Something to stump my brain on.

[Pvt. Maggot]

Well, I've been planning the steps in my build, and the more I research the more I think about other possibilities, from what i've been seeing, it seems that you can pickup a pair of rockwells for the same price as a d60 14bff combo, I want to run between 40's, and 52's. even the 52's are cheaper then most swampers and ect. So the question is, would it be cheaper and better off to go with rockwells and the 52's? Is the steering easier and cheaper then crossover on a d44 or d60? Would I need a transfer case from the military truck as well? Thanks for any input!

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Often times, rocks are cheaper than a 60/14 bolt setup.

Stock Rockwells won't stand a chance against 52" tires. The shafts are main weak point, primarily because they have been used hard for so long and because they use 50+ year old metallurgy.

I don't know what to tell you about the steering. Every rig I've seen with rockwells ran full hydraulic steering.

The rotation of rockwell axles is the same as most civilian stuff, so you can use a standard t-case (205, 208, etc.).

The GM 2 1/2 ton axles were reverse rotation, to use those you have to use a t-case that rotates the correct direction.

One of the bigger drawbacks to rockwells is the brake setup. They aren't meant for high speed and are very dangerous on the street. Most trail rigs run pinion brakes, if you plan on running on the street at all the disc brake swap is $$$.

Another drawback is that they don't use a common wheel mounting pattern, so you have to use custom made wheels ($$$).

 

[habitatxskate]

well if you look at it you need everything stronger/more powerful such as motor, possibly t case, th400 trans would be fine..bigger drive shafts, hydro steering or crossover, and a lot more stuff..

 

[Pvt. Maggot]

Not worried about motor, or any of the above, as it will be getting a supercharged 500 big block, far from stock, or a 6.2 or 6.5 twin turbo. sm465 4 speed with twin 205's, custom drive shafts, this is my dream truck, might take me longer then anyone else, but it will be perfect when complete.