Don't Buy 1 Ton Axles Until You Compare These Costs

Let's talk about junk yard axle swaps! Over the last couple of years the cost of junk yard axles have skyrocketed in price. At the same time brand new axles have dropped in price substantially. Today I want you to let your guard down like I did and look at the costs of these options with an open mind. I was actually very surprised at what I found after crunching the numbers.
Fusion 4x4 didn't ask me to do this. In fact they had no idea I was working on this video until last week when I called to ask a couple questions.
These opinions are honest and the number crunching is accurate at the time I made the video. Enjoy!
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Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
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#4x4 #offroad #axleswap

[@jeremy8715]

HP Dana 30 + 40” tires = leaving me in peace and let me destroy my axle my way. 😁😆

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol

[@dallas9795]

Win!

[@jkontons6340]

I have done a junkyard 60 swap on my jk. Couple of things 1) when I did it there was no cheap option. 2) I bought stuff in stages to break up the cost of doing it all at once. 3) it all depends on your situation and skills. If I had money to spend, I would buy spidertrax fabbed axles. If I couldn’t afford them I would just junkyard swap again.

[@ipdjbt]

What a great video topic! These days, my time is worth more to me than when I was younger and inexperienced. Purchasing a custom axle for such a little cost differential over a DIY axle is a no brainer for me.

[@bspizzledizzle]

Time is something to consider as well. It takes a little while to just cut the brackets off a super duty axle.

[@bigmakgarage7283]

For the time put in to do this at my pay scale the used axel would have been at least $250 MORE expensive. The only reason that doing an axel like this can pan out is it allows you to spread the parts cost out over time. However they can become a problem in itself. Finding out months later you got the wrong part ect. This video pretty much sums up why I’m leaving a D30 under my YJ and sinking as little money in it as possible for my build. I’d rather save for a custom D44.

[@dirtbiker4376]

That ALONE makes the new option totally worth it!

[@Zapo9668]

Time is a huge one to concider. We all want our builds done. Not sitting in the garage.

[@ScottPlude]

I was thinking the same thng, pulling up a chair and grinding brackets off is not my idea of fun. It makes for a great instagram photo with all the sparks but that's about it.

[@zodiac8208]

Makes a lot of sense! With a custom made, Save time and a lot of work and headaches. Just plug and play!

[@GuyonaMoose]

And the most important cost. You go the “cheap” junkyard fix spend the money then when you realize you should have bought new then you do so the price has doubled overtime. I apply this analogy in many aspects of life.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

...including marriage.

[@MOTOWNN]

I went the crate axle route and loved it! ordered from ECGS a month or so later a fully built Dana 60 showed up ready to bolt in!

[@DirtLifestyle]

That's the ticket lol. I've always wanted to order an axle that is complete to bolt in. 👍

[@davidbrunner4413]

What was the price point for it

[@joshuabaker5712]

​@davidbrunner4413 from what I have looked into about 10k

[@jeffmyers7144]

Nice job Nate. I like the content and the attitude of give the big picture and letting folks figure it out for themselves. Seeing both sides, used or new, is always the best practice to plan on what is best for the individual. Again, nice work!

[@mihcael174]

$1000 or more for a used donor axle is ridiculous. I’d just move 😂

[@BuffMyRadius]

Or take a vacation to someplace in the Midwest where axles are cheaper. Okay, vacation might be a strong word.

[@mihcael174]

@@BuffMyRadius I just picked up a rolled over super duty complete frame with suspension and axles for $800. I’m sure they would be expensive up in the PNW or wherever they salt the roads but in the south most of this stuff is rust free and cheap. With the prices Nate mentioned I’d be all for a road trip too

[@pnwoffroader331]

@@mihcael174 we salt our roads like 2 days a year. Not a rust belt around here

[@phillipteems6617]

250 each with a choice of 4 types here on FB marketplace. Shhh

[@jameshall4385]

Great video. It is ridiculous that used parts with two hundred thousand miles on it are costing almost as much as new stuff. If people start buying more new parts, hopefully it will drive the cost of used parts down.

