So... after watching your series (thank you) and seeing you drill the holes at a slite angle. I decided to used a Milwaukee stepped bit that goes to one inch (#8 -1").. and 😄👍. The holes are straight as an arrow. You can nearly get all the way through on one side, then flip the knuckle and finish the other way. Thank you for doing the learning for us! 😉👍
I like that setup better than the one from Artec, and can't beat it for the price. Just so anyone watching knows, you can actually use the stock Ford steering by re-drilling the taper on the JK pitman arm. The D60 knuckles already have a fairly high mounting point for the tie rod/ drag link. Plus, you can buy tie rod ends at any parts store if you break on on the trail. I can post a video of my setup if anyone wants to see it. Those came out GREAT though!
@@JKGearandGadgets I do. With the front axle pushed forward (118.5" WB, 4" lift), I can still just touch the sheet metal at the rear of the passenger front fender at full lock in certain situations. It turns, rides, and handles well. I wonder with the tie rod in front of the drag link on yours if the steering will be twitchy at all on the highway because you will have more wheel travel at the same steering wheel angle than I do.
just some side info from someone who has done this as well. remember that raising that raising that track bar front and rear also raises your roll axis or center. sort of like a pivot point for your suspension. this comes in handy for lifted vehicles in corners and off camber situations on the trail. also, having a flatter track bar/ drag link also means that as your suspension travels up and down it won't move as much side to side, this helps in numerous ways including mitigating bump steer even if the track bar and drag link aren't the same length. Another thing us one ton guys use to combat steering angle loss is a wagoneer pitman arm, its straighter and longer than the stock jk pitman. forewarning, this won't work for anyone using the stock jk track bar mount as it will hit it. Great job on the pre and post heat. preheat is great for anything cast as like me, you got your axles from a junk yard, which means they're used. cast likes to soak up all sorts of oils and junk and pre heat along with a wire brush really helps to get as much as possible out. pre and post heat also helps to reduce stress cracks, this isn't as common on cast steel as much as iron and such but still great practice. lastly, that preheat really helps to give your welder more "oomf". Loving the root and top pass, looks like you're picking up on those welding skills quickly, great job man loving to see another guy doing it himself. heck, i think i finally might make a jeep related vid tonight!
Good info right here!! This is the stuff I’d love to sit down and talk about in my videos... however I’ve been told numerous times that my videos are already too long. And I’ve noticed videos over 15 minutes get less views. Maybe someday I’ll do a video solely on steering and suspension info. Thanks for watching and thanks for the informative comment 🤘
@@JKGearandGadgets i for one love a lengthy video with any information at hand. it's why ill only watch gun reviews by nutnfancy. but i understand that building a channel may be about what the people like. and that's fine as there are always more vids to be made and forums/books filled with information
Yeah I eventually will keep expanding and make more in depth videos, but for now I have to kinda appeal to the people. It sounds like you know what I mean
@@JKGearandGadgets i understand, i think it's just time to get something other than fish on my youtube. considering my insta is just my fabrication and jeeps haha
I say go for it! But RUclips is hard to grow on, and sometimes can be dissapointing. I’m lucky I made it to this point. The big thing is consistency. Don’t post 10 videos in a month and then stop for 3 months. Put out a video a week or one every 2 weeks, and just keep doing it. Even if the video has been done before, put your spin on it. There will be one or 2 videos that get traction and help your channel start taking off.
I will agree with some of the other comments on here, I like the longer videos as well, the more knowledge the better for me, thanks for all the great videos Ben, I learn something on every one of them 👍🏼
Great in depth video Ben, since you started your one ton swap vids and all the welding on it you "forced" me to take up learning how to weld.... 👍... and as far as the length of the videos I prefer the longer in depth, keep up the great work!
Haha yes I learned so much in the years but welding is still a missing thing in the skill list, need to get some education about welding, I love to see videos of people with fabrication skills not only doing their thing but explaining what and why!
I’m about to undertake this very project on my JK. My productivity the past two days has seriously suffered since I came across your videos! Not to mention that the wife is not really happy with the monster you’re creating. Hey, I ask for forgiveness rather than permission. Can’t wait to see the install. I hope to have mine done for Carolina Beach Jeep Topless Day!
Ben, you're awesome!!! Love the the videos. Big inspiration to me. I'm in the process of doing one tons myself. At first I was at a loss knowing what exactly what I needed. Thanks to you and your 1 ton videos I got the ball rolling. Keep up the good work.
I got the same bit set from Harbor Freight... No complaints here. I use it in my drill press... Very good bit set for the money. Nice having a wood case too.
