Super Duty Dana 60 And Sterling 10.5 Axle SAS Prep // FJ Cruiser Solid Axle Swap!!

[@tomsmith2215]

this channel deserves a lot more credit. you wheel harder than anyone else ive been following for awhile

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you! I'm looking forward to a new level of hard wheeling!

[@4runner_muse514]

100% agree. My kids love it too. They are under 5 but love the videos and call it a off road Toyota lol

[@michaelhickey8118]

One of the nicest guys I have ever wheeled with and the most off road as well!

[@leoampie4942]

Agreed, i really like the stuff he gets into. And this axle swap project looks badass, really looking forward to this series.

[@phantomwalker8251]

@@offroadhub.official waaats the ratio..4.56.?. there a bit wide,but cheap. 100 mm wider than earlier diffs. i just did an sas to an 82 bronco. f100 front diff,with 250 8 stud brakes. 86 ish,d60 rear,lsd,bolt right in. 4" lift,2" body. only cos the bushes were not there.flogged out.. ifs is rubbish.. early 8 stud jeep diffs would of been good enough for the fj..light..

[@brianbeair4230]

Just for everyone doing this project, do not cut the rear leaf pack mounts a thousand times, just cut into the two welds on either side with an angle grinder and hit it off with a hammer. 4:54-7:10 in the video.

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for the tip!

[@brianbeair4230]

I learned the hard way after the first one. I did the same axles on my third gen 4runner!

[@psychology2217]

You should do a video on the back story of Ken! The man, the myth, the legend! Always wondered what you do for a living to be able to travel and wheel so much plus have the extra cash for crazy awesome modes. I always assumed you were a computer programmer, the ability to work wherever, whenever, but then again you have some amazing mechanical skills and knowledge, so I’m puzzled/amazed! Thanks for the amazing content as always!!!

[@offroadhub.official]

Elizabeth and I will be doing a live stream next weekend I believe. We'll talk about me in that some more I'm sure...

[@fitzventure]

Yes. I watch every video Ken puts out, but I often wonder: what's Ken's story? Much of the appeal a YT channel has is the people and knowing their story. I mean, I don't own a Toyota, but you can bet I'll watch this whole solid axle series because hey, Ken's great. It would be interesting to know more about you though.

[@psychology2217]

@@offroadhub.official oh yeah!!! My schedule is getting ready to bend around that live stream!

[@tomsmith2215]

i think this channel will get better with this mod as well, for your viewership, itll be the hardest run fj setup on youtube

[@offroadhub.official]

I'm going to from running hard to running extreme! Thanks for watching!

[@Bikesands]

The rear spring perched can be removed by cutting the weld with a cut of wheel.

[@gxmoose]

Wow, 42's and 1 ton axles, shit just got real. cannot wait!

[@stevendouglas6593]

Really envy your good natured perseverance. I have the perseverance, but I don't think I could have done that job without quite a few "ah, for f***s sake" getting onto the video. Great work.

[@eddiegray1979]

Metabo with super slicer disks would reduce a lot of time. Starting a bad ass build for sure.

[@psychology2217]

WOW! I am so impressed with your skills!!! I’ve always been impressed but this video shows a whole new level of straight up skill!!!

[@offroadhub.official]

I spent many years as an automotive tech. I have lots of practice.

[@k1j2f30]

@@offroadhub.official I often thought you must have spent a lot of time as a auto mechanic just by the way you use your tools and the extensive knowledge you have of how everything fits together and how it all works. I have already learned a lot by watching your video's and I've owned a 2011 FJ since it was new. Much respect and appreciation for all you do in your videos, you keep making them and I'll keep watching them! Very much looking forward to how this project turns out. I think it's going to be something better than big dog awesome! Great Job!!!

[@offroadhub.official]

@@k1j2f30 Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy my videos. I'm pretty comfortable working on the FJ and other vehicles, this project will stretch me a little beyond anything I've done before. I'll probably get the experts out there a little stirred up with my novice fabrication skills, but it's the only way to learn! Thanks again!

[@DUNEATV]

This is awesome! As I was watching your previous videos I made a couple of comments that referred to your independent suspension. I was in very impressed with the performance of your rig but always cringed when you were going over rough obstacles. I knew there would come a day where you would need a serious upgrade and then you drop this video!

[@offroadhub.official]

It has come to this! It'll be a blast to get it out on the trails!

