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Installing locker and gears in Tri-Cities

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 9:29 am
by Chadillac
I've got some 35" KM2s (actually measure 33.5") that I'm trying to throw on my 04 TJ, but I desperately need to upgrade my axles. I currently have 30/35 with 3.07s.

I think I can get my hands on a HPD30 but I haven't had any luck trying to find a rear axle. So I'm thinking about ordering a Super 35 kit with 4.88s front and rear. Are there any local shops you guys could recommend for installation?

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 11:51 am
by Lurch
I would recomend an explorer 8.8 rear diff with disc brakes before putting money in the 35.

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 5:46 pm
by 79chevy39.5's
x2

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 6:35 pm
by Grumpy
x3...Izuzu Dana 44's are good too.

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 6:40 pm
by Jay W
Not TriCities but Build it Off Road in Yakima does good work. Or Ritchie's Machine Shop in Harrah.

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 7:54 pm
by Chadillac
I've thought about the 8.8, but when I add everything together for an 8.8 with 4.88s and an ARB it just seems so expensive. I can't weld and would have to pay someone to weld on a truss.

I've heard a lot of good things about the super 35 kits with the 30 spline shafts, but I'll keep thinking about it.

Ive never heard of the Isuzu Dana 44s before, but after a quick google search it looks like some of them came with 4.56s. If I could find one of those, that would seem to work really well.

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 8:16 pm
by Jafo
The isuzu d44 is 6 lug, and 4.56 is very rare, they commonly come with 4.30. You would still have to add spring buckets and such. But if your interested, I have one I would let go. My project changed and would let it go for a inexpensive price. 8)

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 8:21 pm
by Nukegumby
Putting in a Super 35 kit moves your weak point from the axles to the ring and pinion. I'd choose to change an axle shaft on the trail over a ring and pinion. The Super 35 is going to cost you, what, $1200 installed? You can probably get an 8.8 or Isuzu D44 installed for something less than $2k and, if you're not crazy on the throttle with those 35s, it'll last a lot longer. My recommendation would be to drive the D35 until it breaks. In the mean time, save up to replace it with something that'll work.

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 9:02 pm
by 79chevy39.5's
I have everything to install gears and lockers do it cheaper than any shop. Let me know if youd like me to do yours

Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2014 8:24 am
by 79chevy39.5's
I have everything to install gears and lockers do it cheaper than any shop. Let me know if youd like me to do yours

Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2014 7:25 pm
by Chadillac
79chevy39.3s - Would you also be able to weld on a truss/spring perches?

Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2014 10:40 am
by 79chevy39.5's
Yes If a prefabbed truss is used. I like artec trusses personally

Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 3:37 am
by klinger
I used a kit from mountain off road for my ford 8.8. You just have to measure everything and make sure everything is centered properly. With the axle gears install kit and buying a possie and all the brackets I think I was into it for around a $1000. Plus I was able to play with my lower link brackets and rotate them up which pushed the axle back almost an inch but also took the angle out of the lower arms.

Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 6:10 am
by Roman
I just looked at both M.O.R.E. and Artec, for the extra three and a half bucks I would get the Artec!

I was going to say you don't NEED to truss a 8.8, but it's almost FREE!!! And it should help locate some of the brackets, reducing install time (cost), and helping to improve accuracy.