[@DirtLifestyle]

My thoughts exactly. An axle with 200k miles that might be bent? OR a brand new custom housing with a warranty. It's a no brainer to me

[@jaboff-road1776]

I paid 1500 bucks for front axles with 40,000 on them shipped to my house from across the country😅

[@paladinsmoke]

@@jaboff-road1776 u should have watched the video first 🤣

[@poker8193]

It depends on where you are too I got front and rear 1 tons ready to bolt under for 1,700$ that’s what I spent on axels spring perches for coils and 5:13 gears I did not go with moly shafts I figure they will be fine for what I’m doing

[@supersami7748]

Whether you go junk yard or aftermarket you need a few things you didn’t mention that going to cost money, sometimes a lot of money. Brakes, steering linkage, high steer arms ect. I’m sure you had a reason for the omission and this is the first time I’ve run across your channel. Good vid, I’m retired now and out of the business but I enjoy watching these kind of channels to see what new ideas are floating around. Back in the 1960’s and 1970’s all of the engineering was done around the campfire and a 6 pack.

[@JamesTremblay]

I think the omission was based on, "those things should be new anyway" assumptions. The same reason the 8.8 is a waste of time. Buy the time you've added the "ultimate 8.8" package (locker, shafts and bearing retaining upgrades) and a complete rebuild with brackets. Your damned near at the same costs as a new custom d60 or d44 with factory geometry.

[@st5637]

Many aftermarket come complete with updated disc brakes as an almost drop in unit.

[@duneattack]

Nate, kudos on the new graphics during the intro. I was so excited to see this title come up in my "feed" that i couldn't even wait for the content before I just had to comment! Thanks for doing this! I can't tell you how relevant this topic is right now with everyone tossing themselves into the off road motorsport with such reckless abandonment.

[@firesfury2012]

Nate! I love when you do information bomb video's like this one! I've already put alot of your tips into practice on my own projects and of course budget is always my primary concern. I'm the kind of guy that does what you do. When you release video's sharing information on projects I'm considering for my own rigs I can't help but be excited. THANK YOU for all of your outstanding content! Keep it up Nate! Because there may be a day you come across a Blue Dakota tearing up trails you've said we've gotta try.

[@magnithejeep1865]

great information, and very true i thought i could build out my axles to save allot of money and by the time you get all the good parts your within a couple hundred bucks of an fully built after market axle...i will most likely be just be buying axles for my ton swap. thanks for the great information as always!!! if you ever come east let me know! FL here.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! I've always used junk yard stuff. But recently I've discovered the cost of used parts have exceeded the value.

[@zacharybarlow3960]

Thanks for this info, I would never have thought it would be that similar in price.

[@bradbrabson4475]

After you factor in every thing from the knuckles out that comes with a junkyard axle that you have to go get and the problem that you can't get a get off the shelf shafts for spare doesn't make it even close

[@makingtechsense126]

Apparently I invested in precious metals when I bought my '08 Super Duty axle set almost 7 years ago. They've doubled in price.

[@pnwoffroader331]

Lol 100% ROI😂

[@silentjde]

But the custom axle didn’t come with knuckles, hubs or brakes ect, so you need to factory that into the price.

[@DirtLifestyle]

You are absolutely right. Add another 50 bucks for some junk yard knuckles 👍

[@billybadass411thefirst9]

@@DirtLifestyle Don’t forget unit bearings. That’s another $250-$400 per side.

[@gordowg1wg145]

I was about to raise that same point - perhaps a good compromise would be to buy the junk-yard axle, remove the brakes, etc, that aren't supplied with the custom axle, then flick on the rest - might come out pretty close to even if the market's as strong as suggested. Overall, when buying new one avoids buying someone else's problem - and if one's dropping that sort of money on the axle, it's not unlikely they'll be happy(ish) to add a bit more for new brakes and stub axles so they KNOW they're all good.

[@WeekendWrenchTurner]

Not that I'd ever do a one ton swap, but I've always enjoyed piecing parts together. Not to mention that buying them here and there is much better on my budget, but I think you're right that it would end up with an inferior results and no warranty. Good information to consider here👍👍🍺

[@SteveInGear]

Great video with lots of information for those of us that were debating junkyard axles vs new. One advantage I could see to going with a junkyard axle is being able to spread out the costs over a longer timeframe, for those of us with a limited monthly budget for upgrades. However, if someone doesn't have the ability or tools, the labor costs of building a junkyard axle also need to be factored in.

[@cheepojeepo5681]

Nate, another great video. My build is difficult and you make it more bearable. Don't spend a single breath on the haters. You have a great channel because you generate great content both on the trail and in the shop. Thanks from all of us.