[@DUNEATV]

@@offroadhub.official I’m really excited to watch your future videos!

[@ricklara-navarro491]

Love the great attitude, along for the ride.

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for coming along!!

[@ChevyLife-qs3ti]

Ive never seen anybody take off spring perches the hard way before. Cheers you got more energy than me. Looking forward to seeing you and your fj defeat busywild. I do enjoy watching the vids because of your great attitude. Following your ton swap. Thank you!!

[@offroadhub.official]

I've never seen anyone take off spring perches! 😄 So that explains that. Thanks for watching!

[@emon9127]

Your attitude is awesome for such grueling work. Keep the vids coming!

[@thatradkid]

this is really cool man. i can't wait to see how this thing progress

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for coming along for the journey!

[@WCPena]

Ken, you’re the real deal! Awesome content!

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you!

[@shanewilson3980]

Love your videos, adventurous with both offroading and with the modifications on your FJ !! Great inspiring content, keep it up !!

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you! This project will be the craziest adventure I've done so far!

[@jimmcgettigan1326]

Talent and patience makes a tough job look easy. Well done.👍

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you!

[@Joe-me6jh]

Pretty excited to see where this goes. I'm picking up my FJ this week, going to go with a 3 inch lift and 33s until I can price up a SAS from maybe an 80 series.

[@othoapproto9603]

So helpful, inspirational, and informative.

[@terrenceoboyle1580]

You're a madman and I love it! Keep up the excellent content! Can't wait to see the results.

[@offroadhub.official]

Just you wait until you find out the maddest part of my madness... 😆

[@JayDee25895]

Man you're a hell of a go getter done guy! That was some work. I've been looking at them Jimny's LOL I like what you got lots better Good Luck To You Man, Peace

[@offroadhub.official]

Those new Jimny's look like fun! I wish they were available in the US!

[@drewberrett2511]

Just in case no one has mentioned it in the last year, all you have to do to remove those rear spring perches is cut the welds on the sides!!! Takes like 15 minutes, haha. Was fun watching you hack away at them though, Gotta learn somewhere!

[@douglansburg4545]

What a project, good luck

[@offroadhub.official]

What a project indeed... I'm a little intimidated by it myself!

[@FerociousSniper]

I cannot believe that you used a sawzall and a grinder to cut everything off those axles. That's dedication.

[@offroadhub.official]

Working with what I had! 😄

[@thomasgiard8142]

Great stuff, Ken, we all can't wait for the next vid!

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

[@emanueladamache7034]

subscribed just for this build session. I have a 06 4runner so the process would be similar. Keep at it!

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for subscribing! Hopefully you can learn something from watching me struggle. 😉

[@gammaboxer9765]

Ken, this is going to be an amazing transformation. You've done some amazing stuff with your current set up and you should have a much larger following. This build will put you in a whole new dimension, Utah Yota level with 42's. Thanks as always for all the effort you put into your videos and taking the time to show us all what you are doing. Can't wait to see how this continues along. Cheers

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for all your kind words and support! I'm in close consultation with Utah_yota, and he only lives a couple hours away, so that's been great. I'm pretty excited about what's to come!

[@gammaboxer9765]

@@offroadhub.official That's fantastic news, he seems down to earth and very knowledgeable. I'm sure he'll be a great asset with your build.

[@greym6436]

Cannot wait to see this build come together man... Awesome!

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for watching!

[@RandonLee505]

Definitely hanging around for the ride. Great work! Looking forward to the results!

[@westrup173]

Love your channel, trying to go back and like all the videos I watched (and enjoyed very much) since I am watching them on a shared smart tv so I was not logged in. Thought I’d mention when you reinstall those calipers pay attention that you get the caliper on the correct side otherwise the bleed screw will be on the bottom and you won’t be able to bleed the air out of them properly ;) I’m a Master Ford tech and I see it fairly often when customers work on their own vehicles not saying you would make that mistake yourself. Can’t wait to see your FJ back on the trail and hopefully I can wheel with you one day with my FJ

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for watching, glad you like my work! I would certainly catch the fact that I had messed up the calipers when I went to bleed them! 😆

[@NigelNaughton]

They might not just bolt up but that’s where FlexTape comes in handy. ;-)

[@offroadhub.official]

And a little Gorilla glue... 😄

[@lalalay7929]

Wow~ Great project. I can't wait to see the results and the performance it will bring...

