That trohpy truck statement is stretchin it. My rig is simular to a KOH type of rig, not a trophy truck.

If hes building abudget minded somewhat normal rig (not a custom/hardcore) why is he asking for advice in the hardcore corner?
He asked this in the hardcore section, so I assumed he was after hardcore advice not justification to run a cheap heavy huge pig.
If you are a broke ass noob with a mud rig then a 14 bolt is fine.
No hate, just pointing out another option.
I dont want a huge diff with not many gear choices, that weighs over a 1/4 ton.
I'm missing why a budget rig can't be hardcore?
What's wrong with a broke ass rock wheeler with a 14 bolt? There was a s*** ton of them out at the hammers for KOH.
do either of you run a 14bff? or are you just ragging on my opinion?
If you dont have a 14bff in your rig it was for a reason. Must be a different reason than mine.
my three reasons are, weight, clearance, gear selection. JMO.
Weight,
D60 with drums 480 Without ??
14 bolt with drums 550 without, 450
Drums on a 14 bolt are significantly heavier than a 60's drums are. So if you do a RDB conversion, you are looking at maybe a 50 lb difference between the two. And even less with the D60 HD's thicker axle tubes..
Clearance,
You can easily shave over 2" off of a 14 bolt without getting into the ring gear. More if you want to cut the ring gear. To tell you the truth, I do not know the exact difference between a mildly shaved 14 bolt and a D60. I would be amazed if it was more an a half inch tho..
Gear selection,
What gears do you want to run?
14 bolts go down to 5.38
The 60 does go to something like 7.71.
I suppose if you really want to run deep gears that is a important thing..
Lockers.
the 14 bolt does not have as great a supply of locker options. However, the Detroit is cheaper, and now that ARB is making a locker for the 14 bolt there are more options.
I really look at it this way, a 14 bolt is stupid cheap and strong. And yes, it is heavy and hangs down. However, a 60 is not that much better (weaker) and will cost more to get to the same strength.
Different strokes for different folks. But if you come on out swinging, please do not get annoyed when someone asks you Why they are only good as "boat anchors" or for "broke ass newbies in a mud truck".
Give people actual data that backs up your decision.