Jk 1 Ton Axle Swap - Episode 1

Welcome to the first of many episodes of the 1 Ton Swap series!
Axles I will be using are: 2005 Superduty Dana 60 front axle, and a 14bolt rear axle from a 2500.
These swaps aren’t suited for everyone, they take a lot of time and work to complete. However the final result is an extremely strong drivetrain that can handle large tires and big power!
Stay tuned for future videos including; Truss swap kits, gears and locker installation, steering setup, brakes, custom trackbar and control arm mounts (frameside), ABS compatibility, and of course a video testing these bad boys Offroad!
More Videos up! Check out the One Ton Swap Playlist with all the videos! • 1 Ton Swap Video Series

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Update!! 7SlotCustoms.com aka Barnes4wd Jeep Specific Line of parts has offered 10% off the swap truss kits and everything else on their site using the code jkgear Make sure to check out the Playlist!! All videos will be posted in order! kzbin.info/aero/PLNBgnXDC0Wj48f9RjnIAejAYU_akFXnp-

[@raylaux8295]

Nice to see a old school axle swap. All the new bees don't remember how we did it 20-30 years ago. There was no aftermarket ready made options.

[@ljbenziger]

The series everyone has been looking for

[@JeepGearGadgets]

Looking forward to this!!! Finally!!

[@rareearthfab5511]

Well here we go! Look forward to the series!

[@rodwood693]

We've been waiting a long time for this, super stoked! 👍🏼

[@hivoltagedriver]

I'm running this setup on my 2017. I have about 7K miles on it so far with very few (minor) issues so far. I sold my Rubicon D44s, and only ended up with ~$3000 out of pocket. 2006 F350 D60 front, 2006 GMC 2500 14-bolt rear, ARBs, 5.13s, all new brakes, bearings, seals, ball joints, tie rods, Artec trusses, and powder coating. I did keep my Metalcloak mid-arms and they work fine. I will probably be long-arming the front this summer though. I used the stock Ford style crossover steering, but upgraded the drag link and tie rod with parts from Precision Metal Fab.

[@phantomwalker8251]

why use 14 bolt,are' nt d60 rear only $300.

[@davelamb3303]

Great introduction video, nice details and pros and cons. Can wait to watch every video. Cheers!

[@bryanmuck1651]

This is going to be awesome! Keep up the great work Ben!

[@josearriaga9303]

Looking forward to this! I've been wanting to do this to mine. Love the videos man keep up the good work.

[@desmoguy]

Great info video. I'm looking forward to the series!

[@IB08Sahara]

Great video Ben! Looking forward for the installation.

[@adamaldinger6960]

Oh yeah for sure watching this install all the way! Ben thanks for putting this and sharing

[@JKsouthwest]

Great job looking forward to following along!

[@angelmtz4you]

Love your channel man, keep it up!

[@brijdelada3435]

You're the man! Can't wait to see the final product!!!!

[@Tsmace33]

Thank God! Finally a good video about axle swaps

[@briabbriboski59]

This will be a cool series, looking forward to it

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

🤙 love it... definitely gonna be following this series

[@rickrochell2571]

AWESOME! Thanks for all the great info, great video!

[@StormbornJKU]

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!!!!!! I don’t think I’ll ever do an axle swap myself. Don’t have the tools, the knowledge, the skills, etc. I’d probably end up buying some aftermarket axles and spending the money. But this series will for sure be exciting to watch. Don’t plan on missing an episode!

[@clintdavis9717]

Cool looking forward to the series!

[@Crawlerjamie]

Thanks for this series. Lots of the info I needed for a sas on my Toyota.

[@petemiller519]

Dude, thank-you so much for doing this. Thumbs up, subscribed. Cheers from Canada.

[@CurbowUSMC]

Great info! Thanks for the videos.

[@joshuacripe1514]

Been looking forward to this video, looks like your excited as well lol... Stay warm Ben.

[@geneticmaskmen]

Best way to start off the year

[@RED_ONE_BOWHUNTING]

Excited for this series 👌🏼

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It’s gonna be a ton of work, but the final result will be worth it for sure. Spent 6 hours yesterday grinding that front axle down 😂

[@a.c.garcia9983]

Looking forward to watching this series

[@4LowConcepts]

This is going to be awesome

[@scottjackson4473]

Great series

[@TheoneDragon51]

About time to beef up your axles. Looking forward to this build.

[@mikem5831]

Nice intro. Looking forward to this. Starting my HP30 and 8.8 this weekend. Cleaning up the 30 first. The brake cost I figured into my budget because I wasn't going to put used brake parts back on as both axles have been sitting and I really didnt know the history. Just didn't make sense to me, all these new parts and old rusty brakes. Lol.