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for coming along!

[@evolnivlek]

Very cool! I had similar thoughts with my FJC. Wheel it, break some shit, then go tons. But I ended up cutting up my FJ40 to build a 45 on tons. Lexus v8, linked, bagged, blah, blah, blah. I am so glad you are documenting this. Your truck is awesome. Your channel rocks. Keep it up man!!!

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for watching!

[@thonvuth809]

This is going to be a monster of a build. Great content!!!

[@FenixYota]

Impressive job !!! Can’t wait to see them on the Fj.

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you! It's going to be an interesting project!

[@andrewangeloni]

Wow hard work keep it up. Your doing a great job. Can’t wait to see the project finished. Cheers

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you!

[@ea8454]

Damn, Ken, now I know I won't be able to wheel with you when I get out West due to my 34 inch tires and your gazillion inch tires! I'll still follow and save my money to catch up!!

[@offroadhub.official]

You'll still be able to wheel with me! I can't do extreme stuff all the time. I'll still do "normal" difficult trails!

[@Strangeland701]

Awesome!! Can't wait to see the end result!😲

[@rollerangel]

So awesome! what a great upgrade for your FJ

[@jeytex3161]

Can we say Patience and perseverance? You are going to need all that beef to drive those skyscraper 42s. Excited for you and for the videos ahead. Thanks for letting us join you on this build. P.S. bunches more sculpture material too! Lol

[@offroadhub.official]

It's definitely a lot of hard work! But I think it'll be worth it!

[@levsheppard2859]

excited to see this turn out!

[@jasonharper4619]

You got it done. I might have tried my plasma cutter on a few of those cuts, but I think oxy/acetylene would be the way to go. Looking forward to the build up.

[@Daddydaycare1203]

New to the channel. Going down the line watching every video as we speak. Just wanted to say thank you for the honest video and content all together. I hate when people leave stuff out to make excuses for damage or bad decision. As a new guy in the off-road scene I appreciate any knowledge I can soak up and this channel is for sure going to give me that.

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for subscribing! Always feel free to comment or ask questions! I'm always learning!

[@lanyouree8532]

I think you’ve gone crazy! Don’t get me wrong because I really like what you do but this is pushing it to another level! I can’t wait to see the results. That is going to be one bad ass FJ.

[@offroadhub.official]

I admit, it's definitely crazy!

[@lanyouree8532]

@@offroadhub.official if you get a chance, check out Shane England’s FJ with 42” tires. He is from Paris, TX and drives the Big Kahuna monster truck. Looks pretty awesome.

[@shouldagoneoffroad]

Fine... I'll subscribe. I just want to see the FJ do Busywild again on 40s.

[@offroadhub.official]

That's the plan! 😄 Thanks for subscribing!

[@bandolerosucio7060]

42s!!

[@gxmoose]

Return to busywild! :D

[@shouldagoneoffroad]

@@offroadhub.official I'm looking forward to it. I drive a Jeep, but some buddies of mine have Toyotas and all of us were cringing through that video, but couldn't stop watching. It will be an interesting contrast when you cruse through that trail again on 40s and 1 tons. I'm also curious to see how that will affect the FJ's "road manners". I can't remember seeing if you actually drive to these trails or trailer your rig. Someone asked for some more background video content -- I'd be interested in seeing that as well. Good luck with the axle swap! We're all rooting for you!

[@Colorado4x4]

Oh yea buddy!!!!! Nice!!!! No more broken tie rods!!!!

[@offroadhub.official]

I just wonder what I'll be breaking now! We'll see!

[@Colorado4x4]

@@offroadhub.official just your wallet! You will be set with your setup! Can’t wait to see you wheel it afterwords. - Geoff

[@luie67]

machinist tip; use some Engine oil ( new or used) on your cutting blade and work , it will greatly reduce cutting time and eat right through the metal being cut.

[@ConcoursOne]

“Just gonna remove the brake lines. LOL. Up here in the great white salt shaker , that rarely happens.

[@offroadhub.official]

I thought that was pretty funny after the fact. My videos are all unscripted, so anything can happen... 😄

[@tomsmith2215]

those polished beadlocks look rad too

[@offroadhub.official]

They look pretty nice! I'm excited to be able to run around with almost flat tires!

