LJ70 (Bundera) axle strength vs tire size Q?

[MKarmyshev]

What maximum tire size can I use on LJ70? I have stock 2L-TE and auto tranny.
What upgrades can be done to the axles? I don't have access to US or Australian products so best of all would be something like fitting CVs from Patrol or 80.
Will trussing the axles help?

Thanks a lot in advance for any info!

[gotoy]

With a 2" suspension lift you can easily fit up to 35" tyres and possibly 36". Use the steal rims from a 80 series and have then offset.

As for your CV joints I dunno, but your LJ70 CV joints should be good enough. I have had no problems with mine.

[MKarmyshev]

I have much more lift than 2".
~3.5" lift with 80 series coils and 60mm body lift.

Looks like 37s will fit easily, but will the drivetrain hold up??

[gotoy]

For 35", yes the drive train will hold. As for you wanting to put 37" I don't see you having any problem.

Wow, your lift is quite high. I would be worried about the centre of gravity with that lift and especially with 37" on. I have a 2" suspension lift and use 35" tyres....I think thats high enough. LJ70's are short wheel bas and are known to topple over.

[gotoy]

[MKarmyshev]

Actually I have LJ78 (long wheelbase).
I think wheels with -40 offset will be ok regarding lift height.

I'm more worried about drivetrain.

[gotoy]

LJ78 is a different fish from LJ70. The axles are the more stronger type. So, no I doubt you will have any problems.

[MKarmyshev]

Aren't they the same 8" type axles?

I've also read somewhere that 3rd member casing flex is a factor of bearings and gears failure too. What do you think-does it make sense to strengthen them also?

[dumbdunce]

LJ78 is a different fish from LJ70. The axles are the more stronger type. So, no I doubt you will have any problems.

no they aren't the stronger type - they are the same 8" as a LJ70.


3rd member flex is less of an issue than differential carrier flex in the front differential, which is rectified by fitting an air locker or other similar stronger carrier.

35" tyres are ok but power and torque are barely adequate for this size rubber. your choices are limited to changing the transfer case gears and/or changing the differential gears but going to a lower ratio than your current 4.875:1 is likely to result in ring/pinion gear failures. Trussing the axle housings will help if you are intending to offroad it HARD but if that is your intention then you will get better value and added width, bigger CVs and fatter diffs from a set of 80 series axles. Australian 4WD Monthy ran a two-part article on converting a Bundera to 80 series axles, perhaps they could send you back issues covering the swap if you are interested.

[MKarmyshev]

Thanks dumbdunce, very insightful as always!

I thought about 80 series axle swap but in my opinion, this swap just doesn't justify the cost and work required. I'm pretty convinced that if I ever decide to to an axle swap, I'll go portals. Either Volvo Laplander (but they are expen$ive) or UAZ.
A set of axles itself runs for about 500-700USD used, plus disk brakes (you can even order CTIS!) plus torsen-type or manual lockers... UAZ has 30cm ground clearance with its standard 31" tires. But they aren't very strong, so it's better to limit myself to something like 36"...



Regarding power and torque-I still hope to perform 13B-T or 14B-T swap when I can afford it.

I just wanted to know if I will be able to run 35" or 36" (Iroks or TSLs) meanwhile...

I am also not sure: will I be able to fit 12.5" wide tires on standard 8" ET-20 wheels? Won't it rub frame in the rear or arms in the front?

[dumbdunce]

I am also not sure: will I be able to fit 12.5" wide tires on standard 8" ET-20 wheels? Won't it rub frame in the rear or arms in the front?

is the 20 in "ET-20" for -20mm offset? if so they will be fine, might rub the inside of the rear wells a little on full articulation but you have plenty of lift. the suspension design prevents it fronm twisting up very much so the rubbing is minor.