Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

As I build my Willys I am looking into doing a break upgrade on my D44 TTB. While not entirely needed I feel it would be nice. It needs parts. Why not upgrade while at it.

I have the choice of better calipers or a 8 lug front swap. Which has bigger rotors, and calipers. Which would also require a 8 lug rear axle.

My Wagon should weigh 4200 pounds estimated with me + my son in it, some gear, and a full tank of gas. Or enough for a day of trail riding to explore ghost towns. Factory Willys Wagon weight 3200 pounds. I am on a modified F150 TTb 4x4 frame.

So well within the confines of a brand F 8.8 rear end. Especially if built up. If I am not doing any rock crawling. Just desert exploring.

My Willys stands about 6'2" tall right now, and will finish off about 6'3" to 6'4" if I don't add a roof rack. Which can add to top heaviness on a short wheelbase truck when loaded.

I plan to add heavier steel rims to get some weight lower, and set the drive train as low as possible to help too. Rather then tucking it up higher into the body/frame envelope if you will.

So is adding an extra 300 pounds of axles getting to overkill status or will it provide a feeling of safety. Since it's extra weight will be lower which would counter act my top heaviness?

Or just stick with the 8.8 as it's strong enough for what I will do anyways.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

Okay I'm no build expert but it seems like a waste unless you're going to a solid front axle.

I know of a couple one ton ford axles that might be available but they're at the other end of the country, although it might get hauled out to Arizona for parting.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

I actually want to keep the TTB as it works very well with my intended situation.

If by some chance I really get into serious off-roading. I would build a frame, and use brand F super duty parts for solid axles.

With my limited 4x4 knowledge, and more importantly friends who go alot. My ability to modify can get the best of me fast.

I have even just thought about running a 14 bolt with 8 Lug wheels. Till I get around to conversion. Since steel rims are $100 it is not a big deal for a year or two.

Just thinking out loud before I start to commit money to the cause here.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

If the TTB is already installed, why not just refresh and rock it? I wouldn't spend the time to do the swap to a solid front end just to put more weight underneath. The Broncos successfully used the set up that you have already got for years and were probably more top heavy than you are.

Besides, how many times have we seen a tail dragging F150 loaded well over capacity? From scrap metal collectors with 1000+ pounds WAY over the top of the cab to guys with cab overs getting around just fine.

Get it all sorted from a reliability standpoint and use the extra time that you have left over to go have some fun exploring with your son.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

The TTB is already installed as I chopped down a F150 4x4 chassis to go under my Willys as it had no frame when I got it.

Your right I will freshen up what I have. Then take a spare 8.8 I own, and build it up later much later to swap in with 9" end hubs or something mostly for the big bearings.

Just trying to avoid spending money twice, and I get caught up in the possibilities.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

I think 1 ton axles would be overkill for your intended purpose. I would run what you have and save he money for now. IF you manage to break something then you can plan the next phase of your build.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

Yeah, my point was the TTB wasn't worth building up.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

Kinda funny, this may be the only thread in the history of the Internet that is talking about keeping the ttb axle:lol: I totally understand the thought process though and i agree it’s probably the best course of action for now. Got any pictures of your build? I love the old willys.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

The TTB is a great set up if you want what is does. You can make it into a serious bomber of the dunes or what ever like a brand F raptor.

Since I only plan to explore ghost towns or mountain roads. It offers everything I need, and good performance on dirt roads. I am not into rock crawling at this point so straight axles are not needed. If into get into crawling I would build a beater, and not use a Wagon.

I have posted a few links to pics in other threads. I will do a bit of a build thread when I am done, and I get my computer back. Right now I am fixing the rust, and cut out floors. Tuesday I will mount the motor, and transmission.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

Nothing against the TTB for what you are doing. I just don't see why the factory brakes aren't adequate?

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

I have tendency towards light duty 3/4 tons for performance trucks having cooked a few sets of 1/2 ton pads+rotors when I am doing stupid garbage or towing. While 3/4 or even 1 ton stuff has gotten hot it never got as far.

It was a lesson I learned, and always go back to when doing brakes.

Since the wheel, and tire package I plan to run will weigh roughly 100 pounds a corner. The rims weigh 40 pounds, and 55 for the tire. Where the factory F150 wheel tire package weighs roughly 65 pounds a corner. I weighed them on a scale, and that's what I remember it being.

And while I would not use the Willys to tow a car trailer. I am thinking that I could turn my large weather guard cross bed tool box into a trailer for camping gear. I recently saw a new Jeep doing something similar, and it sounds like a neat idea.

Plus people in california typically drive like ted kennedy 5 minutes before the bar closes. So I just want to be safe.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

Well, I have certainly pushed half ton brakes a smidgen. Like probably close to 20K gross, in the mountains. Rental equipment trailer that the electric brakes didn't work. Not recommended.

I was just thinking, how hard is it to stop driving around jeep trails at 15 mph? ;)

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

It's not when your doing 15 but rather 70 mph is my concern

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

Maybe a rear disc conversion? Looks like there are a bunch out there. A good parking brake is a must though.

It won't keep people from driving like jack wagons around you but it will at least put you on par (braking wise) with the wagons that they are driving:lol:..

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

???

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

I wouldn't upgrade my brakes because of other peoples driving. That's why I buy insurance.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

You have to get there first????

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

Doesn't work that way when your behind them, and they have little to no clue what there are doing.

If they are behind me that's a different issue

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

I have another 8.8 with good parts for a build, and if I do that one up disk brakes would be done too.

Right now I have working parking brakes with my drums. Plus they are 11x 2.5 inch variety so they will work pretty good.

Re: Light weight vs heavy weight axles.
 

Sorry, I thought you were going to tow it up to the mountains? That's what I remember: you were asking about a tow bar versus a trailer.

I can't keep up :rolleyes: