Mixed input about stock axles with 38" tires

[dsliner]

I have decided to go with a rough country 6" Long arm lift and possibly a body lift and put 38" SX's. Problem is that some people are telling me to change my front axle and others say that as long as i don't put lockers in I can stay with the stock axles... What do you guys think????

 

[xt master]

What axles do you have?

D30 or D44

 

[xjmarc]

I doubt a stock 30 or 44 would hold up to 38s, even though 38" SXs are actually around 36.5". I would be concerned about the rear axle as well. I was breaking shafts with 33s.

 

[bobcat481]

Not a good situation. Better be looking for something bigger. A Ford 8.8 (Explorer) will get you rear discs too.

 

[xjmarc]

The 8.8 wouldn't work to well with 38s either. I'd say time to look for some 60s.

 

[bobcat481]

How much torque will the 8.8 hold? I was seriously considering it, but have plans/dreams of a 4bt in the future. I doubt I would ever have more than 33's on it. Feasible or not? (sorry to mooche off your thread dsliner)

 

[jps4jeep]

I would feel better with a built 8.8 and or 44 under there with 38" sx than a 30 or 35. I wheeled with a guy yesterday who has a ford 302, 8.8 and D30, both locked with 37" pitbull rockers (they measure just over 37") and I was waiting all day for something to break.. nothing did, even when he got into the throttle.

After speaking with the owner, he has a set of tons to go in, but has been surpised that things have not broken worse and more often.

 

[Ggg]

The 8.8 is only marginally stronger than a D44. IMO an 8.8 or D44 are about at their limit with 35" or 36" tires. Of course engine torque plays a big factor. If you want to run 37" and bigger tires I think you are in one ton axle territory.

 

[Mooseknuckles]

I think the general consensus is you can do it... but it ain't gonna last very long.

 

[phall92139]

Still waiting to hear what axles you are now running? A "Can I do this" kind of question is really hard to be definitive about because it really depends on the kind of wheeling you do and how hard you mash the skinny pedal. Regardless, I tend to lean toward the consensus so far that if you're running something comparable to Dana 44s or less, much off road abuse will lead to disaster.

Another concern I have over your planned setup is "center of gravity." Is your rig a long wheel base? I'm running a 6" Long Arm and 35's on my '03 TJ and while I like it, it was done before the introduction of high-line fenders and hoods. Really, if I had it to do all over again I'd seriously look into keeping the CG a little lower for better off-camber performance. And why the body lift? Is it just to clear the 38's?