[@nicksturm7932]

Just finished installing my Fusion axles. Don’t forget upgraded hubs!!

[@RyanWithAviators]

For WJ owners wondering, the WJ has a different setup than XJ's and TJ's. The track width is different and the spring perches are different as well. ZJ's do have complete axle compatibility with XJ's and TJ's.

[@Watchdog_UFOtestpilot]

I’m just saving up for Currie 60’s. I’ve weighed out all the costs, including my time. The clearance & higher pinion is a bonus.

[@llano748]

Thanks for the info. You answered a lot of my questions. Thinking about a future direction for my WJ. This helped a lot.

[@thedolt9215]

Good stuff, best four-wheel-drive channel on KZbin!

[@anthonymoreno47]

great video man appreciate the time and research that you put into your videos

[@kylancook3477]

Haven't watched the video yet, after building my junkyard 8.8 I was within a couple hundred bucks of an east coast fully built. Considering my time and consumables used, it would have been way more cost effective to just buy new

[@TheShooter466]

Finally my sunday morning content

[@Jonile2010]

The short side axle shaft on the +05 was my “no go” I did decide on a 79 f250 D44 Carl at Jantz is setting me up and w/RCV 30s just under 4K . Bolt up SOA to my LS swapped J truck .

[@Mountaineeronoff-road987]

I am in the process of doing a 05+ Dana 60 in my tj and now you got me thinking but I got the axle for 300$ which now I know it’s a steal

[@beachboy4928]

Great to see some Fusion love. They make great stuff!

[@georgemitchell8991]

Dude. Your are truely an awesome content creator. Your open minded thinking and constantly learning and helping us. 100percent love your work. Hope to one day shake your hand and maybe wheel with you

[@berryae74]

Good video that really filled in some questions I had about an axle swap for my LJ.

[@paulezk]

I definitely watched this info the first time you said it, but I'm a Dirt Lifestyle supporter! Good stuff Nate and good point!

[@nathanielfelong7673]

Good video and information..get my Fusion Kingpin Elite 60’s front and rear installed next week can’t wait..

[@craigversetti5700]

As usual great video Nate , THANK YOU !!!!

[@paulmartinez8337]

Great job on comparison!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@bdavis12758]

You are completely right with the prices. But I believe this video is for more of the hardcore wheelers. More of an every weekend on Moab or rubicon type stuff. For someone like me who road trips with a camper and doesn’t hit a hard trails might want to go the cheap junkyard route with factory axles. Either way, you are right. Right now I’m rocking a factory 91 suburban with a 14 bolt and an 8 lug 10 bolt and 4:10’s. This is perfect for me bc the factory parts are cheap and readily available at any given time at auto parts stores where as a chromoly shaft from Yukon isn’t readily available. I like wheelin but not the hardcore stuf just because I am usually attached to a camper and have my family with me..... either way, I love your videos and appreciate your hard work and thought that goes in them. You’re very knowledgeable and highly experienced. Can’t wait to see what’s up with your jeep truck! I’m also looking at a new wrangler 6 speed as a daily driver and road trip stuff with my pups.

[@603jeeper7]

Loving my East coast gear axles and the price was very reasonable 😉

[@jublejones9983]

I appreciate that you make mistakes and realize that it’s just part of the process. Learning lessons shared with the community is money well spent. I hope you earn those funds back with KZbin revenue...!

[@frediefarmer]

Great video Nate. I like your unbiased opinion.. I agree makes more sense to go with new/custom. Thanks

[@kevinhornbuckle]

This is very helpful. I see that they could readily make an axle for a totally different application than 4X4 off road.

[@tonyb2086]

Good show👍 your right. Axle's w/ .500 wall thickness tubes are available, and you can get custom caster angle, stock width, better ground clearance.

[@laughingachilles]

I have started planning an off-road campervan build (tearing it down to the bones and doing a full custom rebuild by myself) and this video has really made me rethink the idea of buying and rebuilding an older axle. I'm going to do some investigations and get some quotes for a custom built axle and see the price difference. If it ends up only £300-£400 more then I'll just have it made. The time and labour I could save myself is more than worth that sort of money. Thank you very much for this information.

[@051biohaz]

Don’t forget the time and skill required to build a junkyard axle the way you want it..great video, thanks for the upload

[@jessevella7616]

That’s what I was thinking that’s a major difference between a junk yard and crate axle

[@drewp503]

I bought a unit bearing dana50 for like $250, they have the same outers as a dana60...then go buy a fabricated 9" housing and build from there.

