Rear axle strength?

[Broknrunner]

So I'm upgrading to RCV's up front, what are the best options for the rear axle? I primarily wheel in the snow where weight does matter a little, but it would also be a really bad place to get stuck if an axle fails. I'm definitely on a budget due to having too many projects, but I know that a rear axle failure in 4ft of snow 20+ miles from the closest point I could get a trailer scares me a bit...

I have read a few threads and it sounds like the OEM SF shafts are pretty strong but there may be a service life, and there have been problems with chromo shafts? What about FF conversions, hybrid axles, cut down 14 bolts? I would like to stay 6 lug just because tires are newish and I spent the time to build the 15" bead locks, but I'm definitely open to all options.

Current gearing is 4.56 but it's not low enough for the 39.5's and I'll be looking at options for lower gearing, whether it's diff, t-case, or something else sometime in the future as well.

Considering all this, what are the best options for the rear axle?

 

[cruisermatt]

What's your driving style like?

 

[Mace]

39.5" tires under a 60?

Go narrowed 14 bolt for the most cost effective swap.

 

[cruisermatt]

You can buy 6-lug hubs for a 14-bolt as well to keep your wheels.

 

[Mace]

yep, shorten one side (Use two short side axles) and redrill the hubs.

 

[Broknrunner]

I'm pretty easy on the throttle and only really wheel in the snow. The only birfield I have broken was backing down a into a draw and must have cranked the wheel just right, or was just it's time to go. I don't know how it was driven before I owned it.

After finding a few more threads I'm interested in opinions on an 80 rear axle swap using my 60 diff and chromo shafts? I think I could find an 80 rear without the third fairly easily and it seems like a simple option and I could get home if I break an axle with the FF.

Are there any good write ups or resources on how to do the 14 bolt? My hesitation with this is a lack of 5.29 gears(which I would like to do in the future), weight, and less ground clearance.

 

[Mace]

14 Bolt axles in Land Cruisers

 

[nonamemtbr]

You can always shave your 14bolt. In fact such a deal have for you if you are interested. I just happen to have this full kit brand new in the box. 15 Bolt Conversion Complete Kit - 14 Bolt Shave Kits - Axle & Drivetrain 375.00 shipped to the lower 48. Bought it for a jeep project i never followed through with.

 

[Broknrunner]

14 Bolt axles in Land Cruisers

That's a lot of good info, thank you.

 

[Broknrunner]

You can always shave your 14bolt. In fact such a deal have for you if you are interested. I just happen to have this full kit brand new in the box. 15 Bolt Conversion Complete Kit - 14 Bolt Shave Kits - Axle & Drivetrain 375.00 shipped to the lower 48. Bought it for a jeep project i never followed through with.

That is a cool kit and a good deal, is it the one that requires machining the ring gear or no machining?

 

[Broknrunner]

Are there any personal experiences running a centered 14b with the offset transfer case? Or for that matter a centered transfer case with offset diff?

That offset 14b is awesome, not necessarily a cheap option though once you go all in.

 

[Mace]

That is a cool kit and a good deal, is it the one that requires machining the ring gear or no machining?

They have both..

 

[nonamemtbr]

That is a cool kit and a good deal, is it the one that requires machining the ring gear or no machining?

Its the one that requires machining. However you can buy the gears already machined. I just cant remember who carries them that way.