One thing to add for those that have built axles already is whatthe market is going for their current stuff. I..e a pair of RUBI built axles (trussed, geared 5.13's, upgraded ball joints, dif cover, sleeved, chromolly, steering, lockers, etc) runs about $4-5K used easily. Add to that if you have 35 or 37" tires and beadlocks for another $1000-2000. In my case I am hoping that selling the axles will help offset the build cost on the one tons. Not everyone needs one tons, and for some overkill or just more weight etc. Aside form putting some time (I enjoy working on my rig and learning about it at the same time).
As far as lockers, the only selectable I am debating getting is the front, and I am still on the fence about that, and may end up just going with a Detroit front and rear. I thought long and hard about going with SD's and they seem like a great deal until you add knuckle machining mods and replacing a unit bearing setup, plus SD specific wheels (smaller amount of options compared to 8X6.5). At the same time 2005 and up and even better 2011 and up SD axles have a lot of beef and can be found with 35 spline inner and outers. The unit bearing cost is about $400 per side on a SD, compared to about $50 in bearings that can be easily obtained off the shelf. My familiarity with Dana 60's and 14 bolt compared to SD's made it a very attractive path in my case, however I would not discount SD axles as they bring the beef
Yesterdya I mocked up the 40's next to the Jeep and started salivating to get this done
So far on the list:
Axles:
1- Dana 60 Front $1000
2- 14 bolt $200
3- gears, lockers and master install kits - about $1500
4- Artec truss fr and rear $800
Extras (some are optional items):
5- high steer setup (arms and one ton tie-rod and draglink) $500 (note I do not believe Dyna includes the steering components on their setup)
6- Brakes - front - $100 front and rear pads, rotor resurfacing, misc
7- Rear disc brake conversion - $200 - rear bracket from Ruffstuff
8- dif covers - ruffstuff about $150
9- 35 spline outers and joints plus manual hubs - $200
so about $4000 to $4500 so far in parts