[@TheRamie]

Can’t wait for this series, no plans of doing this to my JL lol but I’ve been wanting a series like this

[@MARC11B]

Lookin forward to it!

[@pharic100]

looks like fun keep up the good video thanks

[@AdventuresOfRogersAndHenderson]

Excited to check out this series! I know there won’t be a ton of carryover, but hope to pick up some tips and tricks for when it’s time to swap out the IFS on the Bronco!

[@HonestWarrior]

Been watching abunch of your videos lately. Iv got a 2011 JKU just bought the exact same D60 (08 superduty frnt) and a 14 bolt (not sure on year) and they look exactly like yours. Following the series and cant wait to get started!

[@ferris_outdoors5866]

Awesome video! I plan to do this one day with some 37s! I'm in the process of building and recording my cheroke xj!! I'm doing it all on a budget in my drive way with basic tools. I love the content and motivation you have for this awesome hobby! Keep it up!! -BUILT_4X4_MUD!!!

[@danielklamfoth1]

Just finished putting the same axles under my JK! Good luck, its ALOT of work but definitely doable.

[@allanwagner4570]

cool vid I just up graded my tj dana 44s both ends from 30&35 E lockers both ends from tru trac rear & aussie up front rubicon express extreme duty 4.5 in long arm kit 4.56 gears 17x11.5x33 in tires

[@davidgreen9957]

Nice! Hurry up and get this done, I need a set of Rubi Axles!! LOL

[@Adrian-rn1ym]

Not going to lie, pretty fn pumped for this buddy !!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

same 🤘 gonna be a lotta work but I’m excited to make a good series for those who are looking to do it in the future

[@tommywainst7171]

Looks like your going to cover some great info

[@happeldylan]

FINALLY. see ya on the FB forum.

[@bobrussell7644]

Super pumped about this series. I'm going to pick up a 2005 aam10.5 rear 14 bolt this afternoon. This series will help me decide if I'm going to junk yard or aftermarket the front axle.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Awesome! Make sure it has the ribbing on the housing

[@KurNorock]

Man I've been wanting to do this to my ZJ for years.

[@juanmcsweeney4503]

Why would anyone give this a thumbs down? Okay, maybe because of the size of his garage? I get it.

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

I can't wait to get my 1tons. Gonna do 1 tons on the JK and the XJ!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

🤘🤘🤘

[@BIGTRUCK7.3]

FYI 03 and 04 super duty axles are 60s and came with 35-spline inner shafts but 30 spline outer stub shafts

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yes, the 30 spline outers are not very desirable, while they can be converted to 35 spline outers it is an added expense. Also some of those axles are Dana 50s, some Superduty and excursions had those. Just by looking at them you can’t really tell the difference

[@BIGTRUCK7.3]

Yeah I do know what you mean I've got about 7000 into my axles I did a 04 Dana 60 swap with chromoly axle shafts spintech hub conversion 5:38 gears and Yukon air Locker rear is a 05 10.5 Sterling with axle Truss 5:38 gears and Yukon air Locker. But regret the whole thing that's why I'm switching the Rockwell's LOL

[@Casey250]

You have far more patients then I do bro! I'll be watching but not a project I think i'd ever have the time to do and would order Prorocks lol! Good luck on this one should be a great series for the channel!

[@BUCKEYEMANIA.]

Would like to see the step by step gear/locker install!

[@Ben-lo7cy]

I’ve been waiting for this. I’ve got a 79 kingpin 60 I’m putting in my tj. So far I’ve got the artec truss, lower CA brackets, and track bar bracket on. Problem is there’s no cheap way even if you do most yourself. Especially since I’m going coilovers so I’ve gotta do all the fab work for that

[@richardprice5978]

so is the ford's about the same within? as a stock 2006 fully loaded jeep and compared to the e-locker is the 60's air locker stronger? my spiders gear's/locker and outermost u joints dead mostly from 33-35's tire's and Utah snowy roads , and continplating how $$ best to repair it

[@wvjeepguy8178]

I've done all this myself, and the easiest way is to grab a Porta-band. The harbor freight version works just fine. Also, a Sawzall with a blade made for cast works as well, just slower. Also, make sure you either use the Reid knuckles, or if you want to weld on to the factory stuff, use a kit that will place your tie rod ends in the correct location. I used the Artec knuckle kit, and it's very flawed in how it locates the steering. I'll eventually go to Reid knuckles.

[@wmcompton]

Run the 10.5! All you need is a 1/2” spacer on the RH and a 1” stretch and everything is happy! (Makes part store runs easy!)

