CJ8: Maz's Scrambler Buildup

[Gildo]

Originally Posted by Wooders

Have wheeled with a CJ D30 - but with smallish tyres. But if I was planning to run 35"s with a V8 I would be trying to replace the diffs...especially if it was going under the knife anyhow.
The CJ hubs do act as a nice fuse, but the 260 Uni joints are a fair bit smaller than the 297/760 unis used in later D30s. Also the meat around the unis is a bit smaller too.
I recall at the first Tuff Truck Challenge, back in 2000, there was a CJ5 (strecthed) running 38.5" SX on stock D30. I asked him about it and he basically said hasn't broke so hasn't touched it......
However if undertaking a buildup, then why not put something in there a little better suited??

So you haven't seen them break the way a later D30 will?

My D30 doesn't have any meat around the unis unless I've just run over an animal, its all steel
You say a built comp truck was running 38s on a stock D30 and hadn't broke.

If they dont break what would be better suited?
Fail to see what you are basing your comments on Mr Wooders.

Spend the money where it needs to go, and then if it breaks build it bigger!

[Bogged]

Loving the Battery tie down!

[Wooders]

Originally Posted by Gildo

Fail to see what you are basing your comments on Mr Wooders.

My comments are just my personal opinion & what I'd do....You're welcome to disagree.

[Maz]

thanks for your opinions guys. Im starting to think that bracing the frame would be a good idea and looking into a th700. Is the 700 a stronger auto and does it have the benefit of a 4 speed?

Atm im trying to get the driveline sorted as this will be my first stage of the build. Im still in two minds as to whether I should swap the diffs out. If I do, I am leaning towards gq patrol diffs. Can these be adapted to leaf springs? Would I need to cut them down? I dont want to run tj flares to cover full width diffs.

[Bogged]

T700 is not as strong as a T400 or 350. 700 is 4 speed overdrive, but make sure you get one that is chevy bolt patter, not Holden-won't fit! MQ patrol is already leaf, though not sure about the spring pad distance. GQ can be made to mount springs, but you'd have the same problem as full width. springs will need to be outboarded or mounted off at an extreme height due to the diff being under the chassis pretty much.

Bracing the chassis is a GREAT idea. There are many options from running a strap across the top of the chassis to plating the frame inside and out.

Steering braces are also a good idea if you're going to run big tyres.

[wee doggie]

I always thought a T700 was basically a T350 with overdrive and 4L80E a T400 with overdrive.

Yes the original D30 unis fail the same as the later ones.

CJ8, 360 and 35s.



On the left is the front axle, the bearing caps just sheared off.

On the right is a D44 rear axle from the same CJ, busted it on a different occasion though.

I do believe the main reason for breaking unis is lack of grease, but don't think a bit of grease would have helped this one.

After this breakage I replaced both inner and outer axles with Warns high strength units and no more problems. This is a good option as they are a bolt in mod and give the bigger unis. Not sure if they are still available.

Diff now sitting in shed, replaced by D44.

[Bogged]

Originally Posted by wee doggie

I always thought a T700 was basically a T350 with overdrive and 4L80E a T400 with overdrive.

You are correct, but somewhere along the line, the T700 got weaker than the 350.

T350/400 comparison

Waaay too much info on T700!

Some Auto specs

Interesting discussion