Dave, your JK is really coming along. I was going to stop by the shop today to see how things were coming together but then thought I didn't want to interrupt Jim. Bet you can't wait to fire up the 6.1 beast! Really looking good!

 

I wish you had...you could have helped helped me...Jim is a slave driver. Seriously, I stayed out of his way, but he did let me borrow a few tools so that I could get the little stuff ready for Moab.

 

Lol! I would love to help you or Jim work on your rig. Maybe I can have the honor when you start stage two!

 

Wow dave cant wait too see the 43's on you jeep its look great!

 

Thanks guys. It was pretty exciting to hear the engine turning over even though Jim did not fire it up yet. He's being extra careful on this conversion just because the engine was a roll-over salvage and he does not want to miss anything that was damaged, etc., that might cause much bigger problems at the fire-up time. Even just turning over you can hear the difference between the big engine and the 3.8.

 

Sunday is the Lord's day, so no work done on the build today at the Higher Ground shop. But, Jim and I have been talking axles the past couple of days, and we may be changing plans a bit. Original plans called for a Dana 60 up front and a Dana 70 in the rear, but lately our favorite slogan has been "Go BIG," and in keeping with this theme, Jim is actively researching Dana 80's. I think I REALLY like the idea...

Some of my motivation for this comes from when Jim and I went to SEMA last year and I saw Mopar's Blue Crush, which runs a Dana 80 rear. Here's a couple photos I took at SEMA:

 

wow..........

 

D80's are pretty easy to find in a SRW configuration (Single rear wheel). Just look for a 90's cummins 1 ton dodge that is a non-dually. The majority of them came with D80's. They used it up until 2003 I believe. In 2004 they switched to AAM's. The 2000's ones may even have wheel speed sensors on them already (if you are concerned with that). But they are very stout units.

There is also the Dynatrac D80, but its cost some $$$$.

 

Thanks for the info! Jim mentioned a few Ford options that he's looking for in addition to Dodge.

I thought about the Dynatrac 80, but you're right about price - somewhere around $8K. They talked about them being available in May, but the latest I heard was that they aren't coming out until this summer. I can't wait that long, so back to the theme of this build - junkyard!

 

Great banner! Looking forward to seeing the trail sign in person I finally figured out how to subscribe so - done!
You're rig is going to be incredible. Remember when I told you that I'd follow you anywhere? I'm going to have to take that back. I love love love my Jeep but with each new stage of your upgrade mine seems to shrink just a little...
I can't wait for a ride in your Sluice stompin' rig