each. This is my next project on my 68 Bronco since I blow the F250 D44 shafts every other time I go wheeling with 38's.
The rear 9" seems OK for the large tires.

[Broncoholics]

Well for starters the NP435/NP205 combo is worth $500 easy if you want to sell some stuff.
I've even seen the adapter inbetween the 435 and 205 go for $400.
Each axle is worth $250-$500 depending on condition.
Sell any body panels and interior that are good and ditch the rest.

[Justshootme84]

That's good advice, either part it out to make a little $$$ for your Bronco or swap the parts over. Prolly better off parting out since it's 1/2-ton parts, except for the t-case. The Np205 is bulletproof.