Isn't the 96 axle too wide wheel flange to wheel flange? Otherwise you can cut the spring mounts off both axles and weld the original ones on the new axle at the required position and pinion angle.

 

only problem is i dont have a 72 ford and this is what will fit i just have to make some minor modifications

 

Okay, fine. Move your spring pads and you're done. Except the axle track width will put your wheels out wide, and maybe rubbing fenders. The 1972 (or earlier) Dana 60 will have the same track width as the original Timken and will look right. It would save you some work, and you could sell the Sterling axle and maybe be money ahead.

Or, you could use the Sterling with dually wheels on the rear to avoid the risk of rubbing like our member GB Sisson did on his 59 F-350 SRW. Stu

 

i have switched directions from what i was planning. I have found that the bed sides i got with the truck are imo beyond repair and beyond my knowledge. i was doing some research and found a new direction i am going to be dropping a flat wood bed on the truck. This will negate the wider axle issues i would have ran into and it will allow me to make the truck more unique and reduce the rear end weight.

 

Flat bed frames aren't too difficult to find and even one that is too large can be cut down.

 

yea i have found a couple but i can build one alot cheaper and make it unique for under $1500 and thats without anything but the steel bed.
i can get the wood slats for about $15 a board and the aluminum "c" channel for about $7 a piece all in all im looking at around $200.

 

so i have done alot to the truck i have the frame sanded down and undercoated the top part of it. i am putting a chevy 454 with the mated turbo 400 auto trans. i am going for the resto-mod classification. i am putting newer leaf springs into it as well out of a honda passport.