Birfield Q

[cwb]

What happens when a birfield breaks? I hope you don't perceive this as a stupid question.

Also, with a planned upgrade to 35x12.50 tires, should I expect birfield problems?

Thanks.

 

[TOY350]

I would only expect birfiled problems when you install a locker in the front. I have not experienced a birfield break yet, but I installed some Longfields up front when I put in my Auburn LSD unit. I know the LSD unit shouldn't break a birfield but I took the extra step anyways. I personally wouldn't worry unless you throw a locker up front.

 

[jesterb]

It makes a loud pop, then you limp back to camp in 2wd if you cant find a trail spare. Then you change it while 7 to 10 people drink beer and give advice.

As Toy350 said, your real trouble comes with a locked front diff.

 

[HZJ60 Guy]

Well, the locker answer is mostly right. What kills them most is backing up (the weight of the rig is now on the front end) and turning. They "pop" big time. Then there are parts GRINDING away inside the knuckle. You jump out turn that hub out and limp (dick) back home. As you drive those parts usually grind into little parts. Ive changed a few. LongFields are the way to go for sure.

These babies are worth their weight in gold.

Longfields

That is a big reason why I like ARB air lockers so much. You can turn the damn thing OFF when you dont need and when you're going to back up and turn.



TB

 

[jesterb]

There was a big write-up in trails a little while back covering birfields. While its true that backing up while locked does put a great strain on the joint, the same can be said for hopping and other situations.

 

[HZJ60 Guy]

There was a big write-up in trails a little while back covering birfields. While its true that backing up while locked does put a great strain on the joint, the same can be said for hopping and other situations.

I agree with the hopping senario, but turning puts the joint in its weakest position. Can you name other break situations?


TB

 

[CardinalFJ60]

Locking up my 60...should I think about Longs?

So, I'm in the long process of locking up the 60 (front and rear), and switching to 4:11's. Once the wallet allows, I'll be putting on 33's.

The question is:
Do you think I should be considering Longs while I've everything torn out? Or just be careful not to abuse the front while locked?

I have more time than money...so putting things off until I could afford Long's would be an option. And, I do like the idea of the peace of mind an overbuilt front end would give me...but is it really worth it?

thanks,

CardinalFJ60

 

[HZJ60 Guy]

So, I'm in the long process of locking up the 60 (front and rear), and switching to 4:11's. Once the wallet allows, I'll be putting on 33's.

The question is:
Do you think I should be considering Longs while I've everything torn out? Or just be careful not to abuse the front while locked?

I have more time than money...so putting things off until I could afford Long's would be an option. And, I do like the idea of the peace of mind an overbuilt front end would give me...but is it really worth it?

thanks,

CardinalFJ60

That is a very difficult question to answer. The easy answer is to say to buy the Longs. Its always easy to spend other peoples money. The trouble is that depending how deep you get into wheeling and a specific senario loosing a birfield can put you in trouble. Then what if the other one breaks? If you are going to lock your front and NOT go ARB, then for goodness sake carry a set (or three) of stock spare birfields. And if you have to back up and turn tight open a hub (if practical) before you do so.

TB

 

[CardinalFJ60]

Thanks...

Yeah...going ARB. And I appreciate your candor...I LOVE spending other people's money, too!

I'll have to mull this over, for sure...but as we all know, once you've got the bug, you always want to tackle harder terrain, and therefore - bigger tires, better supsension, more power, even lower gears, and the list goes on...hmmmmm....

thnks...

CardinalFJ60

 

[lovetoski]

Cardinal,

Longs w/core are cheap - $55 approx I think. I've rebuilt my front axle, and it took a big chunk of time. I don't want to do it on the trail. If I had the money to put a locker in the front, I'd absolutly put longs in as well. As you say, once you have the tool (the locker) you want to use it, and therefore harder trails are inevitable.

Human pyschology 101 - if you "need" two lockers, then you need longs.

I'm still working on affording the rear locker...and a few other things...

JMO

 

[CardinalFJ60]

more time than $$

LtS, I think you're right on doing it right the first time. I've been sitting on this for so long, I'm OK with a little more time. Until this week, the rear locker and comp. were sitting in my garage for over 18 months while trying to save for more parts. It adds up quickly, but that's alright - I'll have this thing forever.

thanks for the advice,

Cardinal FJ60

 

[CardinalFJ60]

HAH! NEED Front lockers...funny...

I just got a good chuckle out that from your previous post...Need!? not yet...but it's that bug ya' get when you're already in there and your thinking....is now the time to do 4.11'?...I mean...I'll get the 33's in the future...Arrrrgh...I can think of worse addictions. My wife calls it "truck Porn"...

 

[lovetoski]

I just got a good chuckle out that from your previous post...Need!? not yet...but it's that bug ya' get when you're already in there and your thinking....is now the time to do 4.11'?...I mean...I'll get the 33's in the future...Arrrrgh...I can think of worse addictions. My wife calls it "truck Porn"...

My wife calls it "cruiser porn" - keeps me out of trouble though...

 

[jesterb]

I agree with the hopping senario, but turning puts the joint in its weakest position. Can you name other break situations?
TB

I'm trying to find that back issue of trails. Any sudden gain in traction is what I think he was getting at.