FSJ Expedition thoughts......

[lobie]

I have a 79 Cherokee chief that I am currently swapping the motor out with a 12v cummins. I have always wanted to do an expedition style build.

What are some things I need to consider?


The jeep will be completely gone through. Along with the cummins will be a 5 speed and a np205 transfer case. Axles are unimog portals.

 

[BIGdaddy]

reliability
servicability
upgrades to parts/systems that are more robust or convenient
redundancy

With a good diesel, a solid manual, the renown np205 I'd say you have a solid platform.

The unimog portals are going to be very hard to find parts for, and even harder to find a shop that will want or know how to work on them.

Your truck came stock with D44 axles likely, and with the torque of a diesel I'd day a front dana 60 and a rear 14-bolt from a 1-ton chevy, dodge, ford of the same vintage would be a better idea.

They'd be like 10 times cheaper, and 10 times more prevalent at parts houses from alaska to tierra del fuego.

good stuff, dude. good luck.

 

[lobie]

I agree about the one tons. I already have the axles. I have a couple places that can get parts. Working on them is pretty easy. Not much different than a regular axle except the gears at the hubs.

I would get some tons if I could sell theses. Haven't got anyone to buy them so I am going to plan on using them. They are 4 ton axles so they should hold up very well. I won't be doing any rock crawling so the should be good.

 

[lobie]

Here are some pics.

The cummins

The proposed axles unless I can sell them

 

[BIGdaddy]

yup, beef for sure. I guess it depends on what you're doing.

If you're at all serious about selling, I'm sure they'd fly off the shelves at a place like www.pirate4x4.com/forum. I could see those easily fetching $2000-3000.00 there.

What are your travel plans that made you want those? Mog guys ARE fairly unstoppable, for sure.

 

[BIGdaddy]

oh, and nice lookin' rig!

 

[lobie]

I like the robust of them. I also used to do rock crawling. So for strength it was a no brainer. I want to do more adventures with the family. I got tired of breaking parts and my body all the time. Been a member of pirate for a long time. They just aren't sell right now. I am on the fence on selling them. They are pretty simple and I have all the manuals and part numbers. They also have a factory air locker already in them.

 

[BIGdaddy]

I like the robust of them. I also used to do rock crawling. So for strength it was a no brainer. I want to do more adventures with the family. I got tired of breaking parts and my body all the time. Been a member of pirate for a long time. They just aren't sell right now. I am on the fence on selling them. They are pretty simple and I have all the manuals and part numbers. They also have a factory air locker already in them.

Def. sounds like you've thought about it, so if it suits your needs/wants then have at it for sure!:victory:

 

[shortbus4x4]

You going to be able to get the Cummins in the right RPM range with those axles? And still run some sensible tires? I will have to take a closer look at your build on IFSJA site.

 

[lobie]

You going to be able to get the Cummins in the right RPM range with those axles? And still run some sensible tires? I will have to take a closer look at your build on IFSJA site.

What's a sensible tire on mog axles? 42+
I'm thinking in the 40-44 range. I know what you're saying.

 

[Doctor W]

reliability
servicability
upgrades to parts/systems that are more robust or convenient
redundancy

With a good diesel, a solid manual, the renown np205 I'd say you have a solid platform.

The unimog portals are going to be very hard to find parts for, and even harder to find a shop that will want or know how to work on them.

Your truck came stock with D44 axles likely, and with the torque of a diesel I'd day a front dana 60 and a rear 14-bolt from a 1-ton chevy, dodge, ford of the same vintage would be a better idea.

They'd be like 10 times cheaper, and 10 times more prevalent at parts houses from alaska to tierra del fuego.

good stuff, dude. good luck.

X2.....

I love the idea of Unimog portal axles, but.......for the reasons above, the Dana 60 are definitely an idea to think long and hard about......and you can get massive strenght increases......consider putting in the ultra severe duty hi-alloy CV (Rzeppa type) front joints in the front (steering) axle.

 

[Doctor W]

X2.....

I love the idea of Unimog portal axles, but.......for the reasons above, the Dana 60 are definitely an idea to think long and hard about......and you can get massive strenght increases......consider putting in the ultra severe duty hi-alloy CV (Rzeppa type) front joints in the front (steering) axle.

Having re-read the whole lot of peep's pros and cons, I'd say go for it!!!.....where can we follow your build please?????

 

[lobie]

X2.....

I love the idea of Unimog portal axles, but.......for the reasons above, the Dana 60 are definitely an idea to think long and hard about......and you can get massive strenght increases......consider putting in the ultra severe duty hi-alloy CV (Rzeppa type) front joints in the front (steering) axle.

I have less than 2k in these axles. If I sell them and get 60's then I need (want) to put lockers in the front and rear. Then strengthen the axles with new shafts...... I'd have more $$$ in the front 60 then in the combined mogs.
The shafts in the mogs are 1.75" in diameter plus has reduction in the hubs. I don't see the shafts breaking.

Having re-read the whole lot of peep's pros and cons, I'd say go for it!!!.....where can we follow your build please?????

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=137471

 

[timgr]

The Dodge D60 is popular as an upgrade for the front axle, then the 14 bolt for the rear. Not an expert on these, but I believe that the 14b will save you quite a lot of money over a D60 rear ... unless you just happen to luck into the D60. But you probably know this ... since you have a thread on IFSJA.

 

[lobie]

Would anyone want me to post my build progress on this forum? Since I will be going more on the path of an expedition/adventure vehicle I may get more suggestions on interior mods here.