[@SevenBarSalvage]

I’ve been looking for a video like this thank you for all the info and keeping it short and to the point! I watch FB marketplace looking for a decent deal on a 05+ Dana 60. I constantly buy things with a cheaper upfront cost but when it’s all said and done I could have spent $200 and saved myself hours of labor. You should do a junkyard Dana 44 video just like this!

[@heavymonty]

Biggest difference i see between new and used parts is, a) TAX, and b) when building a used axle and buying parts it is done in multiple smaller transactions, which can be more manageable for lots of people....and also easier to hide from your wife!!!!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol great perspective 👌

[@Jeffsmess]

Classic

[@yepitsme431]

You need a different wife if you have to hide $$ expense from her; also ive done both junkjard and custom axles and its WAAAY better to just save the money and wait until you can drop it on a custom build; its the little things that you get going custom that adds up and makes a HUGE difference in the end, trust me; oh !! also slap a warranty too =)

[@heavymonty]

@@yepitsme431 ok bud! Saving works for some. Others buy and upgrade over time. Whatever floats your boat big man

[@Marco-fi6gv]

👍😂

[@dirtbiker4376]

Very fair comparison. Good job

[@alsmith1025]

Good info. Thanks for making this one.

[@StormbornJKU]

I’m a fan of buying aftermarket axles over junkyard axles every single time. Junkyard axles aren’t built for off-roading rigs. They’re built for on road trucks. Aftermarket axles are built with high clearance off-roading in mind. They come with a warranty. They can be completely custom made. They’re just better. And even if they’re more expensive they’re just plain better.

[@RadDadisRad]

They come already made, that’s a big deal. No squaring or truing.

[@runningproblem]

35 spline 1.6” axles shafts are 35 spline 1.6” axle shafts. No difference. The rocks and torque doesn’t know it is a spidertrack or a 79F350 front axle.

[@coyoteodie4458]

@@runningproblem big rock once asked me.."is that a spydertrax or f350?" I said "spydertrax" big rock said "you may pass" I shudder to think what might of happened if it had been a 350!!

[@arcdestriumph586]

F250's aren't used in the Oil Fields?.. So sloppy/muddy they have to get dragged into sites with Dozers? They are .. and while they are under warranty from Ford they endure this. Enjoy the fairytale "not made for offroad" cupcake sprinkles.

[@reisen-5970]

In short Junkyard axle= build your rig around the axle, Custom Axle: Built for your rig haha

[@sliii9163]

Great vid helped out opening my mind

[@eeassa]

Great summary. Thanks Nate!

[@jefferyanderson3524]

So true! It’s crazy how much people are asking for used parts here in PNW!

[@laynebrannon9129]

Great video and i Iike the idea of being able to custom order it in different wms lengths.

[@melrichardson2392]

Enjoyed your show and comments well done and it's the truth.

[@0731mm]

Great observation. Time, effort badly spent energy. What’s it worth. Look at the DATA. The after market is very competitive with pricing and great products. Thanks Nate

[@BroncoPatriot]

One thing many ppl forget is your time to prep, weld everything and put all of the components into the axle is $$$. So for $200 more this is all done and you just add oil and mount into your TJ is WELL worth the $200 difference. Great vid!

[@Scrambler85]

I came to this conclusion years ago, great topic. 👍

[@mikemorgan4670]

Great vid. Good solid info. Thanks.

[@TM-tg4yn]

This video is absolutely the truth. It’s sad that used stuff has climbed up so much though. Takes the fun out of making something work that you wouldn’t normally see out there.

[@jessealtemeier108]

Good info, keep up the good work bud 👍

[@neverlostadventures]

I'm way late coming to this but, now I have tons of questions. Hopefully see you at KoH this week. Great content.

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Thanks for sharing!!! Very useful, trust but verify!

[@JohnDoe-du6yi]

What about shipping cost? I could see that axle costing $500 to ship

[@TimmyG2011]

Great video as always.

[@piperproductionsinc.1498]

The biggest reason I see for using a junkyard axle is I can get into a dana 60 and feasibly put it on my rig for 1500$. This starting cost is way lower than 4500$ for a custom axle. Then, later on, I can put lockers, axles shafts, and all the other goodies on it when I can afford it. It may not be cheaper in the long run, but I can spread 4500$ out over several months or years and make it more affordable. This is how I did my junkyard dana 44 swap into my Cherokee at 16.

