Installed 5.38s and Spicer Ultimate 44 FDU and Extreme CVs 32 spline

[BigMeatsBronco]

Shouldn't need to do anything. 5.38 is ~15% more than 4.70 and 40 is ~15% more than 35.

I like your math.
I'm hopeful for the performance to be close with 5.38s & 40"ers to the OEM 4.7 ratio & 35"ers... That would be fantastic.

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[Tech Tim]

Very cool Allan.

We've been waiting for our first order to ship.

 

[zuke]

@BigMeatsBronco, thanks once again for being the pioneer!

I wonder about the Differences betweem the 29 and 32 spline spicer Extreme shafts... the 32 spline seem to be an entirely different setup on the driver's side to accomodate the splined shaft coming out of the Ultimate FDU.

But if the 29 Spline still has the improved angles you noticed with the 32 Spline, I'm thinking for those of us with moderate lifts and 37" tires (and no intention of going to 40"), the improved angles alone would make the Extreme shafts worthwhile.

I'm pretty happy with the 4.70 gearing I've got and 37" tires, so doesn't seem worth $3800 to upgrade to the U-FDU just to run the 32 Spine half shafts.

 

[Bikeric]

Waiting on the ProCal tool to be delivered...so far on short drives there have been ZERO issues with bells and whistles or codes...YET.

I think I'll change the gear in forscan first to 5.38 and see if the modules accept that parameter...

Then when the procal tune tool shows up in a few days I'll revert the forscan changes back to OEM and then do the ford ProCal 5.38 change.


And as usual, report back with the details.

FYI, I just installed my ProCal over the weekend. I had already altered my tire circumference with FORScan, and the ProCal did not revert it back to the Factory settings which was a concern. The MAX circumference FORScan allows you to input is 2800mm (WAY less than a 40" tire) so you're not going to be able to input your real values. @Tricky Dick is probably correct (don't tell him that) that you will be doing a calculation to get the speedo right, but it will probably be close as-is.
Also, the ProCal will give you more power AND better gas mileage AND better shift qualities so it's a Win-Win-Win.
Also, the ProCal does not shut off, so don't worry about drilling a hole for the wiring into your A-pillar like I did, unless you want to unplug it from the OBDII every time you park you Rig.

 

[Bmadda]

NICE! Suprised you didn't go w/the floater in the rear, but it will be good to see how much the D44A can handle! How hard was gear setup? were you able to get and acceptable pattern w/original shims?

 

[vrtical]

This beefy stuff rules. I ran 40 spline shafts in a 9" with my race car.

 

[Bird Dog Off Road]

Great post, I'm thinking I'll just upgrade the M210 front half shafts and possibly the 74 Weld Steering rack initially. I'm really happy with the 4:71 on my 37" KM3s and will be using the tuner to correct the speedo.

 

[Bruno]

Is your main goal for river issues - to not happen? Or, are you wanting to get a job driving around stadiums?

 

[builtMIbronco]

Awesome! This was the route I wanted to go but when my m190 let go I just couldn't justify spending the money at the time so I just m210 swapped for now. I figure in a couple of years I'll be ready for 40s and the Dana FDU

 

[GloNDark]

I just installed the 29 Spline version in my First Edition last weekend. Should be good to go now with my 37"s.

Can't wait to see some real world experience with all these new beef parts

 

[NJRoadkill]

I’ve been eating these up since they announced the launch. Thanks as usual for being one of the first and for your knowledgeable feedback.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

NICE! Suprised you didn't go w/the floater in the rear, but it will be good to see how much the D44A can handle! How hard was gear setup? were you able to get and acceptable pattern w/original shims?

The pattern was very close with factory pinion shim, but I added a little to get it right. Took 3 trys to get the pattern and backlash right. I'm a rookie as I can count the R&P I've done on both hands... but managed ok. The rear took more time than the front. Called my buddy that does gear changes for a living and got some helpful tips first. The job is not much fun... especially to do right.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

I just installed the 29 Spline version in my First Edition last weekend. Should be good to go now with my 37"s.

Can't wait to see some real world experience with all these new beef parts

What ratio did you choose?

 

[Zhang]

No I didn't break any of the stock sasquatch drivetrain with the 37s...but in preparation for 40s I decided to upgrade the FDU and CV axles while doing a gear swap.

The spicer ULTIMATE 44 AdvanTEC FDU is available now with Heavy Duty 32 spline axle shafts and steel tube for extra strength. These come with a electronic locker in many ratios. The case is a different casting and has solid rubber bushings.

The swap took me an afternoon by myself and is fairly easy to do.

The CV axles are much bigger in critical areas and I noticed the extra angle available when installing them. The boots are very superior to the OEM ones and allow more clearance around the shock base.

I've included this link from spicers install video.

I'll keep this post updated with long term feedback and putting this new stuff to the test with 40 " tires.

Here's a few pics. And part numbers.

Nick over at the Spicer team has been very responsive and helpful with the production updates. (Fords ProCal tool and tune was the bottleneck on lower gearsets).

I was able to sell my used m210 FDU and rear gears to a member and recouped about 25% of the cost of these expensive parts.
So that is a real bonus.

Jeep JL rear gearsets for the m220 d44 axle do work, however the pinion bearing supplied in the rebuild kits is incorrect for the Bronco. Jeep uses a double row of ball bearings instead of a regular roller bearing like Ford. Be aware of this different part if you do a rear re-gear.

This is also the most perfect time to do a diff drop with spacers and new front bracket....far easier with the FDU removed to modify the rear upper pinion mount on the FDU.

Are you plan to sell your m210?

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

Are you plan to sell your m210?

I believe it's already sold. Keep tuned in though I'm sure someone else doing the same upgrade soon may sell their m210....I believe @tomsoffroad76 is doing the same to their new twin shop broncos, IIRC. They may be willing to sell theirs?

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