I'm pretty much really comtemplating losing the D50 and going some form of straight axle. I've spent a good deal of time reading in the PSN library about it but my mind is kind of jumbled right now with all the speculation mixed in with the facts. I know the rear disc brakes have to be addressed somehow on the SD setup as well as wheels. Let's just pretend I have each an OBS F350 and an 06 rolling chassis. What would have to be done in each case to swap over? I can obviously unbolt and bolt on but I wanna know about possible fab work, custom fabbing, etc.

 

Doesnt the 06 have a coil front? I would imagine the rear would be a fairly simply bolt in with a modded drive shaft for the different pinion.

The front if I was gonna swap to the coil would be a 4 link setup. Get rid of any problem that is already known with the hopping. If you go for a direct swap. Just copy the brackets on the 06 frame and bolt in. The fun would be the steering Fab wise.

 

yes the 06 is coil spring front they went to coils in 05 the 99-04 sd were leaf spring and i am not sure on the spring pad width but if they are the same as the obs then i dont know why you couldnt get bolt the axle in and mod the steering if needed and the driveshaft

 

You may want to look up Cary Towery @ CT Performance. He's done a few of these swaps. I don't think they are too difficult, but some mods & fabrication is needed. He was installing a set in a 97 when I was at his shop... looked pretty darn cool! The ride of a newer SD with the cool looks of an OBS...

 

Cool. How about a D60? Is it really just bolt in and go as long as you have all the parts? And would my current front driveshaft work on it?

 

yes it is a dirict bold in i just put a 96 f-350 dana 60 in my dads 92 f-250, driveline worked and steering off the f-350 bolted to the f-250 pitman arm.

 

i think you can find about all the info needed on doing the sd coil spring axle swap in the november 2011 issue of diesel power a guy put 06 axles in his 95

 

I have been wondering bout this too. Thanks for asking it. Thanks for the info 1973dieselhighboy.

 

Nice. I'm pretty sure I have it in the truck right now.

 

It's possible to do coil front with our trucks with LOTS of fabbing.

I'm considering just doing something like starting with a newer frame like an 06 frame and going from there. The frames are SUPER strong, and you'd have a better overall suspension.

Not sure yet though.
To many idea's swimming though my head.

 

Some good reading here, worth it. 06 Axle swap, the whole story - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

The big bonus is much tighter turning radius then the OBS D60 turning radius.