Heavy tire chains and D60 and 10b/D44 fronts

[Ned Kelly]

So I wanted to get some tire chains, and am thinking of these from Clothier:
http://www.clothierproducts.com/default_site.htm

For a 36-38" tire it will add about 50lbs of chain per tire. Good for low speed mud and snow chugging.
I'm just wondering if I should have any concerns with a totally stock 30 spline D60 with the combined tire and chain weight?

On a side note, anyone gander what a front 10bolt/D44 would handle for tire size and chain weight?

 

[paratrooper307]

Depends on how aggressive your wheeling is and what kind of power you're dealing with. Tire size and weight are going to be a major factor in axle stress, and lockers, power, weight of your rig, and wheeling style are aggravating factors. Dana 60s are pretty stout, as long as you're not getting crazy you'll probably be fine.

A half ton axle is what it is. Personally I'd limit those axles to 35s or smaller and avoid adding too much weight. If you're easy on the skinny pedal you can get away with more.

 

[black dawg]

A 10/44 with stock 16s and chains holds up pretty well going straight ahead, with the wheels turned under the right (wrong?) circumstances they can break fairly easily.

If you are going to get rough with the 60, I would be worried about the lockouts (unless you have the old spicer lockouts).

 

[Ned Kelly]

With tire chains I'd probably be keep the wheel speed low, just in case they grab a root or rock....I don't want to transfer all the shock to the drive axles. Driving style will be much more reserved on the skinny pedal with the chains on.

The all stock 1982 3/4t Burb currently has factory 235/85/16 on it. If I was going to keep it like that, but I figured it could only handle up to 33" with chains.

However, I do have some lower geared CUCV 4.56 geared diffs (Warn hubs with the regular 30 spline D60 stubs shafts) that are just sitting and doing nothing. I was thinking a mild lift and then I could enjoy the benefits of a larger tire and strength. Since the chains are an expensive option, I think I best pick a tire size right that I'll be happy with for a long time.

Feel free to add any other comments.

 

[black dawg]

The only time I use chains anymore, is on hard packed slippery (or icy) roads. Any amount of snow that I used to chain up for is way easier to deal with by airing down. Even the 235/85s will surprise you aired down.

 

[sweetk30]

stock hubs on military axles are cheep economy black dial warn hubs .

as said old spicers / new yukons / or drive slugs for best strength . and do the 35 spline stub shaft upgrade at the same time and order the hubs to match .

 

[Ned Kelly]

Yes the CUCV axles are the basic entry level D60. I was trying not to do too much upgrading for a basic bare Burb.
I do have the 'other K30' with the non-necked down long shafts with 35 spline outers - still running the Warn metal hubs though.
All of a sudden this project can start spiraling away....like most changes.

Yes, airing down is a great traction adder. Here is some good data from Overland Training to demonstrate how much 5-10psi can do:
http://www.overlandtraining.com/research/downloads/OT_TechPaper1.pdf
Might be worthy of a sticky?