This same drill bit set is sold at Harbor Freight. The quality is actually good for the price. These bits are meant to be ran at low speed in a press with good lubrication.
That's one thing that drives me nuts about off road equipment is all the logos. You see logos at every different suspension component. I would weld in the company name and then grind it down flat
Lol I just drilled my knuckles today. Yah I bent 2 of those drill bits. Probably user error 😂 they did fix the bolt fitment issue or I just got lucky and my bolt slid in and out no problem. Great vid though. Definitely helped me. Hopefully I’ll get to weld mine up this week sometime
I would run another stringer or two on the driver side knuckle. The top in the final shot looks like you undercut it and while it might be super strong there is a chance that it isn't as strong as if it wasn't undercut. Also great job on the videos! These should help so many people out who are worried about what is involved to go to tons! (If you pause it right here ruclips.net/video/deVO0fv2rQE/видео.html you can see the undercut)
Cool video! I’m not a fan of the ball joint Dana 60 but they are more plentiful than the kingpin 60. I’m glad there’s some upgrades for them like this. I might have to resort to one someday!!
Haha I know 😂. But I think I’m also the only RUclipsr that has twin daughters that are 2 years old, has a wife that works full time, and is active duty. My time is limited 😢
What wire were you using? What about stick welding it....? Do they make any stick recommendations? What about torqueing that bolt from the beginning so you eliminate the stress from final torqueing..?
Ben. You use gas when youre welding mig. Have u ever welded using the gasless flux core? Maybe i need to use gas. Is there a difference in the end game?
I know I about 3 years late to the party. However if I’m not to worried about the high steer would it be possibly to run more stock stuff with the truss kit?
I didn’t do a video on it. It’s very straight forward. You can either toss the seals, or keep them. Since we aren’t using the vacuum hubs it doesn’t matter.
I'm really curious to know if your steering geometry, mainly lock to lock, is perfect on a JK. My understanding is that's the biggest challenge with all the weld on kits.
I have heard good things about this kit with 35s. It might seem a little expensive but if you compare it to all new OEM parts it’s not much more expensive, amzn.to/2U924GP The option after this would be a big brake kit, it will offer better stopping power but price tag is around $800
Negative. There would be too many differences to the point it wouldn’t even be possible really. You could look into a WJ knuckle swap, or a Dana 30 hi steer kit like this. sidewinderfab.com/product/dana-30-high-steer-double-shear-bracket-set/
@@JKGearandGadgets I look into this. I already just purchased the over The Knuckle One Ton Y-Link Steering Kit from Barnes4wd. So. maybe a future upgrade.
can you do a break down on cost for someone that went out and got the dana 60 like you did from the junk yard. I have been following you from the start but going back and adding the total cost is a time thing. thanks
spend the coin now while your building. go with aluminum steering. tmr, barnes, bunch of companys sell just jk kits but im sure you can call most and give them your measurments.
As of right now what are you up to as far as cost go? Even add in tools you may have bought for the build process for those who may not have all the tools. Even those cheap ass drill bits😂😂 By the way good find good ones can be well over $25.00.
YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD BE PROUD OF ALL THE EXCELLENT WORK. PRIDE IS A GREAT THING INSTEAD OF JUST BEING SOME RICH BOY WHO JUST PLOPS DOWN HIS CREDIT CARD """OR MOMMY AND DADDY'S """" CREDIT CARD. THAT SHIT PISSES ME OFF!!!! I SAVE FOR EVERYTHING I HAVE. FEELS GREAT NOT TO BE IN DEBT. Shane P. 🤪
Sitting here..watching the video..eating bacon..MERICA🤟
Yesss!!
So... after watching your series (thank you) and seeing you drill the holes at a slite angle. I decided to used a Milwaukee stepped bit that goes to one inch (#8 -1").. and 😄👍. The holes are straight as an arrow. You can nearly get all the way through on one side, then flip the knuckle and finish the other way. Thank you for doing the learning for us! 😉👍
Yep..used a step bit when I did the Artec kit on an axle before and it worked great.
I like that setup better than the one from Artec, and can't beat it for the price. Just so anyone watching knows, you can actually use the stock Ford steering by re-drilling the taper on the JK pitman arm. The D60 knuckles already have a fairly high mounting point for the tie rod/ drag link. Plus, you can buy tie rod ends at any parts store if you break on on the trail. I can post a video of my setup if anyone wants to see it. Those came out GREAT though!
Do you have full lock to lock steering with the ford setup?