[@adamsfly6212]

Thin metal compared to a battle ship! The parking brakes are bigger than the brakes on my 66 CJ-5 that I owned years ago. That's a a big job Ken I'm tired just watching you work. Looking forward to watching the progress.

[@offroadhub.official]

I'm not sure what I was thinking when I said the metal was thin... Some of those cuts were a few inches deep. That's a lot of metal to slice through!

[@byronball2261]

adamsfly62, adam I was so tired just pushing that saw, I had to stop the video and take nap.

[@lmt-adventures]

I will be doing this to my Explorer sport one day soon so thanks for more inspiration and knowledge. Im a noob and will learn a dnd on it all myself.

[@offroadhub.official]

Sounds awesome!

[@2012trdoffroad]

So glad I found this! Going to be following the entire build. The step by step is very helpful for me, I have a similar plan for my GX and the platform is very similar to the FJ. Thanks!

[@offroadhub.official]

Yeah the FJ and the GX are almost the same when you get down to the bones. Thanks for coming along!

[@TheKmkmchannel]

It's tough grinding job!

[@offroadhub.official]

Tough and dirty!

[@joshuaatkins5197]

Just seeing this obviously way late but you should use a cutoff wheel on the spring pad welds. Then hit it with a hammer. Its just a weld on each side.🍻

[@jimmylimes8547]

Wooow! This is insane! Cant wait for the next vid.. really wish you can have it 3xs a week for this build..

[@offroadhub.official]

I wish I could post 3x a week as well... But doing the work and then making a video takes A LOT of time! I'll do the best I can!

[@Krystof.Veritae]

The most METAL video so far mate \_/ deserve some Grind Core Metal music :) awesome !!!!! Thanks for sharing

[@offroadhub.official]

I'll have to look into Grind Core Metal... 😄 Thanks for watching!

[@johnmadsen37]

Gonna be sad to see you leave the IFS gang! There was some hope of us non-crawler super builds of living precariously through your craziness on the trials! (Almost achievable). I’m think I should have gotten the Jeep instead ) Certainly there will be some amazing and otherwise not accessible places we will be seeing here so that will be really cool. Maybe some snow stuff this winter? You’ll be able to go almost anyplace with those giant tires locked up. Maybe visit some attainable trails on occasion too?

[@offroadhub.official]

I'll still be visiting very accessible trails don't worry. There aren't enough extreme trails to do them exclusively. The FJ, even ifs, is extremely capable.

[@azaelnoris5911]

The front axle looks more like a Dana 50 instead of 60, any way this is an awesome upgrade...good job!!

[@offroadhub.official]

They look very similar, this is definitely a 60 though. Thanks for watching!

[@v8felon]

Can't wait tonsee the end of this build I'm subscribed

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for following along!

[@markm235]

I'm shocked and impressed.

[@gersonlara2640]

I can already imagine that FJ is going make any trail look easy

[@offroadhub.official]

Oh there are plenty of impossible trails out there!

[@MrWalkerds]

This FJ is going to be sick!!

[@brettbenoit454]

Nice. I think you and Eric will have the biggest FJ's out there. Looking forward to the step by step videos. Just got back from EJS. 40's are the new 35 and 42's the new 37. I think I was the only rig down there on 33's. The trails are getting extremely ripped up with all the big rigs for sure

[@offroadhub.official]

I've been saying that! 40's are the new 35's... I was at Trail Hero last October and I was a pip-squeak on my 35's, not to mention IFS... There are a couple other FJ's out there on 42+ tires, but only a few.

[@rondre3]

I definitely cant wait to see how this project turns out. Doing a SAS has been in my future plans as this would make the FJ complete. I've priced it out with shops and they are asking about $15-20K to complete it. Good luck!

[@offroadhub.official]

15-20k? That's a good deal! Is that just for a front axle? This is going to be pretty fun!

[@rondre3]

@@offroadhub.official Yes just for the front.

[@xtrekadventure8225]

This is some REAL shit, you are on FIRE! Can't wait to see this!

[@cj5fromla]

Thanks again sir for this awesome build to show us, again just wish it was on a 3 gen tacoma orsb so I can see how I wish my truck can become with alot of elbow grease and some money, and little imagination lol thanks again I'm sure it's going to turn out outstanding.

[@offroadhub.official]

A lot of the process will be the same or similar! Thanks for coming along for the adventure!

