Hi all, Id like to welcome you back to the do it yourself amature hour, staring Me a novice that is doing his best to learn things he should have learned 50 years ago. And todays episode is an update on my rear end swap, or I should probably say my trucks rear end swap. I just got the old axle assembly out and plan on doing some under truck clean up while its open and accessible. Since I cant really commit to one idea I have ordered parts to go in two different directions depending on how safe the first idea looks when I get it in. OK Idea #1 is to use shims to get the correct pinion angle that im seeking. I have shims in 4*,6*,and 8*s. My calculations show that a 4* will give me a close to equal 4* up on the rear, and a 4* down at the trans. As for the shock mounts I have ordered spacers to close the gap between the shock and outside of the H tubing that came stock on the axle, plus a 1 1/2 " spacer to span the inside of the H tubing to add some rigidity running the bolt thru the it??? Option#2 is to cut and grind off tall he old perches and have someone weld on the new spring and shock mounts that I have also purchased. I figure if I don't do it now I can do it after my welding skills improve past kindergarten level. That's all for now Ill keep you all posted. Take care and good night. "EDIT" Uh Oh, I just checked the rear springs, The pins and bushings have a LOT of play so I guess I should order some. Not looking forward to that. I've read way to many threads on getting the old ones out. Oh well at least I have a truck to work on right? and I do really enjoy working on it so cool, lets do it.

 

Jim, you should be fine with the shims, as long as the pin in the center of the spring pack is long enough to go through the shim and also locate into the hole in the axle pad.

 

Hey Jimmy,

That looks pretty good! After seeing your early work and persistence, I am sure that you are playing your skill-set down a little here!

Keep the pics coming!

Dan

 

I'd definitely go with the shims, it's tried and true, allows for adjustment. It looks like your truck is a long ways from being road worthy (at it's final ride height) so I would just bolt the rear in as is, and wait until it has full weight on it to do pinion angle final adjustment.

 

Well good morning all, what a beautiful day to be alive. Thanks for the support and opinions, I appreciate each and every post, they make the decision process much easier for. I ordered the spring pins and bushings from C.H. last night so onward and upward.

 

ATTA BOY JIMMY! No Gut's No Glory. You're doin a bang up job there. Keep up the good work.

 

Have heard of using F-2 spring plates when doing a 9 inch swap? Turns out the F-2 plates are the correct diameter for the 9 inch tubes and already incorporate shock mounts. My brother has a pair (I think) from when I was planning to do a 9 inch swap in his F-1. PM me if interested.

 

Hi Fred , the axle I bought came with the u bolts and plates, so Ill see how they line up. That said you are correct on the F2 plates, (part #5796 RH and 5797 LH) having the shock mount built on to them I looked them up ,nice. I will definitely keep you in mind and will PM you when I know for sure. Thank you.