@@JKGearandGadgets I do. With the front axle pushed forward (118.5" WB, 4" lift), I can still just touch the sheet metal at the rear of the passenger front fender at full lock in certain situations. It turns, rides, and handles well. I wonder with the tie rod in front of the drag link on yours if the steering will be twitchy at all on the highway because you will have more wheel travel at the same steering wheel angle than I do.
just some side info from someone who has done this as well.
remember that raising that raising that track bar front and rear also raises your roll axis or center. sort of like a pivot point for your suspension. this comes in handy for lifted vehicles in corners and off camber situations on the trail. also, having a flatter track bar/ drag link also means that as your suspension travels up and down it won't move as much side to side, this helps in numerous ways including mitigating bump steer even if the track bar and drag link aren't the same length.
Another thing us one ton guys use to combat steering angle loss is a wagoneer pitman arm, its straighter and longer than the stock jk pitman. forewarning, this won't work for anyone using the stock jk track bar mount as it will hit it.
Great job on the pre and post heat. preheat is great for anything cast as like me, you got your axles from a junk yard, which means they're used. cast likes to soak up all sorts of oils and junk and pre heat along with a wire brush really helps to get as much as possible out. pre and post heat also helps to reduce stress cracks, this isn't as common on cast steel as much as iron and such but still great practice. lastly, that preheat really helps to give your welder more "oomf".
Loving the root and top pass, looks like you're picking up on those welding skills quickly, great job man loving to see another guy doing it himself. heck, i think i finally might make a jeep related vid tonight!
Good info right here!! This is the stuff I’d love to sit down and talk about in my videos... however I’ve been told numerous times that my videos are already too long. And I’ve noticed videos over 15 minutes get less views. Maybe someday I’ll do a video solely on steering and suspension info. Thanks for watching and thanks for the informative comment 🤘
@@JKGearandGadgets i for one love a lengthy video with any information at hand. it's why ill only watch gun reviews by nutnfancy. but i understand that building a channel may be about what the people like. and that's fine as there are always more vids to be made and forums/books filled with information
Yeah I eventually will keep expanding and make more in depth videos, but for now I have to kinda appeal to the people. It sounds like you know what I mean
@@JKGearandGadgets i understand, i think it's just time to get something other than fish on my youtube. considering my insta is just my fabrication and jeeps haha
I say go for it! But RUclips is hard to grow on, and sometimes can be dissapointing. I’m lucky I made it to this point. The big thing is consistency. Don’t post 10 videos in a month and then stop for 3 months. Put out a video a week or one every 2 weeks, and just keep doing it. Even if the video has been done before, put your spin on it. There will be one or 2 videos that get traction and help your channel start taking off.
I will agree with some of the other comments on here, I like the longer videos as well, the more knowledge the better for me, thanks for all the great videos Ben, I learn something on every one of them 👍🏼
Great in depth video Ben, since you started your one ton swap vids and all the welding on it you "forced" me to take up learning how to weld.... 👍... and as far as the length of the videos I prefer the longer in depth, keep up the great work!
Awesome!! It’s a great thing to learn!
Haha yes I learned so much in the years but welding is still a missing thing in the skill list, need to get some education about welding, I love to see videos of people with fabrication skills not only doing their thing but explaining what and why!
I’m about to undertake this very project on my JK. My productivity the past two days has seriously suffered since I came across your videos! Not to mention that the wife is not really happy with the monster you’re creating. Hey, I ask for forgiveness rather than permission. Can’t wait to see the install. I hope to have mine done for Carolina Beach Jeep Topless Day!
Love this series of videos. Thanks for taking the time to make them!
Ben, you're awesome!!! Love the the videos. Big inspiration to me. I'm in the process of doing one tons myself. At first I was at a loss knowing what exactly what I needed. Thanks to you and your 1 ton videos I got the ball rolling. Keep up the good work.
I got the same bit set from Harbor Freight... No complaints here. I use it in my drill press... Very good bit set for the money. Nice having a wood case too.
This same drill bit set is sold at Harbor Freight. The quality is actually good for the price. These bits are meant to be ran at low speed in a press with good lubrication.
Just got my high steer from Barnes for the LJ. Installing the 60 within the next few weeks can’t wait to see how it performs
That's one thing that drives me nuts about off road equipment is all the logos. You see logos at every different suspension component. I would weld in the company name and then grind it down flat
Getting closer and closer. Bet you can’t wait to get these in your jeep.
I can’t wait! Still a lot to go though
Another great video to add to this series. Thanks
Your tie rod is gonna nice and high! Good job ben
Love this channel can't wait to see the next video!!!! Learn so much from you man
Thanks for watching!
