Confused? E-mail your questions about trucks, 4x4's, and off-roading tech using "Nuts, I'm confused" as the subject and include a picture (if it's applicable). Digital photos must measure no less than 1600 x 1200 pixels (or two megapixels) and be saved as a TIFF, an EPS, or a maximum-quality JPEG file. Also, I'll be checking the forums on our Web site (www.4wheeloffroad.com), and if I see a question that I think more of you might want to have answered, I'll print that as well. Otherwise drop it old-school style with the envelope addressed to the address below. Letters published in this magazine reflect the opinions of the writers, and we reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, or other purposes.
Write to:
Nuts & Bolts
4-Wheel & Off-Road
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515
fax 323.782.2704
E-mail to:
fred.williams@primedia.com
Question:
I have an '84 CJ-7 and am putting 1-ton running gear under it. Should I use a GM Corporate 14-bolt full-floater axle assembly or a '99 Sterling 1-ton axle from a Ford? Which axle assembly would you recommend? I am running a Chevy 350 and 36- to 38-inch tires.
Patrick
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: Go with the 14-bolt over the Sterling even though they are very similar. Both the 14-bolt and the Sterling use a 10 1/2-inch ring gear. However, the 14-bolt uses three pinion bearings where the Sterling uses only two, and the 14-bolt has a 1.575-inch-diameter pinion shaft versus the Sterling's 1.343-inch. The low gear ratios available for both are 4.10, 4.56, 4.88, and 5.13, but the cost of parts and installation should be less with the 14-bolt. Though the '99 Sterling comes with disc brakes it also uses a Ford-only 8-on-175mm bolt pattern and odd 14mm/1.5 coarse thread pitch on the studs, where the 14-bolt uses a more common 8-on-6.5-inch and either a 9/16-inch or 14mm/2.0 thread pitch (if you are using a front Dana 60 from other than a '99-and-newer Ford, it probably has the 8-on-6.5 bolt pattern). Both use 1 1/2-inch axleshafts but the Sterling is 35-spline where the 14-bolt is 30. The 14-bolt has been around longer and came in many different variants than the Sterling, though I would recommend a narrow version from under a flatbed truck for your Jeep project. When measured from the centerline of the axletubes to the bottom-most point on the differential housing, the Sterling does offer a full inch more ground clearance than the 14-bolt. But the 14-bolt has the tubes welded into the housing where the Sterling tubes are held in place with giant spot-welded pins. These won't be a problem with your 36- to 38-inch tires, but we have seen them break under massive diesel trucks. All in all they are very similar, but for value and commonality go with the 14-bolt. However, if you are planning on using a front axle from a Super Duty, then go with the Sterling.
Question:
I have an '03 Dana 60 front axle from a Ford Super Duty with 4.30 gears. I want to know how to make this axle compatible with an earlier Dana 60 or 14-bolt with 8-on-6.5 lug pattern. I have been unable to locate a Sterling rear-end that is compatible. Does someone make axles to swap out on the older units or can I change the rotors on the metric Super Duty 60 to match?
Loretta Schwarz
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: Nothing makes us more irate than when automakers screw with lug-nut patterns! It's simple: Give us 5-on-5 1/2 on 1/4-tons and all Jeeps, 6-on-5 1/2 on 1/2-tons, SUVs, and all Toyotas, or 8-on-6 1/2 on all 3/4- and 1-tons. Quit making things harder just for the sake of being different!
You have two options. You could find a matching Sterling rear axle with the bolt pattern you want and keep the 8-on-175mm unit bearing assemblies on your Super Duty front 60, but the unit bearings are known for not lasting under high-mileage vehicles and are costly to replace. However, some wheelers we know like the unit bearing for ease of removal and service.
Or you can talk to the folks at Dynatrac (714.596.4461). They offer a unit bearing to rebuildable hub and spindle-bearing conversion for both Fords and Dodges. Since the Dodge kit is 8-on-6.5-inch and the Ford is 8-on-175mm, they should be able to come up with a kit that converts the Ford Super Duty to 8-on-6.5.
Question:
I own an '03 Chevy four-door ZR2 Tracker and I can't find any information on modifying this 4x4. Where can I find a lift kit and winch bumper for my mini 4x4 SUV?
David Brooks
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: The Tracker and Sidekick market is growing rapidly with suspensions available through Old Man Emu (425.264.1391) and Calmini (800.345.3305) as well as solid-axle conversions coming from Trail Tough (877.789.8547) that use a Toyota front axle to replace the independent front suspension. Trail Tough also offers a front locking differential as well as 4.2:1 low-range gears for your transfer case if you have a manual transmission. If you want to change differential carriers, you can get low gears in the 5.12:1 range, as well as Detroit, Lock-Right, and ARB lockers. As for bumpers, Trail Tough, Calmini, and Shockworks 281.440.0063) all offer, or are developing, a Tracker/Sidekick bumper.
Question:
I have an '81 GMC 1500 4x4 with a 350 V-8, five-speed manual, 6 inches of lift, and 37-inch tires. This truck is driven on and off road as well as used to tow a boat. With the price of fuel rising I am considering putting a Chevy Duramax Diesel under the hood. Can I do this with minimal effort? And who can I call to find the pieces to complete this conversion?
Kelly Osborn
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: Unless you consider cutting up your frame, fabricating motor mounts, figuring out exhaust and cooling issues, and then wrestling with the headaches of the Duramax computer system, we would say no, this is not an easy swap. Some of the problems are that these engines have not been out long enough and they are only just now becoming available in wrecking yards for people to even consider this swap, much less offering kits to the public. However, on the plus side, folks are looking for diesel swap options every month, and with the great performances coming from modified Duramax diesels in their original vehicles, it is only a matter of time before someone starts doing these swaps commercially for older trucks. If you think the price of gasoline saved is going to pay for this swap, you are dreaming, but if you want to build a cool truck and are willing to innovate and break new ground, then let us know how you did it and we'll pass it on to others looking for that info.
Question:
I have an '88 Toyota 4x4 pickup and the bed is rusted. I want to replace it but it's hard to find one here in Michigan. I was wondering if I can use a newer model and what kind of modification I need to do. I need help before somebody reports me to the homeowner's association. I also need to replace the gas tank. It's all rusted inside and is clogging my fuel pump.
Arvin
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: First things first, go get yourself voted in as president of the homeowner's association, and then if any complaint letters come in about you they can be conveniently lost.
As for the bed, contact the Toyota crew at California Mini Truck (909.622.1381) and All Pro Off Road (951.658.7077). CalMini explained that the '89-'95 truck beds should bolt on, but the body lines will look very goofy. However, they do have clean fuel tanks in stock and can supply you with a replacement if need be. Another option is the All Pro flatbed kit which is a bit better suited for wheeling, includes a rollbar for safety, can be outfitted to run taillights, and depending on your local laws could be street-legal.