Will a Ram1500's stock D44, and C9.25" handle 37x12.5-17 (or 36x13.5-16) tires off-road with lockers in both axles (selectable up front, Detroit in the rear)?


Due to recently getting a better paying job (and my girlfriend bring it up everyday for the past year), I have my mind set on making this happen asap, if the stock axles will do the job.

 

Yes..but not for long. How long is anyones guess.

I can tell you from casual observation that when it happens the carnage will be spectacular. Usually it's the D-44 that starts shattering axle joints, blowing the ears off at least one of the axles in the process. Your unit bearings will hate you too. They were only meant to handle 33 inch tires on this heavy of a truck.

The 9.25 rear might last a bit longer, but suffers from a weak pinion bearing assembly. Trying to turn such heavy tires speeds up the process.

Save your money from your job and do the same mods to a D-60 or D-60/70 combination.
That way you won't be continually rebuilding your front axle.

WOW..post 1500!

 

I'd like to avoid axle destruction... don't make that good of money. lol I'll look around for a Ram2500HD. I read the 5.9L have D60's in it.

 

I got my 60s from a 94rear and 96 front. I run 37s everyday no issue. if that helps. I have a friend who runs 39 in boggers on stock axles but its not a daily and he does not use it much.

 

the dana 44 front axle is made to withstand 35 inch tires. Anything bigger and your asking for trouble....even 35's it will eat front end parts......do a d60 swap....i thought about it, and in my area, i can get the front and rear axle with 4.10's....1 has 83K, the other 112K....for $700....which isnt bad at all...since with d60's you will save gas, so eventually you'll make the money back....may take 50 years, but still you''l have a strong *** axle under that truck....d60's can take abuse

 

You can spend the money you save on repairs for gas......

 

The max tire size I would put on these 1/2 ton trucks is 33s. Anything bigger, and you'll be changing wheel bearings, U-Joints, and ball joints yearly. They look so good with a 2'' lift and 33'' tires, why go any bigger?

 

I read somewhere that stock 35-spline d60's can handle 42's max. I'm gonna look around for a set, or at least a Ram2500. Either would be fine with me.

I've accepted the fact it's gonna cost me a ****load of money. lmao

Very true. lol

I'm personally fine with 285/75-16 like I have on my '01 XJ, but after having my girlfriend bug me about getting a bigger lift, and 37" tires under my XJ, I said I would do it with a Ram, once I got one.