Wow great job.. cant wait for the next video
Lol I just drilled my knuckles today. Yah I bent 2 of those drill bits. Probably user error 😂 they did fix the bolt fitment issue or I just got lucky and my bolt slid in and out no problem. Great vid though. Definitely helped me. Hopefully I’ll get to weld mine up this week sometime
I thought Ben was gonna do the drill bit dance when that music kicked in at 12:00. LoL
What are you talking about
You don’t hear that background music kicking in?
What’s the drill bit dance?
Just feel the drill Ben and let you body go. LoL
Cant wait for the next episode keep um coming
Barnes makes some sweet stuff
I would run another stringer or two on the driver side knuckle. The top in the final shot looks like you undercut it and while it might be super strong there is a chance that it isn't as strong as if it wasn't undercut. Also great job on the videos! These should help so many people out who are worried about what is involved to go to tons! (If you pause it right here ruclips.net/video/deVO0fv2rQE/видео.html you can see the undercut)
Cool video! I’m not a fan of the ball joint Dana 60 but they are more plentiful than the kingpin 60. I’m glad there’s some upgrades for them like this. I might have to resort to one someday!!
is there anything for converting it to king 👑pins?
this has helped me so much you have no idea haha thank you!! continuing to follow on insta and continuing to be a huge fan!
I got that set of bits at harbor freight, they are garbage as you'd expect. Good enough for a few uses on the cheap.
You need to go to King of the Hammers next year.You appear to be one of the only RUclipsrs to miss it this year. Bummer!!
Haha I know 😂. But I think I’m also the only RUclipsr that has twin daughters that are 2 years old, has a wife that works full time, and is active duty. My time is limited 😢
Didn’t realize you were active duty. I must not have been paying attention. Thanks for your service!!!
Haha it’s all good. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it in my videos. I try to keep the videos just Jeep related.
Loving these vids, cant wait to do this to my LJ
Great video and info 👍
😍😍😍😍
Outstanding!... I love how you always say "Easy"... LOL LOL
Haha sorry 😂. But it gets easy after a while!
What wire were you using?
What about stick welding it....?
Do they make any stick recommendations?
What about torqueing that bolt from the beginning so you eliminate the stress from final torqueing..?
Whats the point in the 1” bolt. Wouldnt the 5/8 or whatever factory size work fine? And what purpose is the bolt serving? Rigidity?
Ben. You use gas when youre welding mig. Have u ever welded using the gasless flux core? Maybe i need to use gas. Is there a difference in the end game?
I know I about 3 years late to the party. However if I’m not to worried about the high steer would it be possibly to run more stock stuff with the truss kit?
So it is cast steel? Hearing so many different opinions on cast steel or iron.
Awesome video bro!
I'm curious to know what's going on with the dryer and home Depot bucket?
CarlosLifts I was wondering the same thing 😂😂
Lint trap
Nice welds Ben.What is that big yellow cord?
Extension for my welder!
Oh ok you just plug in to your dryer outlet.That 30 amp circuit is all I have my Hobart 190 on and it runs just fine.
I have read that the knuckles are cast steel where as the pumpkin is cast iron... 2 different processes?
Both are cast steel
Great video Ben. Would a step bit work on the knuckles?
That would work great as long as you get one with the final size being 1”
I wish I had the knowledge to do what you're doing. Also, an understanding wife. hahah
Did you know about the Reid Racing 60 knuckles?
Yes. It all depends on how much you want to spend
Are those vacuum vents on your knuckles? The little nipple? Where did you score those at?
What mig wire are you running when for welding the hi steer arms to the knuckle ?
Could you remove the vacuum line fittings and just weld the hole on the knuckles ?
Yep! However i have heard of some people tapping it and using a zerk fitting for grease, not sure its nessecary. I just left mine capped off.
Do these sit up as high as the bolt-on high steer arms ?
Hey Ben...what video covers assembly of the hub on the front 60? Especially what seals you may have left out
I didn’t do a video on it. It’s very straight forward. You can either toss the seals, or keep them. Since we aren’t using the vacuum hubs it doesn’t matter.
@@JKGearandGadgets I've done 10-20 ball joint jobs on stock 250-350s just not sure what was needed on our application..Thanks as always
Good video, thanks
I'm really curious to know if your steering geometry, mainly lock to lock, is perfect on a JK. My understanding is that's the biggest challenge with all the weld on kits.
I’m sure it won’t be exactly perfect, but we will see.
What kinda welding wire did you use for this and your trusses on the diff? Regular welding wire or the crown alloy 44-30?
