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 with Bill Johnston Oh Suz-Ana! While adding more power to the Grey Ghost project, we
realized that harnessing that power at the axles was going to be a big
chore. The gears had already been updated with a set of 5.12s and a
locker, but we wanted to strengthen it from the axle shafts out. |
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  As
you can see in the pictures, the upgrade from stock 22 spline axle shaft
to the larger 26 spline chrome moly shaft is a huge jump. Stock birfield stubs
(Suzuki outer shafts) are 26 spline from the factory, and since this will
still use the stock locking hub the outer spline count stays at 26. The
297X u-joints are also stronger than the stock birfield joints.
*Note* Initially this article mentioned a 27 spline front axle, this was incorrect. The paragraph now reflects the correct (26) spline count. |
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  As
in any axle change, we made it easy by pulling the stock axle out and
positioning it next to the new axle housing so we could move any re-used
components straight over. First to get moved over was the differential.
You can also see the Hy-Steer system that comes with the Suz-Ana series
front axles, another side benefit that not only looks cool but adds beefy
functionality. |
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  The
axle shaft and knuckle components are new and install with ease. They are
held in place with a custom machined aluminum adapter. |
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  Once
the adapter is torqued down, the stock Samurai caliper mount, brake
shield, hub assembly can be transferred from the old axle housing. The
stock brake rotor, caliper and locking hub finish off the assembly. |
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 Transferring
the wheels to the new axle made it easier to move it around in the garage.
This axle is two inches wider than stock, as Trail Tough offers the
Suz-Ana series in stock width as well as two and four inches wider than
stock. This made our front wheel spacers a thing of the past.
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  Another
benefit of the Dana knuckles is the opportunity to add a taller high steer
system. The Grey Ghost had been outfitted with Andys Samurai Steering
system during an earlier build, but during extreme articulation it would
contact the spring pack. The new Hy-Steer system from Trail Tough gave more than
enough clearance for this application. |
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 This
gives a whole new look and capability to your front end. Watch for a
review of its trail capabilities in the near future. |
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| Component Source:
Trail Tough
Products |
09/15/04 14:52:12
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