Targhee: a Moab/Rubicon flatfender build

I decided to buy these axles for the front.  The front axle was a "spring over" at some point in the past so I made the assumption that it probably had big tires and the axles may have been overworked. 

So now I'm thinking about the rear axle.  I have no information of it's previous use.  I'd sure like to use the current axles if possible and save that $$ for other project expenses. 

But, I'll buy new axles if the current ones pose a serious reliability risk.

Anyone have an opinion?  Are the stock 30 spline axles stout enough that I could risk using them instead of buying new ones? 

I'll be putting a Yukon Grizzly locker with 5.38 gears in the axle.

I know there are no guarantees, just looking for some conversation on this topic.  Thanks!  Jack

Oldtime, thanks for the good reply.  That's the kind of info I was looking for.

The D44 currently has 4.89 gears, still planning to use the L134, so both axles will be 5.38

I've ordered the Yukon YG D30-538 ring and pinion for the front axle.

I have been watching the videos to see how different Jeeps react on the trails, reading many different threads, and yes, waking up in the middle of the night wondering what I'm going to do for springs.

Then, this morning, I read these comments by Rick G. from October 2017, and now I THINK I have a plan:

Thanks Rick, just the info I needed!

Here's what I THINK I'm going to do.  As always, I'll be glad to hear comments or recommendations.

1. Put the D30 and D44 axles on the current springs.

2. Put the wheels and tires I'm going to use on. At this point I'm planning on 34" Narrow Super Swampers on stock 5" wheels,  but that could change.

3. Put in an engine.

4. Put the tub back on.

5. Take the Jeep over to Boise Spring Works in Boise and talk to them about building a set of springs made from thin leaves.

6. I want four springs the length of the stock rear 2A springs, 42", we'll modify the front frame to accommodate the longer front springs. I'm thinking I'll keep the front axle in it's original position.

So, what do you all think?  Does this sound like a good way to go? TIA for all good comments and/or suggestions.  Jack

I can't vouch for fit or quality, but I buy tons of stuff from Walks and they always treat me right. Also don't know how the price compares to what your spring shop could do for you.

That's hilarious! Must have felt like a buckboard. You surely helped him out with your advice.  

Check out a cool vid that Jpet did last year on the FFFR in Moab.

 https://youtu.be/AlVNqYc3N38

If you go to about the 17 minute mark you will see my Jeep with CJ5 springs flexing a bit.

The one thing I did different though is that I left the front spring pivot in the stock location and allowed the extra length of the front spring to provide around a 1-2" stretch, moving the axle forward by that amount. I knew I was going to mount a power steering box and change the front bumper anyway so it worked out well.

FWIW,

Mike

No I had to modify the driveshafts since I'm running an even fire Buick V6 with an SM420/D18.

I don't recall my front shaft length but if I remember correctly my rear driveshaft is around 17" and nearly flat. I used factory early CJ5 springs, mainly because I had some laying around. Aftermarket springs have thicker leaves to maintain the arch that they put in them. I was looking for a little longer spring with more leaves that were thinner, and I did't want a lifted spring. I also used CJ5 body mount bushings instead of the little flat rubber pieces that were common in the Willys Jeeps. They are 1" thick and create a bit of body lift over the stock pieces. With the stock springs and the body mount bushings I'm able to run 33" tires on 8" rims.

Thanks for the kind words

Mike

My good friend Eric is my mentor, spiritual adviser and tool guy extraordinaire on this build.  We took the D30 over to his place today (a good 75 yards across and down the street from my house) and made great progress on it.  Still have to do the ball joints and brakes but I'm pleased with what we got done today.

Went with Nitro chomoloy axles, the stock axles and ujoints looked okay, but I feel better with the new ones in there.  The stock ones will make good spares.

P.S. No, I'm not doing a spring over, previous owner did that.