any one know if a front axle in a 78 f250 will work in an 86? the 78 has a dana 50 and the 86 is a dana 44 ifs. any info will be much appreciated. thnx, Casey

 

The frame (and therefore the perches) on the 86 are a couple inches wider than the 78. Since the driver's side perch is cast into the housing on the solid axle you'll have to get another spring perch to weld to the tube and then move the passenger spring perch out a bit too. It's not that big a job to do, but you will need to do a little fabrication and fiddling to make it work.

Btw, the axle from the 78 should be a Dana 44. I believe the 86 has the D50.

 

how bout the steering in a swap like this can you use the steering out of a 78 that you get the axle out off

 

I'll have to see if the gear ratios match up too. Its a '78 f250 with a 400 automatic, I hope its got 4.10's cause thats what my 86 diesel F250 has. Hey Ivan, the 86 does have a dana 44 ifs but its the hd version. I dont know what Ford was thinking when they put this wimpy front end under a diesel!! My dads 88 diesel f250 has the 50 front end which makes more sense. But the ideal axle in these pickups is definitely the dana 60 front axle. They're pretty pricey at the bone yard though. I can get the 78 for $150 thats the entire truck, I think the engines bad but the rest of it is ok as far as I know.

 

> I dont know what Ford was thinking

It is cheap but still better then the Chevy.

> I can get the 78 for $150 thats the entire truck

Wow, that is a deal. I say go for it. 1978 should have a track bar? That should go on your truck too.

The 1978 should have a larger transfer case cross member and mount, you might want to swap that in as well.

Not to state the obvious, but, you are going from TTB to straight axle with leaf springs, so some fab work is going to be required. Though you should be able to bolt on the front hangers if you wish. I would bolt and weld them.