[@piasprojects]

Thank you for doing this comparison. I have done a junkyard swap with a Ford 8.8 but for the front I have looked at custom built Dana 44. Time is a big factor for me and for $200 more that is well worth it. There is always a risk with a junkyard axle, like is it straight or bent? The argument some may have about reusing stuff, I would advise against is. You already have the axle tore apart and you a building a project then might as well replace the wearable parts. I also agree with upgrading to Chromoly, again it is worth the upgrade. I think I saw someone say brakes too, well I like new pads and rotors as well. Great video and I appreciate the true apples to apples comparison.

[@delinquentdesign]

Thanks Nate you always make sense

[@raystevens687]

Hi your video is very informative thanks so much.

[@KLXOverland]

Great content Sir and greetings from Finland! You mentioned WJ when you listed suitable Jeeps for that bracket kit. What is your general opinion about WJ and would you build one to you self?

[@Troche571]

I couldn't agree with you more, I'm going with ECGS for their custom 44's, Detroit Lockers front and rear.

[@S.Lueck88]

Great comparison!!

[@davetod285]

I did something similar when I was building my Chevelle. I rebuilt a junkyard rear end instead of ordering an out of the box 9inch. I payed almost as much and spent wayyyy more time piecing everything together.

[@legitdelirium3446]

Big pro of a junkyard axle is parts availability. Chances are somebody you know, somebody on a Facebook group, etc. Will have what you need when something breaks. But when you go with a custom axle and you HAVE to order and extra set custom axle shafts or you're just screwed. At least upgrading stock shafts and keeping them in the tow rig can get you a bit more drive time

[@armourbl]

Great video. Thanks for doin g it. I'm no where near needing a Dana 60 but find it very interesting.

[@jackiejoe8930]

Really I think it all boils down to being an educated consumer. Some times junk yard stuff works and some time it don't. Thanks for the education.

[@BigSouth208]

What about knuckles, spindles, hubs, and brakes? Most junkyard axles will have a lot of that stuff already?

[@DirtLifestyle]

Yep most do. Knuckles and hubs are certainly relevant to the conversation but I would never consider using junk yard brakes in a build. Safety is first, everything else second. Perhaps I should have tacked on 50 bucks for a set of junk yard Knuckles with the fusion 4x4 option

[@austinandannah5357]

@@DirtLifestyle I got a set of 79 f250 axles from the junk yard in west New York and the Dana 44 has the big dual pistons and the rubber seals were fine. I reused them👌🏻

[@DirtLifestyle]

@@austinandannah5357 cool! Personally I will never reuse old brakes from a junk yard. But I'm glad it work out in your case 👍

[@firstwordcar]

@@DirtLifestyle nothing wrong with junkyard brakes as long as you check the seals and piston movement. If you bought a used car you wouldn’t think twice about using the brakes on it...no difference

[@DirtLifestyle]

@@firstwordcar Not sure how I could be more clear about this with out sound like a d-bag. Here it goes... If you go to school to get an ASE certification there is one word that gets touched on repeatedly when these schools teach brakes... contamination. You can't compare a used car with junk yard brakes because an axle sitting out in the rain is completely exposed to the elements. How long was this axle and brakes sitting outside? 6 months? A year? Once you introduce contamination into the system how can you tell that there is no corrosion on the inside of the piston? If you are pulling the piston and actually rebuilding the calipers then we completely agree. In this instance junkyard brakes can be used but If you are saying that by looking at the outside of a caliper is "inspecting" it then we do not agree. Your brakes are the most important system you have in the rig your servicing and the stakes are sooooo high if they fail. I'm One of the few people I know that was actually trained on how to service and inspect brakes properly. And because of my understanding of these systems I use caution. My life (and yours) depends on it.

[@holdenc3082]

Hey thanks for this. I really like your channel. I’m looking at solid axle swapping a 98 Chevy Tahoe. This gives me something to think about and not feel like I have to jump on the first Dana 60 that comes along at a halfway decent price.

