Will 42" Michelin XZL's chew up my running gear?  I've got a c6/np205 behind a 460. Front axle is a D44 out of a 74 f-150 and my rear axle is an 8.8 ford rear end.  I've only got 3.50 gears and they barely turn my 38's so I'm expecting to do a gear swap.  Michelin XZL's are a *** of a lot cheaper than 44's and but I'd like to keep the running gear I've got now.  

Your axles might last about 5 times out before exploding. My axles are stronger then yours and im afraid of going larger then 39's. I don't have a big block either. Im assuming your run in the mud right? Go find some one ton running gear from a late 80's one ton f350. Its very heavy duty. Any heavier and you looking at rockwells. I was able to source a front d60 from a 89 f350 I will soon install in my Jeep wrangler.

If you do run the tires, the first time you hit a section of high traction, and that sound of a gun going off, you will see why I say try to source some one ton stuff.

You can get this stuff cheap in the north east of the states. I've even seen this stuff for sale in the north midwest. Here in the south west, that running gear is uber expensive for used junkyard stuff.

Good luck  

I noticed a typo.  They are 52' Michelin XZL's  

Dude! Those Axles are not long for this world, I agree with jpfrk2001 that you need 1 ton running gear asap.  Here's a tip - look for an entire donor vehicle, I have seen older 1 ton P.U.'s for sale on Craigslist for $1500, less if they are not running.  You don't NEED a running vehicle.  With a 460, you should be able to drag the heap home, rip out the axles, and then sell the rest for scrap metal.  

Or, there are 'helpful' folks on Craigslist and in the phone book that will pick up your junker vehicle for free (and THEY sell it for scrap).  Another solution is to donate the heap to the Salvation Army or something.  Call them first to see if they will accept a vehicle with no axles.

Those current axles you have can be sold to people upgrading Jeeps.  8.8 goes nicely with the newer jeep 5x4.5 bolt pattern.  I am running Dana 44's at both ends, and I am slightly nervous using my 36" swampers.  When those are worn bald, I will probably drop down to 35's.  And I only have the stock 4.0L, not a 460!  Yikes.  I bet you could break your axles running 32" tires.  Just wait till you get in some slop, and the mud makes a nice vacuum against the underside of your truck.

Don't forget, there are lots of older Diesel trucks out there with potential axles for you as well.  A 1 ton Diesel puts out as much or more Torque than your 460.  Also Motor Homes, although those have usually led hard lives.  If you are going to rebuild the axle, however, they might be a source for an overlooked Dana 70 at a junkyard.  Older Dodge Diesels (I have a 2001) run Dana 60's in front, and Dana 70's in the rear.  
Good luck!  

Here is a perfect example of what I was talking about.  You get this guy's truck, and you have picked up axles for $200 apiece.  You just have to deal with Dually hubs...  This is on the Denver Craigslist right now.


F-350 Ford dually truck - $400

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Reply to: see below
Date: 2007-09-11, 2:11PM MDT


Needs work but will run.
New clutch, throw out bearing, pressure plate.
Used for work. Keep having mechanics work on it. But still having problems getting started.
Make offer,
Ron 303-427-6505
720-300-0490  

if you are running 52 inch Mich's Just go all out and get the biggest out there. One ton duelly's or even the rockwells. Or better yet, Just get some rockwells. 52 is a big size. Just go BIG or go HOME. You will be happier down the road later. trust me  

Thanks for the input guys.  I've decided to go a head and just stick with my plan to run 44's I'll prolly try and trade my XML's for a set if 44" inch TSLs.  I'm running 38.5" TSL now and their great.  My truck's got about 20" of lift now so the 38.5" look like 33's.  Sucks too cause those are brand new tires as well.  I guess the Just Empty Every Pocket thing doesn't just apply to jeepers.  

Even the 44's arn't going to be nice to those axles...  

True but with this whole global war on terror thing going on I only get to drive her about 3 to 5 times a year so I shouldn't put too much wear on it.