cerial0411
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For the last 4 years I have been getting parts around for a expedition vehicle. Originally the design and gearing was for 2.5 ton axles. But after doing lots of late night searching, talking to people about what is here and what is to come I have decided to go with 5 ton axles instead. From the start I decided whatever the cost I would have a selectable locker. It is simply needed for the street and offload use this will endure. This was not a concern with the 2.5 ton.
Because no one makes a aftermarket selectable air locker for the 800 series 5 ton that I know of I went looking for one. I found it in the 900 series and found everything different. For the most part the 900 series axles will work. But, the aftermarket focuses on the 800 series currently and that is where things such as stronger knuckles, hubs, and so on.
I like the 800 series it gives the possibility for upgrades in the future while giving a very low upfront cost. Like I said though I need the selectable locker. My first thought was to take a 900 center section and graft the 800 outer sections onto it. What I think may be easier is simply using a 800 housing and modifying to work with the 900's mechanism that en-gauges the splines on the shaft. Either way I will need to have shafts made to work with the 800's smaller bearing diameter that taper up to work with the 900's air locker mechanism. Where I am at right now is considering just using the stock 900 series axles and making my own knuckles. The only issue with doing this is that the hubs for the rear axle need to be flipped inward. I will need to cut and weld the rear axle to make it in a "moonbuggy" style and have new shafts made no matter what. Still if someone has any experience or write ups on what needs to be done to flip the rear air hubs inward on the 900 series that would get rid of one major issue. The front axle can remain stock if I use a complete 900.
The parts availability of these "rare" axles is what has me a bit concerned. The fact that I really don't know much about the locking mechanism or what would be the best selectable locker 5 ton axle to choose has me typing this post. I need some advise onto what selectable 5 ton I should look for. The more popular the better due to the once again mentioned parts availability.
Sure there are going to be a couple of questions here is a bit of info to try and crush those upfront. The total vehicle weight is going to be between 6200 and 6400 lbs. I am using lug mounted 22.5 rims and 40" tires. I have 12 speeds with 3 practical overdrives, they are .90, .75, and .54. The breaks will be a lug mounted 2 piece rotors with F-550 calipers. Steering is done with a axle mounted power steering box out of a semi with custom linkage to prevent suspension binding while giving control in the event of a pump or line issue. I am using a propane powered 1968 Cadillac 472 motor that is mostly stock.
I was planning on the 6.72 ratio in the 2.5 ton. But, a 6.44 ratio will work or up to 7.40 if there is a more "popular" 5 ton selectable top loader out of a crane or something. I did the math and a 8.8 ratio will simply not work with the motor's oiling system and there is a high chance will have me going up steep grades at 55 mph. A 6.4 to 7.4 ratio is what I need to work with.
What is a good air selectable 900 series to look for, what issues can I expect, recommendations on flipping the hubs, what should I do besides the knuckles as far as upgrades, and any non military options out there?
Thank you for reading
Because no one makes a aftermarket selectable air locker for the 800 series 5 ton that I know of I went looking for one. I found it in the 900 series and found everything different. For the most part the 900 series axles will work. But, the aftermarket focuses on the 800 series currently and that is where things such as stronger knuckles, hubs, and so on.
I like the 800 series it gives the possibility for upgrades in the future while giving a very low upfront cost. Like I said though I need the selectable locker. My first thought was to take a 900 center section and graft the 800 outer sections onto it. What I think may be easier is simply using a 800 housing and modifying to work with the 900's mechanism that en-gauges the splines on the shaft. Either way I will need to have shafts made to work with the 800's smaller bearing diameter that taper up to work with the 900's air locker mechanism. Where I am at right now is considering just using the stock 900 series axles and making my own knuckles. The only issue with doing this is that the hubs for the rear axle need to be flipped inward. I will need to cut and weld the rear axle to make it in a "moonbuggy" style and have new shafts made no matter what. Still if someone has any experience or write ups on what needs to be done to flip the rear air hubs inward on the 900 series that would get rid of one major issue. The front axle can remain stock if I use a complete 900.
The parts availability of these "rare" axles is what has me a bit concerned. The fact that I really don't know much about the locking mechanism or what would be the best selectable locker 5 ton axle to choose has me typing this post. I need some advise onto what selectable 5 ton I should look for. The more popular the better due to the once again mentioned parts availability.
Sure there are going to be a couple of questions here is a bit of info to try and crush those upfront. The total vehicle weight is going to be between 6200 and 6400 lbs. I am using lug mounted 22.5 rims and 40" tires. I have 12 speeds with 3 practical overdrives, they are .90, .75, and .54. The breaks will be a lug mounted 2 piece rotors with F-550 calipers. Steering is done with a axle mounted power steering box out of a semi with custom linkage to prevent suspension binding while giving control in the event of a pump or line issue. I am using a propane powered 1968 Cadillac 472 motor that is mostly stock.
I was planning on the 6.72 ratio in the 2.5 ton. But, a 6.44 ratio will work or up to 7.40 if there is a more "popular" 5 ton selectable top loader out of a crane or something. I did the math and a 8.8 ratio will simply not work with the motor's oiling system and there is a high chance will have me going up steep grades at 55 mph. A 6.4 to 7.4 ratio is what I need to work with.
What is a good air selectable 900 series to look for, what issues can I expect, recommendations on flipping the hubs, what should I do besides the knuckles as far as upgrades, and any non military options out there?
Thank you for reading
