Posted by Mike Hernke (MO) [63.151.218.18] on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 11:08:12 :
In Reply to: Re: Need advice - gear upgrade posted by NorCalRon [69.35.208.61] on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 21:02:40 :
It really depends how you plan to use the truck. I use my m37 a lot off road and found changing to more modern (1980!!) axles was much more affordable than all the "upgrades" and I gained stronger axle shafts and steering joints. I started a spread sheet for all my parts for the axle swap but have not finished it yet, but I did a lot of changes you might not have to so I probably spent more than you would have to anyway. Things to consider are what tires you want the options for the stock narrow rims are pretty limited. If you want to go highway speeds you may want to consider the 17" wheels from VPW which opens up a lot of radial tire options. Then there is disk brakes. Obviously the cost of rebuild parts plus the gears and if you want the differential lockers this would be the time. I feel ARBs are the only game in town for the 9-5/8" axle. If you want to do it right you will still be doing most of this for a dana 60/70 combo also, the biggest difference will be the parts are cheaper and you will have many more choices. One other thing commonly overlooked, I think, is that if you want power steering you may have the option of crossover steering. I did this on my m37 and the results in steering precision are nothing short of amazing. I am not sure how hard this would be on a power wagon but on an m37 eliminating half the joints really tightened up my steering. Doing the swap the way I did requires a new front suspension on an m37. On a power wagon I really don't know but I have heard the dana 60 will bolt in, on an m37 you have to either narrow the front axle or "outboard" the leaf springs which is what I did I also went to wider leaves with polyurathane bushings instead of brass. If you are happy with the ride the factory leaves would be fine with an axle swap. I actually think narrower leaves flex a little better.
I know I am rambling a but there is a lot to decide before starting a build on one of these trucks. Plan what you want when you are done and then try and look at other peoples trucks. Most Power Wagon owners are happy to give rides and will talk your ear off about there trucks (I am definately guilty of this!)