Jean
Front axle shafts are not subjected to the stress of the rears primarily
due to the fact that when you have them engaged you are in 4 wheel drive and
splitting the torque front and rear. Weight transfer issues are also involved
but I won't go into that. I also suspect that the front shafts are
manufactured from a better material and have a higher heat treat level. I
haven't actually had any tested so its a gut feel at this point. We have
tested several sets of stock rear axles and they have a very low heat level.
Rockwell C of 35 to 45 - and frequently thats on the same shaft!
As a result upgrading front shafts is optional in my opinion, unlike the
rears. I do sell a 24 spline axle conversion kit for the front. The vast
majority of them have gone to folks in the south east U.S. Those southern
boys are hard on equipment! From what I understand Tellico is like Moab
except everything is covered with wet slimey moss!
You can source Salisbury diffs for the front but the only real advantage
is a stronger ring and pinion gear. Install a 4 pinion carrier (or a 4 pin
style) in the Rover diff and you will eliminate the most of the difference
with the Salisbury without the disadvantages of the Salisbury - weight, loss
of ground clearance, modified driveshaft etc. Will end up costing a lot less
too.
Bill
Great Basin Rovers
P.S. I don't think anything of Timms is stock
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