4x4 conversion coil or leaf??
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Posting Guru
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4x4 conversion coil or leaf??
My truck is already coil spring on the front why can't I put a coil spring front axle under it? It seems like that would be an easier way for me to go!! Has anybody "been there before"??
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If you search for solid axle swap (SAS) you should find plenty of info using the D44 from a 70's half ton then upgrade the hubs etc to 8 lug. keep in mind about finding coils strong enough for the PSD. also I think that bronco graveyard sells weld in spring hangers for the leaf spring swap if you go that way.
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http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/...IMAG0057-1.jpg I hope the link works.
This is a 6" lift kit for a 06 Ford!! Look how easy this would be to just weld on the frame and use the Ford radius arms and then all I would need is to know if the springs would line up on my 2wd spring towers
This is a 6" lift kit for a 06 Ford!! Look how easy this would be to just weld on the frame and use the Ford radius arms and then all I would need is to know if the springs would line up on my 2wd spring towers
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,793
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From: Richland, WA
Here's some issues you'll find with using a superduty axle:
1) Superduty frames are wider, and consequently so are the leaf and coil spring perches.
2) The superduty's have a 8 on 170mm bolt pattern and the OBS is 8 on 6.5".
3) The superduty's also have unit bearing hubs which aren't as strong as the OBS roller bearing hubs, and are way more expensive.
Seeing how you've done a couple of 5.9l swaps, I bet you got the skills and tools to cut and move the spring perches. Changing the bolt pattern should be possible, but I don't have any info on that one. Unless you want to use a SD rear axle (which have disc brakes) as well. This requires more cutting spring perches and shock mounts. The unit bearings aren't really an obstacle, just a down grade from the OBS D60. Of course there is a roller bearing hub conversion kit for the SD axles; it's like $1500 though.
I say if you can do all that, then go for it.
1) Superduty frames are wider, and consequently so are the leaf and coil spring perches.
2) The superduty's have a 8 on 170mm bolt pattern and the OBS is 8 on 6.5".
3) The superduty's also have unit bearing hubs which aren't as strong as the OBS roller bearing hubs, and are way more expensive.
Seeing how you've done a couple of 5.9l swaps, I bet you got the skills and tools to cut and move the spring perches. Changing the bolt pattern should be possible, but I don't have any info on that one. Unless you want to use a SD rear axle (which have disc brakes) as well. This requires more cutting spring perches and shock mounts. The unit bearings aren't really an obstacle, just a down grade from the OBS D60. Of course there is a roller bearing hub conversion kit for the SD axles; it's like $1500 though.
I say if you can do all that, then go for it.
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I would really enjoy the turning radius of a coil spring front axle(: I wonder if i would be able to put 3.55 gears in a SD axle? But if I want to put 38'sor40's then I would be better off with 3.73 anyways wouldn't i?? I was mostly wondering if it would be EASIER to put a coil spring... maybe I could move the spring towers outward on my OBS? That sounds like a lot of work either way... I got my transmission transfer case, driveshafts, leaf springs and 97 front Dana 60 already but i also have a 06 front Dana 60 also... I wish i could have an awesome turning radius with a leaf spring d 60!!! But can't have cake n eat it too
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Richland, WA
Yes you could, but if you are going to run 38"s or 40"s you probably shouldn't go any higher than 4.10s.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Richland, WA
I just remembered sombody telling me that there is a kit you can get to put a SD coil spring D60 in an OBS. Here's the post and link to the thread...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...olid-axle.html
You will probably have to PM Brad to find out more about it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...olid-axle.html
There are problems that come with the 99+ D50.
It uses a 8 on 170mm bolt pattern. 85.5-97 D60 is 8 on 6.5
Spring perch width is 39.5", while 85.5-97 D60 is 36.5"
Trac bar mount is completely different.
And you would need to do some rigging for the steering linkage(not a place to do rigging)
BUT
If you get a 05 and newer D60 w coil springs there is a guy who sell a kit so it will go in your truck. but you will still have a different pattern, unless you change the rear axle as well
It uses a 8 on 170mm bolt pattern. 85.5-97 D60 is 8 on 6.5
Spring perch width is 39.5", while 85.5-97 D60 is 36.5"
Trac bar mount is completely different.
And you would need to do some rigging for the steering linkage(not a place to do rigging)
BUT
If you get a 05 and newer D60 w coil springs there is a guy who sell a kit so it will go in your truck. but you will still have a different pattern, unless you change the rear axle as well
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,508
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From: The boonies by Dallas OR
The problem with the D50 is that it doesn't have the coil spring perches. That could be fabricated. The big thing the D50 would have is the twin traction beams that would work well with springs.
Why not use the coils that are already on the truck?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Wyoming
For more info on the D-50 4x4 upgrade...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ng-d-50-a.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ng-d-50-a.html
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Posting Guru
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I have a d60 coil front axle laying in my back yard.. I also have a d60 leaf setup laying right next to it.. I just wondering which would be easier to put on there (: I converted a d50 ttb to a Dana 60 before that was a fun project! I am just trying to explore my options more than anything right now.. I'm going to try to find that kit he was talking about and see what all that includes
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Just to clarify, I think the only way to do your conversion is to go the leaf sprung D60. All of the other options presented, are not worth the hassle IMHO. And as far as the 2x coils are concerned, who knows if they are tall enough, or will fit the axle, I sure don't.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Syracuse, NY
there is a guy on powerstroke.org who put sd axles and coil suspension in an obs, i actually saw it in person at the Carlisle truck nationals in PA, it was sick.
2006 Axle Swap Complete! LOTS of pictures - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
2006 Axle Swap Complete! LOTS of pictures - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum