Posted by Steve in PA on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 10:34PM :
In Reply to: Which would you choose? posted by Derek Bell on Monday, March 20, 2006 at 10:58PM :
Derek,
I have been contemplating the same questions on my 1/2-ton WC26. I considered adding a newer frame, but decided to box and re-inforce my stock one. My first choice was 1-ton chevy axles from a '76. My major issue is the width. They are about 66" wheel face to wheel face. Also, the spring mounting surfaces were way too wide for my frame. Not sure how they compare in width. Since I am interested in mainly using this as a pleasure cruiser, I wanted something reliable, as I will not be four wheeling this in any way, just locking the hubs to get out of the driveway in the winter. I have settled on ScoutII Dana 44's with Chevy parts from the knuckles out and better quality axle shafts, and the largest drums and rotors available. I will be running 35" tires and have added 4:11's and a track-lock in the rear, and shound cruise around 2000 RPM's. This will be teamed with 360, SM465, and NP205. The ScoutII axles are still 5" wider at the mounting pads, so I am triangulating mounts and crossmembers at the mounts. These are also spring-under axles. I am using 3" lift Scout Traveller springs all around, and the scout steering box. Whatever you decide, good luck with it.