Ford Performance Axle Swaps - how much labor required?

[2021FordBronco2]

I was curious if anyone had an experience on how much labor would be for the Ford Performance front and rear axles to add lockers and better gearing for my Bronco, thank you

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[Brian_B]

Are you planning to do it yourself, or pay a shop?

DIY in the driveway, both can be done in a long weekend solo. With a helper, a long day, or a easy day and a half. And if you have access to a lift, not bad at all. No real special tools required. The rear is easy. The front, not terrible, but you will probably need to re-do the alignment afterward. The new wiring for the lockers could be the hardest part of the entire thing, depending on how afraid of electricity you are.

In a shop - could not tell you. Depends on their experience level and tooling, and you could get some pretty varied numbers here.

Make sure you have the proper adapter for the locker electrical - WPT-829. Same for front and rear. Polarity matters.

 

[Brian_B]

Also, look at some of @SierraBronco build threads - he's using some non-standard equipment, but he has some great shots showing how it all comes apart and such. Particularly on the front end (the rear is pretty self-explanatory)

 

[2021FordBronco2]

Also, look at some of @SierraBronco build threads - he's using some non-standard equipment, but he has some great shots showing how it all comes apart and such. Particularly on the front end (the rear is pretty self-explanatory)

Awesome, thank you for your help Brian!

 

[Valhalla]

What kind of wheeling and tire size? might be worth the step to the Ultimate FDU and the 60 in the rear.

 

[Oldhippie]

What kind of wheeling and tire size? might be worth the step to the Ultimate FDU and the 60 in the rear.

Best thing ya can do!

 

[2021FordBronco2]

What kind of wheeling and tire size? might be worth the step to the Ultimate FDU and the 60 in the rear.

I would like to get into rock crawling, I have factory SAS tire size with SAS wheels, but the tires are Grabber ATX's with load range E, so they weight about 100 lbs each wheel and tire.

 

[Oldhippie]

I would like to get into rock crawling, I have factory SAS tire size with SAS wheels, but the tires are Grabber ATX's with load range E, so they weight about 100 lbs each wheel and tire.

if ya are going through the expense and labor to swap the axles and you are getting into rock crawling going “all in” with a 60 rear and ultimate front is almost a “no brainer” imho…god luck!

 

[Brian_B]

if ya are going through the expense and labor to swap the axles and you are getting into rock crawling going “all in” with a 60 rear and ultimate front is almost a “no brainer” imho…god luck!

I won't deny that the Ultimate FDU and D60 are better. They are, certainly.

They are also expensive. Very expensive. Almost $15k in parts right there. I get Buy Once Cry Once, but I wouldn't want to deter someone from doing this lesser upgrade the OP is talking about and getting out on the trails first thinking they ~need~ this level of equipment to get started.

For someone just getting started - probably overkill. Once you get to the point you are breaking things - that's when I'd look at investing real money into it, and targeting the things you are breaking.

The actual labor on the axle swaps isn't that bad and can be done in a driveway.

 

[Valhalla]

I'm sad now 'cause I break stuff. To the OP, I would say if you pursue this long you will skid
Crossmembers (K member)
frame side control arms
shock mounts
A arms
All of that is great but you lose about 3/4" of clearance, you need 1.5" taller tire just to get back to same clearance. In rocks 37/38 skinnies are great, but you will run out of traction and spin. Go wider and you will stick! and find out where metal gives. Personally, I think we are all fools and should move up to 2.5-ton Rockwell's.

 

[Brian_B]

and find out where metal gives. Personally, I think we are all fools and should move up to 2.5-ton Rockwell's.

Just curious

Looking at how your axle broke - assuming that's the standard 29-spine, would the 32-spline have been any better?

The RCVs and Dana Ultimate are supposedly made out of a stronger steel
The "Upgraded" Ford Performance axles are supposedly a stronger steel, but they don't say what.

The higher spline count I thought just helped from stripping the teeth, but I admit I'm not certain. A different alloy in the shaft would have certainly helped regardless though. But it's pricey to get there.

 

[DGE1993]

Just in case you haven't seen it, (the search function can be a bear sometimes) here is a link to my rear axle swap guide. It might help you determine if you have the want/ability to do it yourself. I did it on the floor with jacks and jack stands. Only specialty tool I would recommend is a good impact wrench. The control arm bolts are pretty tight.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...installation-on-base-bronco-diy-photos.69925/

 

[Brian_B]

Just in case you haven't seen it, (the search function can be a bear sometimes) here is a link to my rear axle swap guide. It might help you determine if you have the want/ability to do it yourself. I did it on the floor with jacks and jack stands. Only specialty tool I would recommend is a good impact wrench. The control arm bolts are pretty tight.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...installation-on-base-bronco-diy-photos.69925/

A hydraulic table makes it easy to do even solo. That same table is also great for bumpers, transmissions, transfer cases, tailgate alignment, and holding a cooler full of beer. Highly recommended if you DIY much work.

https://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-hydraulic-table-cart-70726.html

 

[Valhalla]

Just curious

Looking at how your axle broke - assuming that's the standard 29-spine, would the 32-spline have been any better?

The RCVs and Dana Ultimate are supposedly made out of a stronger steel
The "Upgraded" Ford Performance axles are supposedly a stronger steel, but they don't say what.

The higher spline count I thought just helped from stripping the teeth, but I admit I'm not certain. A different alloy in the shaft would have certainly helped regardless though. But it's pricey to get there.

Higher spline count increases contact area quite a bit, between that and the larger diameter it should be stronger. I want to go to a 40x13.5 so we will see if it can handle that. If I don't repurpose the money I can order next month.

 

[Brian_B]

Higher spline count increases contact area quite a bit, between that and the larger diameter it should be stronger. I want to go to a 40x13.5 so we will see if it can handle that. If I don't repurpose the money I can order next month.

I didnt know there was a difference in diameter between the various m210 CVs

I knew the m210 was bigger than the m190 though

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