[@tiredofinsanity]

In the last 6 months I've been through this same thing. I ended buying my first set of new axles ever. After looking at costs for used and making them work in my wj project the price point wasn't that much more for new. Don't get me wrong it hurt a bit🤣 I've always used junkyard or used parts in my builds to keep costs down. Your point that we just don't live in that time anymore is true and will only get worse as time goes on as parts are used up. The mental struggle is real but long live the aftermarket!

[@jtdehaanjr]

Great video nate. Been pondering doing a ultimate 30 or getting d44's. This might be a good route if i can get them custom narrowed...

[@Sea_Bass_99]

I bought a pair of jy 08 superdutys for $350 and it was already geared to what I needed.

[@michaelloch3783]

Very interesting, thank you!

[@chrisrankin435]

Very good info thanks

[@SpooxyCowboy1911]

ty this helped me a ton bc i was trying to figure out the cost of a dana 60 swap. I wouldnt be able to do all the stuff necessary to truss an axle, i dont know how to weld, i dont have a grinder, and i definitely dont trust myself cutting things off the axle, so having a shop do all that stuff for me would add to the expense. however i can do the axle swap myself so this makes things far more appealing when it comes to $$$

[@PabloMcMartins88]

Great vid Nate..

[@adventuresbyknight9348]

Thanks for the insight

[@snowysysadmin59]

Look man, im just gonna grab some popcorn and sit back for this XD

[@davidbrunner4413]

KZbin professionals, I'm building a K5 Blazer as a daily driver with moderate overlanding capabilities. I'm looking for a 3/4 ton front and rear axle set to handle this 7,000lb Blazer on 35" tires. The other components I have on the build include front and rear dual shocks, NP208 transfer case, 700R-4 tranny, and L05 TBI 5.7L

[@WadeGauthier]

I put ecgs 60 rear 44 front in my WJ and it works fine

[@zephgage3694]

wow i feel like i got a great deal, i paid 350$ for front and rear 06 axles in michigan

[@justinninke6405]

This is definitely a hobby and fabrication is fun. That said, I don't have a lot of extra spare time at the moment, and also consider the time I am using to fab, as labor hours, cause if you didn't do it you would have to pay someone too do it. Thus, my time is valuable and the $200 difference is thrown out and it goes way into the favor of the custom axle from all the time you save. I love fabrication but if I only have enough time to be wheeling or building, I know which one I am choosing every time. Nice job on the video, this will be an eye opener for many including myself.

[@danielkennedy5210]

I did a 1 ton junkyard swap on my 88 4runner back in 2004 and with prices of custom axles id go that route plus dont forget the added cost of going tons upgraded steering, ram assist, brake master cylinder/possibly booter and beefing up frame to name a few

[@davidcooper3957]

I did consider building my own but Instead bought danatrac pro 60’s for my jku. Just rebuilt my old axles and installed them on my wife’s jku with the 4:56 trutrac gear set and 37” mud grapplers

[@joerouth6255]

I have a JK with 35’s and a truetrac. How does truetrac do with jump to 37’s. I heard it’s a little to much tire for truetrac and locker is now needed. Any first hand experience with??

[@kyhillbillys10]

This is tempting for my s10 sas.

[@jlautomotive6349]

Another great video 👍 Wish I had more disposable income, would love to build 1 ton Axel swap... For now you keep up the incredible work!

[@ahwee77329]

Waiting for you to make video on a Overland rear bumper for Tacoma. Good video as always ☺️,👍👍👍

[@eddiel5189]

A lot of good points made in the discussions. I did not have time to read all of it so maybe this point has already been made, the knowledge to do everything to a junkyard or aftermarket axle to get it to the bolt-in point. I do not have that knowledge or skill set so to me you should have added in a reasonable labor cost for the work that needed to be done to these axles. I went the junkyard axle route about 12-13 years ago. The initial cost of a set of matching front and back '77 Ford Dana 60's wasn't bad at $1250, but after buying all the parts and paying someone to put it all together, it really added up. I have not, however, broken a single u-joint or axle shaft on either axle in 12 years of wheeling since it was complete. I run a 5.3L Chevy, have 38.5 Boggers on a stretched TJ and don't shy away from very many obstacles. Probably should not have put that out there! lol I put all my gearing into the trans and t-case. I have a SM465 with a 7.2:1 first gear and a 5:1 Atlas so even with the stock 3.54 gears left in the axle (saved me money) my crawl ratio is up over 120:1. It works for me. Great video and good discussion point. I think if i was building mine today after watching this, I would go after market for the minimal cost difference.