DIY Suspension & Axle Upgrade

FedEx delivered my Dynatrac 44/60 axles in a large wooden box 700 lb. Modified a pair of HF dollys to safely move the big heavy axles under the Jeep. The motorcycle jack was handy to get the axles onto the dollys.

 

Metal Cloak 3.5” Game Changer and HD steering kit. 22 ton jack stands probably overkill but the wide base means stability.

 

It’s been awhile for updates on my Jeep project but life issues, mandatory vacations and honey-do-lists have diverted my attention elsewhere. But I finally have some progress to share. The front axle & lift kit are installed but nothing is torqued down yet. Work on the rear axle & lift kit has begun and should be easier than the front. New 1350 drive shafts to match the Dynatrac axles will be ordered. The motorcycle jack has been handy for controlling the heavy axle during removal. Could have used taller jack stands the next time HF has a sale.

 

For anyone contemplating a project with super heavy axles consider combining two HF 1000 lb dolleys to custom fit the heavy Dana 60 axle resulting in ease of movement and safety. Even the old Dana 44 was a heavy beast.
Note: old drive shaft refused to break loose. Didn’t want to waste anymore energy so it leaves with the old axle.

 

Short list of tools I used to make things easier:
M18 impact wrench (mid)
M12 impact wrench
Long wrenches 18,21,22,24
Sockets 8,13,18,21,22,24,36,1-1/4
Daytona floor jack
Pittsburgh motorcycle jack
Jack stands(3,6 ton) larger the better
Breaker bar
Penetrating oil
Measuring tape
X large adjustable wrench for adjustable arms
Gloves
Lighting
Mask, goggles, work clothes (no sandals)
5lb slide hammer
Puller
Torque wrench
Foam pads

 

The rear axle install was simple compared to the front axle. Metal Cloak provides starting length recommendations for each adjustable component: control arms, track bar, tie rod and drag link. My expectations are to be successful performing the alignment: toe, castor pinion angle.

 

With all new suspension components and the Dana 60 axle it was discouraging to re-install the rusty rotors, parking brake parts. I ordered a new parking brake assembly and added the big brake kit.

 

Miscellaneous pics of axle prep before installation

 

Wife said the magic words: tires are too small

 

OK, what did you get for gearing? Inquiring minds want to know---- Nice axles/lift.

 

Thanks…..with the 6 speed MT I went with 4.88 Eaton lockers which I hope works well with 35s or 37s. Appreciate any tips from your vast experiences that will help point me in the best direction moving forward.

 

only time in your life it’s ok for ur wife to use “small” in a sentence referring to you or something you own

 

I think you nailed it. At least for 35's.

 

The Dynatrac big brake kit (gen 1) uses oversized rotors F&R with a matching oversized caliper brackets. Simple upgrade that uses the OEM calipers and although the brake pads are proprietary the OEM pads can be substituted in a pinch.

 

Rear rotor is 14” and the front is 13”. Other users of this system state to expect rear pads to wear out before the front which may depend upon how you drive. Luckily OEM pads fit too for less money