i've got 5:38''s. This sucks. I can't belive its not going to be ready for Moab... that was the point of getting started two months ago... AAAAHHHHH!! I was thinking of going with larger tires too maybe 37's

Something everyone is overlooking- you can't get 5.38s for the 14 bolt. The lowest they go is 5.13, and even those aren't readily available at the moment. I've heard folks having to wait a couple of months on backorders. So I would lean towards the Isuzu 12 bolt or a d60 ($$).

Agreed. the 12 bolt is a good choice and about as stout as a 60... BUT the proper width.

a quick searh @ central foreign garnered a ~$650-750 rate for a 98+ axle.. the 94-97 were out of stock. However, I did look @ car-part.com and found several of that iteration as cheap as $350-400 and local!!!

Lincoln locker option works out decently enough. fairly cheap and you are golden.

So I would go with an Isuzu axle.

Either D44, exact replacement, just need to swap over the gears to 5.38 and lock it up, weld or lunchbox.
OR
12 bolt. slightly more $, and the gearing locker options are about the same, only no lunchbox for the 12 bolt.

You can still make it Trav, dont give up. A direct replacement will shave some time off, otherwise the control arm (upper/lower links) brackets will need to be welded to the 12bolt. doubt the trooper links match up.
Dude, get on the horn and make some arrangements... This CAN happen within the timeframe needed. Disaster can be avoided... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for your optimism .... however... you forget that my rear end is modified. to replace any axle is going to take some grinding and welding. I can't just replace it. In addition to the gearing and ARB. The gears on my old one are glazed he said, so they need to be replaced too. ARGH!

I hear ya, and I wasnt forgetting your was modified.... so same thing goes for both axles...

* pick one up (12 bolt would be my choice, has a removable third member)
* strip it down, grind down everything to tube
* tear out the third member, get the gears set up (better call Matt @ Indy for the 5.38 to go into the 12 bolt)
* weld the carrier
* get the link brackets, shock mounts, etc welded up on the axle tube
* pinion flange-driveshaft ujoint.

There are several people around locally that could help you with this. Unfortunately I dont have the skills, tools, etc... but here are some suggestions of places to check:

Bob Tiernes (trango on colorado4x4)
Nate Marsh (Mike's buddy who is helping him out)
ORI Centennial (Chris & Paula)
You may have some better luck @ CO4x4 board lining up things you need.

I ish you luck buddy and hope to see you in the land of Red Rock.

Need more info, call me: 303-478-7568 - M, 303-841-2300 - H.

is it really worth doing? the only advantage it has over the 14 bolt is the gearing. It will cost the same no matter what and i'm still stuck with a 44 up front (until i break it and can't sell it). I really would like to go with bigger tires so that i can ofset the leingth of the vehicle. It seems as though there is no good answer here. ARGH!

Its tough isnt it? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

You start off with 31s and they arent big enough so you go to 32s with more lift and that aint enough, so a body lift ensues with 33s and that isnt enough then ditch the IFS for SAS and 35s....

then thngs start to break and making the transition to 37s oneton is considered.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rodent.gif" alt="" />

No easy answer here, but I CAN tell you this...

You have a finesse style of skinny pedal modulation and err on the cautious side of the coin. That being said, I think that the 44/12 bolt will stand up to 37s... although you may need to look at chromolloy shafts and CTM u-joints up front. Not certain, but I do know that Corbin has done that for a while and seems to work out pretty well.


You will definitely have more clearance with the Isuzu 12 bolt than you will with the 14bolt, even with shaving.

If I were in your shoes, I would go with the 12 bolt solution and be in Moab. And deal with the front when the time comes. YMMV.

The 12 bolt has more advantages over the 14 bolt besides gearing (in your application). Clearance, weight, drop out third, already disc brakes, no cast iron to worry about for links, appropriate width and strength for your truck, similar ebrake mechanism and driveshaft parts, same bolt pattern. Throw on some 1" wheel spacers that every toyota supplier in north america sells if you want some more width and you are golden. Prep, regrear, weld and re-link and you are golden.

Here's a bunch in your area for under $200


1988
Rear Axle
Isuzu Trooper II Rr AXL,non-lckng- DISC-U 1,000 P121 $175 Blake's Small Car Salvage, Inc. USA-CO(Erie) E-mail 1-800-665-4326
1988
Rear Axle
Isuzu Trooper II non-lckng--U 201,000 Z265 $175 Blake's Small Car Salvage, Inc. USA-CO(Erie) E-mail 1-800-665-4326
1989
Rear Axle
Isuzu Trooper II non-lckng- DISC BRAKE STYLE-U 237,000 T222 $175 Blake's Small Car Salvage, Inc. USA-CO(Erie) E-mail 1-800-665-4326
1989
Rear Axle
Isuzu Trooper II non-lckng--U 113,000 X222 $175 Blake's Small Car Salvage, Inc. USA-CO(Erie) E-mail 1-800-665-4326
1990
Rear Axle
Isuzu Trooper II (4.56 ratio, 41/9 teeth, HC6), non-lckn--U 214,000 C215 $175 Blake's Small Car Salvage, Inc. USA-CO(Erie) E-mail 1-800-665-4326
1989
Rear Axle
Isuzu Trooper II (4.56 ratio, 41/9 teeth, HC6), non-lckn--U 229,000 C108 $175 Blake's Small Car Salvage, Inc. USA-CO(Erie) E-mail 1-800-665-4326
1988
Rear Axle
Isuzu Trooper II NON-LOCKING 164,141 1F2002 $150 Harris Truck Parts USA-CO(Colorado-Springs) E-mail 1-800-441-5839
1988
Rear Axle
Isuzu Trooper II RTOR,116K,CK RATIO 116,809 1K2006 $150 Harris Truck Parts USA-CO(Colorado-Springs) E-mail 1-800-441-5839

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
You da man Chris. Exactly what I was thinking, but I wasnt aware of what years would be acceptable on the 12 bolts...

how much stronger is the 12 bolt than a d44? part of the reson that i want to do this is so i can get into some tougher trails. will i destroy it? in 2 years and i going to kick myself for not just doing the 14 bolt?