[@billymills7944]

Good luck with the build the cutting is a pain with the right tools... the struggle is real 😫lol

[@offroadhub.official]

Really! This made my hands super sore! This video is about 20 hours of work condensed into just over 20 minutes...

[@explorehq]

This is hard project to tackle. I cant wait to see what else your garage builder skills hold. Didn't see a welder in the background, unless its in one of the new boxes!

[@offroadhub.official]

It's a pretty big project for sure, definitely a stretch for me. A new welder is here! I got a Hobart 210. Thanks for watching!

[@ajm8183]

wow !! you dont just wheel harder than most !!!!! great content

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you!!

[@ryanhemming9546]

Tons and 42s. Think after you're done you should revisit Elbe Hills. That video was what hooked me to your channel. It wasn't that you incurred damage but you are confident and crazy enough to do it alone. Your video coverage was amazing considering you did it all yourself. 👍 Are you planning on trailering your FJ? Hate to see those IRoks go to waste on pavement.

[@offroadhub.official]

I'll definitely be revisiting Elbe! I do trailer it everywhere. I had to get a wider trailer for after this build. Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@bcochener]

Some mad skills there. I’d be pretty timid about SASing mine.

[@offroadhub.official]

I'm just diving in! I'm sure it'll all work out... 😆

[@troyotawheels8814]

Stoked to follow this

[@ZMan377]

Doing an awesome job!!! N getting noticed!!!!

[@offroadhub.official]

Hopefully it will be able to keep up with the Samurai! 😉

[@alive4082]

I got the same setup on my fj and love it.

[@offroadhub.official]

It's pretty great!

[@4lorodeo754]

Excited to see the process and end result! Cant you normally just use a grinder to cut the welds on the axle brackets and then hammer them off? Always has saved us a lot of time!

[@offroadhub.official]

I'll give that a try next time! 😄

[@4lorodeo754]

@@offroadhub.official Next time you are in WA to wheel let me know!

[@dougbourdo2589]

Just watched your Busy wild video Ken. As I said there, your positive attitude is amazing & inspiring. Looking forward to many more awesome videos. Bless you Sir. Also, what might you have in mind for Lockers in this axle build? Air / Electric? Good 'ol Detroit diffs, maybe a Torsen diff??

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you! I'm doing a Yukon zip locker up front and a Yukon Grizzly (Detroit) in back.

[@carlcanfield2198]

Well your doing it. Just like you said. Good work. Am looking forward to the rest of the build. C c Williamston mi

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for following along Carl! I might need some advice here and there.

[@mrtaz85]

Don't know if it's been said but I always just used a cutoff wheel to cut the welds on the brackets at the tube it's less work ,time and money

[@offroadhub.official]

I'll try that next time! 😄 If you follow the build you'll probably see me do lots of things differently than you or others might do them. This was my first time, I like learning though.

[@bubbasdually]

Those are some pretty nice wheels

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you!

[@Achisachis73]

Great work man

[@Davfon23]

Great work!

[@lukegeeting]

Let me know if you wanna part with your Dobinsons! Also, any reason why you’re swapping the rear? Is your FJ an ‘07? I’m curious to see how this turns out.

[@offroadhub.official]

My old setup is already spoken for. I'm swapping the rear for lots of reasons. It's a 2010. The Sterling 10.5 is way stronger, wider to match the front, 8 lug to match the front, you just can't run 42's on an 8.2" rear axle. It's going to be awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@eddygarcia5953]

Me here watching this with no plans of ever off-roading while staying 100% entertained 🤣

[@offroadhub.official]

Glad you like it! Thanks for watching!

[@jcolv16]

Glad I snagged a plasma. Went through hundreds of discs prior. Still need angle grinder and Reciprocating saw sometimes but nice to have both. Have you picked one up since?

[@offroadhub.official]

Yes I more have a plasma cutter, it's pretty fun! You can see me use it a bunch in later build videos. 👍

[@offroadnvrsk1969]

Хорошая работа !

[@jayjaykapone4876]

love your channel! keep it up

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you!

[@JoshInTheWild]

What a pleasant surprise! I'm happy that someone is making a YT series on this. Why did you go with the sterling over like a 14 bolt? What lockers are you using, ARB's again?