[@ridgerunner1262]

This is exactly what i am going to do this year. I can wait to see what is next! Please make it step by step. Include some working on it video. Tools and parts.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It will be step by step, except for the first part of cutting I already did, but sadly it’s pretty straight forward but takes a long time lol.

[@jasonbecker4613]

Get’R Done Son! 👍🏻

[@mayk3lll]

After this video.. demand and price just went up on the diffs 😂

[@tomd1939]

When did Will Sasso start working on jeeps? Hahahah, but seriously, awesome video

[@rickyeager354]

very good channel,

[@silverstategarage4834]

The only thing JK owners know how to make are payments...that's why I hated them for so long(that's a joke). You have done a hell of a job with yours and have really broken the mold as to what typical JK owners are all about. You build your own rig and you wheel the crap out of it, not bolt on a bunch of lame stuff and hit fire roads and claim that you "wheel". I respect you tons, Ben. I own a JK now for reasons that I don't need to go into and I have sworn to not be like the herd and really do something different. You're an inspiration and I'm always impressed by your content. Thanks, Ben. Keep it up!

[@matty86suk]

I ended up with a 04 confirmed Dana 60. Shit is massive!

[@shanepowell5115]

GREAT VIDEO THANKS from Shane P.

[@shack200351]

Hey when doing a ton swap are there certain axles to avoid or better easy ones to get and use better years better ford dodge chevy

[@ctrlnull5308]

yep you got the right idea on a gear head channel

[@Silentway247]

wow that axle looks pretty clean, everything I find is a rust bucket.

[@appathejku5848]

Aw heck Yeah! Looking forward to this Ben.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Same! 🤘

[@molotovcobra]

Great series cant wait for the next one, any way of maching the front and rear wheel bolt pattern? I guess it would be inconvenient running two spare tires

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The rear axle is already 2” narrower than the front, so will be using wheelspacer adapters

[@chaseburkhalter1934]

I have just bought my 2014 JKU and I’m wanting to do this 1 ton swap. My question is what lift and tires are you running on yours that you show reference to. Also looks like you’ve already done your 1 ton swap?

[@SuperSam7777]

Yes sir

[@blazejohnsonmusic]

Just want to tell you I'm loving this axle swap series. I really want to do this on my 2012 2 door rubicon. Will this whole setup work on a 2 door?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yes

[@bennelson9826]

Looking forward to this build, still doing other videos in between?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep! This will be a lengthy series but I will still be doing all types of other videos in between them!

[@ridgerunner1262]

@@JKGearandGadgets I would like to see a video of trail tools to carry.

[@bartholomewstratton2767]

Sorry to be late to the party, do you know if a 2007 14bolt will work? Do you know if/what the difference might be?? Thank you!

[@drepagaming]

What are these stands called? Been trying to find stands for my axles like that for a while. Can't recall the term for them!

[@shanemccarter9055]

In 02 they got rid of a 50 option and just put 60s. 99-01 u had to have drw to get a 60. 05 and newer r the ones to get!

[@jamescopher9973]

BEN! Big time fan of the channel! Quick question. What’s the rack that you have the D60 on in this video? Having something like that would really make things easier!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I made it haha. Just some square stock that I welded together

[@TacticalTaylor]

How many miles is too miles on a front axle?All I can seem to find are axles with 150-200k miles on them, you think these are worth getting?

[@osrr6422]

That 14 bolt (or AAM 10.5) would be from a 99-06 GM 2500(HD) with the 6.0 gas motor ONLY. All diesels (and 8.1L gas) and 3500s have the AAM 11.50.

[@ammarjreisat8845]

im gonna do it to my yj so please incloude every step i need to know thank you bro

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep! You know it! Will pretty much be exactly the same process except for the Jk related parts

[@gregyoe8833]

I know this is an axle swap vid but you mentioned the expense of the GenRight gas tank. My buddy swapped a 19gal TJ tank in his JKU.. I don't know the specifics but it would be a thing to think about.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

That is an option too, and I’ve thought about it. But I decided to go the 14bolt route so I can make this video series based on the most common and straight forward install

[@PaterNoster09]

What are you gonna do with the PR44? asking for a friend lol

[@shawnhudson7570]

Looking forward to this. What are you doing with you old axles

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Not sure yet! Might sell them, keep them for the LJ or do a giveaway

[@lewisdawson837]

What happened to episode 2? Started watching it but it stopped a few minutes in

[@JKGearandGadgets]

My computer is messing up, for some reason it uploaded in 360p quality which is horrible. So I will try again tomorrow, I want the video to be good quality and nice and clear video quality

[@robertanton4110]

wfo does straight axle conversions and have the ford superduty 60 8 on 6,5 swap

[@JKGearandGadgets]

They do! And it’s a great option, but there is some drawbacks I will talk about in a future video

[@lewisdawson837]

Are the axles the same width as stock and do you need to do anything to the brake master cylinder for the larger brake calipers?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

They are a lot wider that stock, and yes we will have to do a lot of brake modifications

[@brianfedie8046]

Question... Would it be a complete waste of money to put sleeves in a trussed Dana 44 Rubicon axle assembly? Thanks.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yeah. Skip the sleeves if it’s trussed

[@samc3227]

What’s your opinion on portal axles or portal box vs regular axles?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Portal axles are nice, but out of most people’s price range.

