So I don't how some of your guys get away with 33+ on stock suspension parts I've dumped probably $4k+ into my front suspension ball joints, like 5 wheel hub assembly's and now I'm sitting with BFG MT's with 20k miles that are ruined because I have some ungodly amount of negative camber. I haven't been driving my truck lately only when absolutely necessary and only a few miles or so. So I'm trying to find my starting place an axle I'm 1 pitman arm away from having a waggy axle off at the bone yard but was just reading some threads and realizing that its a LP, and some of you recommending ford axles which is new to me from last time I looked up an SAS on here. So I live in a pretty redneck area of South Fl and the junk yard pretty much caters to mud machine builders, they've got a few tailgates filled with axles and multiple truck I could yank one off of but I'm not sure which one to get.

I guess I should stop being lazy and measure up and just try to get the best width but I'm not sure how to tell if its HP or LP. I guess I'll head over there tomorrow with the tape measure and see what goodies I can find I'd like to scope it out and figure it out by this weekend because I want to go pick it up so I can start rebuilding the axle.

BTW does any one have any schematics of the front frame portion as I'm pretty proficient in autocad and would like to get working on some mock ups.

Thanks for The help Guys!!

P.S. When I get access to a camera I'll snap some pics of the front end and the horrible caster I'm sure a few of you will call me a mad man for driving it, its so bad.

 

Get some camber caster bolts and get it aligned.

I agree, I ran 35's for ~10k and blew out both unit bearings.

You being in florida I see no need for you to run a high pinion. If you've already got a line on a low pinion 44 get it.

 

Thanks for the reply, I just read this article http://axleboy.com/community/forum/f...w-pinion-axles and from what it says with a LP the gears will be able to take more abuse, but with a HP you will get a better drive shaft angle.

That was all needed to hear I'm going to go pick it up this weekend and start ripping it apart, once I get the axle 1/2-3/4 of the way done I'll start on the truck.

I have a pretty good arsenal of tools the major thing I'm missing thought is a welder and I'm not really sure what to get. If I had the money I'd go get a miller but I'm pretty much working on a budget here. I know I want a mig that uses gas from what I've read before but not sure on what power ratings would be sufficient for doing welds to the frame.
I've been looking at the 2 from harbor freight would either one do? or would the 120amp be cutting it close in the power department \.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=97503
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94164

Thanks Guys,

 

I would go with a 180+ amp and not one that comes from Harbor Freight. But thats just me

 

http://www.hobartwelders.com/product...ed/handler140/

thats what I have, its a great welder. I know it says almost $700 on there but I got mine from tractor supply for around $400. Its going to do anything you should need. Welds up to 1/4 steel. Takes a noob like me and puts down an amazing looking bead with great penetratioin.

 

I got to thinking about it and I might not have to buy a welder I think my step dad can borrow a really nice one when it comes time to do some welding.

 

I didn't even click the link an instinctivly said NO! Don't spend the money for a harbor freight "disposable" welder. It will only give you headaches and make your job more difficult. Look around on things like craigslist and such. I got a nearly brand-new Lincoln with a gas bottle and auto-dark helmet for $425. The deals are out there! Get a quality machine like a Hobart, Miller, or Lincoln and you'll have a much better shot at success.

As for HP or LP, I don't think that it will make a substantial difference for you. What sort of wheeling will you be doing? Mostly mud and such I'd assume, being in Florida?

 

Yep pretty much all hard core mudd.
I picked up the axle today, I'll try to use a digi cam this afternoon and post some pics.

 

i think you mis-read, or mis-understood that article. HP gears are stronger in front application because in forward motion you are applying power to the drive side of the gears, instead of the coast side. conversely HP gears are weaker in a front application when in backwards motion because you will be applying power to the coast side of the gears.

the opposite is true for a rear axle, LP are stronger in forward motion...