Axle builds: ideas and opinions

Prepping to rebuild my axles. Front Dana 27 and rear offset flanged 44. I am NOT going with a dana 30 up front so, no discussion on that needed. But, I have my plan for the work and and hoping for some input from those who have done it before. As most of you know, it takes me for freekin' ever to get things done so, we have time. I'm still buying tools and parts.

General :
Power Locks in both axles -- this JEEP does not see snow (salt)
4.88 gearing
Considering 4 wheel disc----intermediate swinging pedals already in use with factory 10 inchers
---maybe front disc and rear 11 inches
--- maybe 11 inchers all the way around (I have them in a boxes in the garage)

Let's start up front, since that's where I'm gonna start. In addition to adding a Power Lock, after I rebuild it, there will be ALL new bearings and the knuckle stud conversion. At this point, I have 2 questions:

1) Are there any issues with the knuckle stud conversion and putting disc brakes up front?

2) Suggestions with setting up the front Power Lock , i.e. standard set up, more aggressive, less aggressive.

Note: The rear Power Lock has been purchased as an already rebuilt unit (from a reliable seller
and reliable rebuilder). I do not know in what configuration it was set up.

 

Thanks, Patrick. That's one concern off the list. I wish I got things done as fast as you.

One thing I forgot to mention: I have 2 hole knuckle for the front also. Considering using it and considering the tie rod flip. I run skinny tires, 33 x 9.50s. Eventually will end up with 33 x 10.50s. Thoughts on the 2 holer and the flip are welcome as well on the original information above.

Found pinion depth is supposed to be at 2.094 in an older FSM (don't have one for my '71--ducking). Confirm or deny this measurement.

 

I'm hoping to get back to wheeling one of these days, when I get a trailer.

In regard to the brakes......wet trails and water crossings are not uncommon in this area. I have spent enough time trying to stop a JEEP with wet drums. There will be disc brakes at at least one end. Just feeling out thoughts about putting them on all corners.

Yea, Patrick....I'll bet that Tuxedo is zippy. Got any video of it running around?

 

The 2 hole knuckle is a worthwhile modification to make on any D25/D27 axle.
If you choose to go the 1 piece tie rod and draglink as well , there will be much less effort to turn the steering wheel.
It's very apparent with manual steering boxes.

 

JEEP steers very easy now with manual saginaw box and related tie rods. Really just want to get away from that goofy TRE with the hole in it to accept the TRE from the drag link. It's sort of an odd ball part and not found in a pinch at FLAPs. I have spares, but, ya know. Also thinking of the tie rod flip. Maybe not right now as this is getting expensive enough. I am going to to the knuckle stud conversion to a 2 holer while doing it to the 2 standard ones for the Dana 27. That way I'll have it ready to go when the time comes.

Focker: I am totally happy with my flanged 44. Not really interested in the full floater rear at this point. maybe someday but, for now, I have no real need or want for it. Been researching the rear disc thing for the 44. Parts shouldn't be too hard to source.

I'm am truly getting to the point where, when all these components are ready to go in, I should just yank the body off and go over everything while installing all the stuff. The T18 is still sitting there waiting and there are several things I need to address when THAT finally goes in.