AMC304/T18a/D300/HPD60/HPD60
 

Not sure how much of a "build" this will really be as much as it is really a place for me to document what I'm doing and to get feedback/input/info from you guys/gals.

As some of you know, I build axles on the side for a couple different groups (4x4, drag racing, even some daily drivers) and my garage is usually filled (not like it take much) with 5-9 axles at any given time. With that said, I'm very limited on space and can't exactly get a project vehicle.

For some time now I've been dreaming about what my perfect project vehicle would be. Year, make, model, drivetrain, axles, suspension, etc.. I've slowly been on the hunt to gather all the parts that I want so that when the time comes where I have the space for a vehicle, I've already got all my other parts lined up.

Since I'm a huge fan of the older Jeeps (CJ-7 and J-series trucks) I've been collecting parts so that one day I can build one. Here is what I have collected so far.

All stock AMC 304 (5.0L) V8, Borg-Warner T18-a 4spd transmission, Spicer Dana 300 t-case, two Spicer Dana 60 high pinion front axles.

1. I went with the 304 because 1)it was free and 2)the T18a will bolt up to it without any adaptors. I know someone is thinking "why a 304? why not an AMC 360 or 401?" 1)Those motors are more money around here and 2)this one was free and it ran.
2. I traded a hybrid rear axle that I built [Dana 44 center section with Dana 60 outers (spindles and hubs)] for this transmission because it has a 6.32:1 1st gear ratio. This is great for four wheeling. This transmission is pretty strong and can handle a good amount of power in it's stock form.
3. I wanted the D300 because it is compact, all gear driven (not chain driven like many are), and there is a huge aftermarket support for them.
4. I have two high pinion front axles for a few reasons: being a high pinion in the front, you are driving on the stronger side of the ring gear, with the pinion higher, it has more clearance over obstacles, it doesn't create such an extreme driveline angle either. The only issue with having an HP in the rear is the forward rotation doesn't always provide adequate oiling for the pinion bearing. There are oil slingers for this and I've even seen some people build a small oiling pump system for it.

So as it stands right now, all these parts are sitting in my garage along with a few other axles that I need to finish building for people. This is going to be a long and slow process so updates may be a while out. I'll work on getting pictures up maybe today or tomorrow.

I haven't done anything with any of my parts but I did get one axle build and sold, a second axle built and awaiting pickup, I've got a third one that I'm putting back together to sell off and a forth one that I need to tear down, rebuild and sell off as well. I have to see what I have as spare axle parts and probably post them up on e-bay at some point as well.
Hopefully once that is all set and nobody comes to me with any more axles to build, I can start digging into my own axles.

I did order the tubing needed to build one of the front HPD60 axles into a rear. I just need to see where I put the D70 spindles and hubs for it. As for the pictures, yeah that is going to be a while longer. :doh:

:pics:

Hey Brem! Your a mod here?



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I get around.