I am going to upgrade my legs to 2 1/2 ton rockwells instead of dana 60. One reason is because I can get them cheaper. The little research I did about them though leads me to believe that there aren't a lot of gear ratio options? Does anybody know?
2 1/2 ton rockwell
- Thread starter xsbronco
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I read in a magazine that the 2 1/2 ton are very stong but heavy i do believe the drive shaft hooks to the top on those. those rearends came from the military. and are very strong. i also recall only being able to use 2 differnt types of ratios. thats why they don't get used. that and the weight. hope this helps.
Broncoholics
Broncoholics
You might look into the 2 ton millitary axles instead. They are set up like a standard axle. The 2.5 Ton require a tall lift or modifications to the frame to raise the motor due to the gear case on top of them. The only thing good about them is the driveline angles are near horizontal. So if you plan on a tall lift you will want the 2.5 otherwise look into the 2 ton and see if those might work better for your setup. The wheels are another challange. When you do decide to get the axles see if you can get them without rims and buy separetely. Most times the lug nuts are stuck on there for good and the rim has to be torched off. Buying separately will be cheaper in the long run.
Broncoholics
Broncoholics
I love that ratio! Works well for 40"+ tires no question.
texan79&96
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yeah i was gonna say 6.72 i think detroit is the only choice for a locker right now
i dont think you can change the gear ratio in those monsters either. check out chuckstrucks.net. this guy is the king of 2.5 ton conversions down here in florida, lots of info too. in my opinion i wouldnt go with the axles. a front axle weighs in at almost 1000 pounds i think. too heavy for mud, you'll sink like a rock in a pond, unless you got 800 horses and 64'' tall rubbers. just my two cents
thats a pretty high gear ratio. Are there ways to reduce it to the wheels? Dbl transfer cases? I am already 12" of lift and I want to run 44's or higher. I am buildin this truck up for looks for most of the time and tough because I hate fixin broken stuff. My 429 puts out just over 400hp and I don't mind the weight of the axles. The guys I am going to do it with are going to fab up a pretty custom suspension. All this is due next Jan. I just want to weigh my options.
Broncoholics
Broncoholics
A buddy of mine runs the 2.5 ton axles. He only run's 40's and the RPM's are up there but when he gets his 44's that will reduce the RPM's where they need to be. He purchased these for strength and thinking heavy axles will keep him from tipping over as easily. He found out that the suspension wasn't strong enough for the heavy axles and actually stretched the coils. So don't forget those limiting straps otherwise you will see more flex than you wanted to see.
Broncobuster
Broncobuster
If you get them....and believe the lugs are stuck....try loosening them to the right.
As many have left handed threads!
As many have left handed threads!
if your suspension is going to be custom then send that sucker sky high. you were saying it would be showy too? go with the 52'' Michelins either XL or XZL. tires are like 400 bucks for a set and they are brand new! a lot cheaper than 44s or 49s and they take a 20'' rim (theres the show part of the rig) tread is cool for almost everything and it is a DOT approved tire. you would be hard pressed to find someone bigger. the rockwells would hold up just fine too, and the gears would like those taller tires.
I like the sound of those 52's. I will try and find some pics online. I checked out that link a few posts back about chucks trucks and I have to be real honest....IMO those trucks look rediculous. They don't look like they were done very tastefully. Anyways, talkes with my buddies and they want to put on a suspension without coils or leafs, like the monster trucks I think but not as loose. I don't know yet I will have to confirm that one again. I guess my only prob is it looking like those other trucks. What size lift range should be used with the rockwells?
the amount of lift dosent have anything to do with the typr of axle, decide what size tires and what suspension setup your gonna use then figure out your lift. if you wanna run 52's your gonna need a ton of lift and your gonna look like those huge trucks but they dont look as ridiculous when they are pullin you out all the time
I have some time to think about what I am gonna do. There were some that looked pretty cool. I just need to keep it street legal. I am in NV so it's not too bad with cops but I need to research how high is too high and stuff like that. It's good to know that the 52's are SL. I really need to see a truck with the rockwells in person too before I make a final decision. Thanks for all the feed-back!!
bajaplayboy
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those 52's might be SL but the lift you will need for them wont be. Normal lift laws are 26-34 inches on the front bumper or 48-54 inches on the head lights so remember to call the state DOT office and ask them based on the wieght of your bronco what oyur hieght can be.
Gear ratio is at 6.72, but you can run big tires with these and not worry about breaking, got to usa6x6.com and they will have all the eye candy you can stand for the rockwell. I have seen lots of people use these axles and have great luck. Also try stazworks.com they have some great products as well. Tires wheels and brakes are all available for these axles they have become alot more popular.
