Solid Axle Swap
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2007
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Solid Axle Swap
I have been wondering about putting a solid front axle on my 86 F-150. I think I would need 3.08 gears to match the rear end. What all does the swap involve and what axles would work for my truck? Can I keep my coils?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: South Jersey
Not sure about the coils but I think most guys who do it strongly opt for the leafs. I think there is some fab work necessary to attach the leafs as well. I don't think it's that easy with an F-150.
I believe the axle you'd want would be a Dana 60.
I believe the axle you'd want would be a Dana 60.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
The Dana 60 is a f250/350 item. The only frontend you can install in a f150 and keep it 5 lug will be a 70's 4x4 front axle. It's not a direct bolt in, but it has been done. It's much easier to install a 80-96 ttb, and it will bolt in.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: NJ
A 70s Dana 44 is pretty close to a bolt in deal. 4" lift required to clear crossmember. Use 70s radius arms with 4" drop 70s radius arm brackets. These will mount farther back. Mock them up and get them mounted in the same spot on each side to keep wheelbase correct on each side. Drill holes in frame and bolt on. Use 80s coil springs with 80s coil spring buckets on the axle. Will require redrilling the holes in the buckets to bolt to the 70s radius arms.
The only fab required is for the radius arm and possibly shock mounts depending on waht year axle you have. You may need to weld shock mounts on the radius arms... Pretty strightforward. If you don't ahve a welder just mock it up with 80s lower shock mounts, mark it, and bring the radius arms to someone who can weld the brackets on for you. The panhard bar will need a mount fabbed. Alternate option is to use a 99-2004 track bar drop bracket which will bolt to your frame and braces off the crossmember. You will then need to shorten your track bar to fit, make one that fits, or buy one made to your measurements.
All in all it's not a difficult swap and is better than throwing money at a worn out D44 TTB.
The only fab required is for the radius arm and possibly shock mounts depending on waht year axle you have. You may need to weld shock mounts on the radius arms... Pretty strightforward. If you don't ahve a welder just mock it up with 80s lower shock mounts, mark it, and bring the radius arms to someone who can weld the brackets on for you. The panhard bar will need a mount fabbed. Alternate option is to use a 99-2004 track bar drop bracket which will bolt to your frame and braces off the crossmember. You will then need to shorten your track bar to fit, make one that fits, or buy one made to your measurements.
All in all it's not a difficult swap and is better than throwing money at a worn out D44 TTB.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 141
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From: Muskegon Mi
A 70s Dana 44 is pretty close to a bolt in deal. 4" lift required to clear crossmember. Use 70s radius arms with 4" drop 70s radius arm brackets. These will mount farther back. Mock them up and get them mounted in the same spot on each side to keep wheelbase correct on each side. Drill holes in frame and bolt on. Use 80s coil springs with 80s coil spring buckets on the axle. Will require redrilling the holes in the buckets to bolt to the 70s radius arms.
The only fab required is for the radius arm and possibly shock mounts depending on waht year axle you have. You may need to weld shock mounts on the radius arms... Pretty strightforward. If you don't ahve a welder just mock it up with 80s lower shock mounts, mark it, and bring the radius arms to someone who can weld the brackets on for you. The panhard bar will need a mount fabbed. Alternate option is to use a 99-2004 track bar drop bracket which will bolt to your frame and braces off the crossmember. You will then need to shorten your track bar to fit, make one that fits, or buy one made to your measurements.
All in all it's not a difficult swap and is better than throwing money at a worn out D44 TTB.
The only fab required is for the radius arm and possibly shock mounts depending on waht year axle you have. You may need to weld shock mounts on the radius arms... Pretty strightforward. If you don't ahve a welder just mock it up with 80s lower shock mounts, mark it, and bring the radius arms to someone who can weld the brackets on for you. The panhard bar will need a mount fabbed. Alternate option is to use a 99-2004 track bar drop bracket which will bolt to your frame and braces off the crossmember. You will then need to shorten your track bar to fit, make one that fits, or buy one made to your measurements.
All in all it's not a difficult swap and is better than throwing money at a worn out D44 TTB.
That's the easiest way right there. The trackbar is the biggest problem for most people, I've done two on F150s and one on a Bronco II now and the trackbars never wound up the same lol.
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