Some questions on durability w/larger tires.

[pilate74]

I have been working on my 73 k5. My goal for this build is to make a nice River fishing and camping rig. I already have a rockcrawler Jeep(v-8, stretched, 37s ect...). Could I run 33s with lockers (dana 44/12bolt) and not worry to much? I was planning a crate 350/465/dana 20 or 205 combo. I am really not interested in building and maintaining another rock rig. I really want a mild truck that could do a little crawling if necessary. The Jeep will still be my primary rock rig but you guys know how it goes. I will use the blazer as my primary trail rig if I break the Heep. Any ideas and tips will be helpful, Thanks.

 

[tRustyK5]

33's should be easily tolerated by the 12/44 combo. My only advice would be to leave the front open and go with a quality full case locker for the 12 bolt (like a Detroit).

A locked front D44 is the potential weak link with the SM465 tranny being in the equation. Open they do survive quite well even up to 35-37" tires though.

Honestly, if it's for fishing and camping do you really need to be locked up front?

Rene

 

[Stomis]

33's should be easily tolerated by the 12/44 combo. My only advice would be to leave the front open and go with a quality full case locker for the 12 bolt (like a Detroit).

A locked front D44 is the potential weak link with the SM465 tranny being in the equation. Open they do survive quite well even up to 35-37" tires though.

Honestly, if it's for fishing and camping do you really need to be locked up front?

Rene

My d44 has been doing fine locked on 36 TSLs. I have to disagree. I find that a front locker if your not mashing the gas can actually prolong front shaft life do to the fact that your not slamming down on a shaft thats spinning like crazy when you lift a tire.

I would go with a 14b SF for the rear btw...

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

My d44 has been doing fine locked on 36 TSLs. I have to disagree. I find that a front locker if your not mashing the gas can actually prolong front shaft life do to the fact that your not slamming down on a shaft thats spinning like crazy when you lift a tire.

Depends on how you drive, letting a tire spin wildly in the air and then catch will probably break something regardless of whether there is a locker involved or not.

By the same right, if one tire gets bound up the open diff will put all the power to the not-bound-up tire and you back up and take a different line. With a locker, you might try to push through it and break a shaft because that bound up tire is still receiving full power.

IMO (and from my experience), a locker is generally going to be harder on shafts than an open diff.

 

[pilate74]

33's should be easily tolerated by the 12/44 combo. My only advice would be to leave the front open and go with a quality full case locker for the 12 bolt (like a Detroit).

A locked front D44 is the potential weak link with the SM465 tranny being in the equation. Open they do survive quite well even up to 35-37" tires though.

Honestly, if it's for fishing and camping do you really need to be locked up front?

Rene

I need a locker if the creek washes the road out. The place I go to is very remote. In the winter I can take my 2wd pickup. The Summer rains can cause all sorts of problems. Most of the time a locked 4x4 will be able to climb out of the creek.

 

[abig84]

I'd vote for a winch in the front instead of the front locker. That way when you catch that 150lb catfish u have a way of getting him on shore

 

[Stomis]

I'd vote for a winch in the front instead of the front locker. That way when you catch that 150lb catfish u have a way of getting him on shore

Not a bad suggestion

 

[runamok151]

the winch is good insurance as long as you have something to attach it too.

if you feel a locker is too much stress, how about a limited slip? a true trac or power trax in the front would add much to your traction. you would be able to steer better than if you had a locker. and you'll have a little more peace of mind knowing that you DON'T have a locker.

 

[blazinzuk]

I have several freinds running the same setup, one guy who is particularly hard on his rig changed the front to a limited slip and no more problems.

 

[pilate74]

I have a warn M10000, still have to build the bumper. There is not really anything to winch to except another truck. I live in west Texas. I am not worried about axle shafts, I can change one pretty fast on the trail. I will keep a complete set for this truck in the tool box. I just do not want to have to replace lockers and ring and pinions all of the time. I have those problems with my other rig. I never broke anything when my jeep(dana44s) was on 33s, but it weighs 3500 lbs. at the public scales. I am think this truck will be over 5000 lbs. I am going to ditch the top when softtopper comes out with the 73-75 top. I am also going ditch the factory window tailgate as well. But I will add some weight as I am going to put my extra york compressor and a second alternator with a welder setup on the front end. I was also thinking about 1/4 skid plates on the gas tank and engine/tranny/tcase(I have a cnc plasma at work). Alas I have to get this stuff done by winter because my Jeep is going to become a full buggy after I get this truck going.

 

[chevyuser74]

my 35s blew out my 12 bolt, but the 44 is still goin strong.

 

[K5dreamer]

im running 33x12.50's on my stock 10 bolt front and rear axles without issue. I dont wheel the wee out of my truck, just highway and trail use, with a bit of mud and rocks thrown in. maybe some stream crossings here and there.