I used normal wire. Some people will use a high nickel content, but I didn’t want to spend the extra money.
Good job son 👍🏻
Do you know if it’ll clear a 4.5” bs wheel 17” diameter?
I’m not exactly sure, I want to say yes. But I plan on measuring out and seeing what will fit soon.
JK Gear and Gadgets sounds good!
Can I get some feedback on aftermarket brakes for my 10' JKU. I want to upgrade the brakes and don't know what way to go.
What tire size are you running?
Powerstop kits are good for 35s, 37s and bigger I would look at big brake kits
I am running 35”
I have heard good things about this kit with 35s. It might seem a little expensive but if you compare it to all new OEM parts it’s not much more expensive, amzn.to/2U924GP
The option after this would be a big brake kit, it will offer better stopping power but price tag is around $800
Thank you so much for the link. I try to watch all your videos on the weekend. Love the channel and thank you for the advice again
What did u set your welder too ?
Long shot but would this kit be feasible on a dana 30? I don’t mind modifying it to to the contours of the outer knuckles.
Negative. There would be too many differences to the point it wouldn’t even be possible really. You could look into a WJ knuckle swap, or a Dana 30 hi steer kit like this. sidewinderfab.com/product/dana-30-high-steer-double-shear-bracket-set/
@@JKGearandGadgets I look into this. I already just purchased the over The Knuckle One Ton Y-Link Steering Kit from Barnes4wd. So. maybe a future upgrade.
How are you going to address the issue with the different bolt patterns?
The rear axle is 3” narrower, so I will run adapter spacers, that fixes both issues with the width and bolt pattern.
@@JKGearandGadgets Awesome! Thanks for the reply
Is it just mine or is the driver side have tons more room for backspace than the passenger side? It's really playing g with my OCD
Yep, when i drilled the knuckle I was too focused on making the video... it’s at angle lol.
@@JKGearandGadgets it is what it is, mine is same way....I'll grind the passenger to sooth my OCD
Why is uptown funk in the playlist for this series?
Haha what? My kids must have added it 😂
What did you use for steering after you installed it in your JK?
I am not done with this series yet. You will have to make your own steering. Stay tuned for that video
you will get better and flatter welds if you turn up your amps a bit.
I’ve tried that but this welder doesn’t like it. It’s pretty old, might be time to upgrade.
@@JKGearandGadgets hmmm.. guessing just a 110 then.. all good
It’s a 220v surprisingly.
can you do a break down on cost for someone that went out and got the dana 60 like you did from the junk yard. I have been following you from the start but going back and adding the total cost is a time thing. thanks
Yeah I will start including total costs and parts so far
What you say 44 vs 60
spend the coin now while your building. go with aluminum steering. tmr, barnes, bunch of companys sell just jk kits but im sure you can call most and give them your measurments.
I’m thinking of trying something different
It will be cool!
Will they work on the aam 9.25?
Most likely not, but with a lot of fabrication I’m sure you could possibly make it work
As of right now what are you up to as far as cost go? Even add in tools you may have bought for the build process for those who may not have all the tools. Even those cheap ass drill bits😂😂 By the way good find good ones can be well over $25.00.
I will add it together and include it in my next video
Strong 💪 has America
I have the same set of drill bits you just have to learn how Sharpen them! Not rocket science by the way ! LOL
I will give that a shot!
Probably is something good to learn anyways! I’ve never done it
@@JKGearandGadgets Great stuff your doing on your channel by the way and greetings from Montana!
I was going to say the larger drill bits like that are pretty easy to sharpen, gets tougher below say a 3/8 or 1/4 but still doable.
Dawm some beffe pice wao
Why would i want a ford in my jeep next their will be a ford mustang conversion
Dana 60, ford doesn’t make these axles
thats not a grade 8 bolt it is lamalloy gr 12
Ahh sorry, thanks for mentioning that!
@@JKGearandGadgets dont be sorry i sell fasteners. i hope i didnt seem like a asshole
YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD BE PROUD OF ALL THE EXCELLENT WORK. PRIDE IS A GREAT THING INSTEAD OF JUST BEING SOME RICH BOY WHO JUST PLOPS DOWN HIS CREDIT CARD """OR MOMMY AND DADDY'S """" CREDIT CARD. THAT SHIT PISSES ME OFF!!!! I SAVE FOR EVERYTHING I HAVE. FEELS GREAT NOT TO BE IN DEBT. Shane P. 🤪
Have you run into any issues on the tie rod clearing the diff cover at full lock? Or any heim joints binding while flexed out and turning?
Nope! This setup with these arms works great