[@frankyalvarez7160]

Did you have to change the suspension setup such as get a new lift kit or any new hardware? I’m doing to same to mine currently 12:17 a.m. and my Jeep is in the driveway with no axles.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

What lift kit do you have? This is not a project to do on a weekday night.. you will still need to do a lot of brake upgrades as well as driveshats

[@destro513]

Mine, 79 60 1k, arb 1k, gears and dana Spicer parts 1k still need brakes, brackets and links and shaft. Rear 14 300, needs everything arb 1k, gears and build parts 600, brakes, 200, brackets. I mean maybe 10 grand done done

[@jeepcts]

I got a question. Why didn’t you use the ford mounts on the axles? And since you aren’t why has the ones you are using?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

They won’t physically fit. Different mounting spots and suspension. Stay tuned for the 4th episode!

[@bhanson82]

What did you do to avoid your Pitman arm hitting your tie rod? I did the exact same swap but now at full compression my Pitman arm hits my tie rod. I cannot lower my hydraulic bump stops anymore. Thinking maybe a longer Pitman arm might work but I wanted to check to see if anybody else has had this issue.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It all depends on what setup you have

[@roylove690]

On the front axel did it come with locking hubs on the outside like the older 4 wheel drive trucks?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yes

[@roylove690]

What hub did you order

[@Channel_1728]

With regard to "aftermarket" versus "junkyard" I don't feel comfortable spending 18k on axles as I am a Newbie. I tell people who fix up houses, start with a dump. You can't go wrong, Do not start with a 600k house. That way you can learn and still "do good" I am very serious about my project but, I don't want to get in over my knowledge level and I need to learn this round with the junkyard alternative.

[@daledubose3032]

Master cylinder? Does it need to be swapped for something bigger?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yes. Well you can get away with the stock master and booster however pedal will be soft. So a J8 kit will go in. You bet there will be a video on it haha

[@jsmeswagner6104]

What's the difference between ford dana 60 and dodge dana 60 front

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The dodge uses a CAD (axle disconnect) which is a weak part, the shaft splines are weaker, and not much aftermarket support. You don’t want to go with the dodge 60

[@stevemartinism]

In your option, buying new axles. Narrowed down to 2. Ultimate Dana 44 and dynatrac pr44 . What do think is the better choice?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Dynatracs are better, but honestly they are both still Dana 44s. I had a dynatrac44 and had wished I saved them money and just went with a UD44

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Call up Gill at Offroad elements. Tell her Ben from JkGG sent you, she should be able to get you a discount on a UD44

[@dorianoestreich7102]

You should do an epic upgrade to your head unit. Show me what to do lol I can’t decide but I hate the stock headunit.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It’s on my list!

[@krawlerxj955]

What are you doing with the stock locking hubs for the super 60? I'm doing the same swap on an xj but my axle it's missing the locking hubs

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Luckily my hubs are intact and work good. However I would recommend the Yukon or warn hubs as a replacement

[@JKGearandGadgets]

If I end up upgrading to the Yukon lockouts then hit me up for my stock ones!

[@krawlerxj955]

Ok thanks

[@isaaczuniga6654]

Man you have done all the upgrades I wish I could done to mine ! Love your channel ! The rear axel it’s 2500 what? Ford ? What year I’m looking and trying to get one set up like that for my Hemi 5.7 swap

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Chevy 2500, 99-06 with the 6.0 gas engine

[@fogstain]

so is that the 10.5 or 11.5 full float?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

fogstain 10.5, the 11.5 doesn’t have the ribbing or removable pinion

[@fogstain]

Ahhh yes. Brain fart ...

[@fogstain]

I remember seeing that in the video now .

[@Officialshayne]

Few questions! Does a “1 ton swap” mean that between the 2 new axels you’re adding 1 ton of weight under your JK? Also are you planning on upgrading your current tire size to something bigger than 40s? Thanks, love the channel bro!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It does not, the term one ton axles simply means they are rated for a one ton truck. For example a smaller set of axles or smaller trucks are considered 1/2 or 3/4 ton. The biggest tire I would go is 42s, but even with 40s you honestly need bigger axles than Dana 44s for those