[@offroadhub.official]

I went with the Sterling for better unshaved clearance mostly. I'm doing a Yukon Zip locker up front and a Yukon Grizzly (Detroit) locker in the rear

[@JoshInTheWild]

@@offroadhub.official Good to know. Can't wait to watch this play out and see it on the trails.

[@crispusantoninus557]

That’s awesome!

[@KL00100]

Yes!

[@frcon200340]

What an adventure to build fj with 1 ton. I was thinking, how awesome if you got together with Paul @fabrats and have him weld it up all together. I'm thinking about 1 ton also for my fj, but started to think maybe my fj40 would be a better project, and easier to link ( i think it might be easier lol) . Looking forward to following this build 👍👍 . Curious, you still going out to join us at Rubithon this year?

[@offroadhub.official]

An adventure for sure! I wouldn't mind having a real pro weld it up for me, but he's 8 hours away down in St George. I plan on being at Rubithon!

[@yasiraltameemi1427]

Amazing!! looking forward to see the full build. What is your plan for engine and transmission? and what gear ratio you will be running in those axles?

[@offroadhub.official]

The engine and transmission will remain factory. The axles will be geared at 5.38. I have a 4 speed Atlas coming as well.

[@beachboardfan9544]

I've never seen someone do so much with a sawsall!

[@offroadhub.official]

It all worked out! Next time I'll probably be a little more efficient.

[@beachboardfan9544]

@@offroadhub.official Hey u got it done, thats what matters! 👍

[@brettbenoit454]

You still happy with the Metal tech front bumper? Trying to decide between it and a Resz. If you haven't had any approach issues with it I won't. I'm not a fan of trail fixes

[@offroadhub.official]

I love the metal tech, not a single issue with it. I'm sure the reszfab bumper is just as good quality wise. I think it just comes down to which look you prefer, and how long you want to wait to get it...

[@timcaskey6013]

Boss would say those discs are still good lol 😆. Jk but for real grinding like this is no joke and absolutely no fun worked at local train yard for Cathcart railway and we had to carbon arc the rails off the floors then grind all the old welds that was left talk about a back breaker.

[@offroadhub.official]

They are still good, they are still on! 😂

[@freedomtowander]

If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?

[@offroadhub.official]

The axle prep? There were some cuts I could have been more efficient with. The whole project? Nothing really, I like everything I did!

[@freedomtowander]

@@offroadhub.official thank you 🙏 I’m going solid on y z71 beginning of next year and I hope I don’t screw it up! Love the video thanks for the reply. It looks good on the rocks for sure!

[@kevinshaber8742]

Oof! You cut that stuff the hard way! I’ll be attacking mine with an oxy -fuel torch and let you know how it goes. No way I have your patience to work it work it with a saw and a grinder.

[@offroadhub.official]

I'm sure there's an easier way... 😄 Thanks for watching!

[@dblack2583]

Just did this on my 2021 JL DIESEL . Even with a respirator, I was blowing black boogers for a week 😂

[@offroadhub.official]

It's a dirty job for sure!

[@EMA-uk5ob]

over time you have turned your FJ into a special purpose vehicle. i can see modding it further now but if you had to do it all over from Day 1 would you start with a Jeep instead? Seems a lot easier/cheaper. BTW, I own an FJ and dislike anything chrysler/dodge/jeep but I would probably bite the bullet and go Jeep if I was gonna build a street-legal crawler.

[@offroadhub.official]

Interesting question. If I could do it all over again, I would skip the 3ish inch lift and 35's and instead go straight to big axles. Doing 1 tons and giant tires on a Jeep requires pretty much the same parts and modifications, so it wouldn't be substantially less expensive or easier to build the same level of Jeep. In this whole process, the engine and transmission will remain untouched, so I'll really have the best of both worlds.

[@stefan3225]

Buy an axle from the northeast, sometimes the mounts are already removed 😂

[@offroadhub.official]

😂😂

[@JAMESWUERTELE]

You can setup the gears as a 10.25 or a 10.5 in a Ford Sterling. The 10.25 has wider bearings, a 10.5 setup has bigger ring gear. But just for your info either ring gear size will work. I have an F-350 with these axles stock, I have front and rear OX lockers, uses a push cable, highly recommended.

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you. Yeah 5.38 gears aren't available in the actual 10.5 ring gear size, so I'll be using a 10.25 ring gear. OX lockers do look interesting.