Mighty Max/D-50 on JK axles

Now that gas and diesel have gone sky high, I am currently building up an '85Mighty Max/D-50 with a 2.3 Turbo Diesel as my daily driver. I am currently having JK rubicon axles installed under the truck at Ben Hanks Racing in Sandy, UT. I poke around here from time to time looking at axle tech, and I plan to purchase a Rubicon if and when they are available with a diesel. For now this truck with a diesel and JK axles will have to do.

I have been working on alot of upgrades to the engine like adding an intercooler, ported and polished head, propane injection, watercooled turbo charger, etc. in an attempt to achieve 150 hp and 250ft lbs of torque while netting 32 mpg on the freeway. In stock form this engine had 84hp and 136ft lbs of torque, which was very adequate for this truck even lugging 33's over steep mountain passes.

Here are few teaser pics for those that are interested. They have removed most of the IFS and the rear axle assembly. Next they plan to remove the 3" bodylift and the transmission cross member. They need to fabricate a new transmission cross member because it is in the way of where the link arms need to connect to the frame.

The front is getting a new Jeep JK Rubicon axle form Mopar Performance. The axle is a high pinion Dana 44 with Tru-Lok electronic locking differential. The front axle will be a 4 link front end with long arms and a Fox coilover suspension.

The rear is recieving a matching Jeep JK Rubicon axle from Mopar Performance. It is also a Dana 44 with the Tru-Lok electronic locking differential. The rear will ride on an all new Alcan leaf spring setup. I plan on running BFG KM 255/75/17's for now but I will probably change my mind and go with 35's. I also plan on going with a 4.10 axle ratio to optimize fuel efficency.

Also in the works is an Atlas 4 speed transfer case and a complete body restoration.







Here are the axles that are going into the truck.