I am hoping you guys could help me see the positives and negatives of a few possibilities I have.

I have a 79 Bronco with the factory D44/9" combo. Sitting in a box, I have 4.56 gears, front and rear, and a Detroit for the rear. (which I have had for many years, just collecting dust. ) That is option 1.

Option 2 is a little different. I have an 8 lug D44/D60 from a 78 F250 that could be utilized.

I am not in a spot where I can check it out myself, but are the frames (front are) different from the Bronco to the F250? I am asking because I am considering swapping the axles from the F250 to the Bronco, but using the leaf springs from the F250. Is this a bolt in deal? I am thinking about getting myself a welder for Christmas, but I don't have one yet.

I know that the 8Lug 44 could be converted to radius arms, but I want to use the leaf setup with no lift. Any idear if it is feasible?


option 3 take a road trip to Illinois and knutpunch fatdan

 

the frames are different, so you will have to make spring hangers.

so i vote for option # 3

 

Josh, #2 is possible for sure. I just made hangers n such for my van to run a D60 up front. Could have the front all done ina weekend if you worked hard enough.

#3 with vid is a good choice too

 

seconded!
<filll>

 

I was like, what the heck are you guys talking about, and then I reread my post. I didn't even consider that option!

The frames are the same width, correct?

I guess I won't even think about this until I get a welder. I can make hangers no problem, just don't have the tools to get it done.

I am also considering selling off the 4.56 parts and possibly the detroit. I am getting some hair brained idea of running the same tires that I have on the mountaineer (255/85R16 (33x10)) or something similar with the stock gearing. The torque of a diesel should make a good cruising combo.

I am riding the fence on what to do with this truck. 37"ish and offroad or 33"ish and daily driver.

 

dear tom, option #4 bring it old man, i'll break yer hip!

josh, to be 100% honest i'd stay with the d44/9'' for a few reasons.
#1 you already have gears and a rear diff for the stock setup.
#2 no fab needed and coils ride/flex better for the most part on a short wheelbase rig.
#3 there is no real gain between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton d44 besides more lug nuts to take off, same size rotors, just twin piston calipers, which i'm sure you can get for a half ton axle.
#4 d60 rears are junk. the only advantage over a 9'' is the full float hubs, and that's barely an advantage as the 9'' is just as strong, and cheaper and more available in general, buy some junkyard shafts as spares and have at it. did i mention you already have gears($200) and a diff?($550ish) don't forget to add in 8 lug wheels if you were planning on running what you already had on the 1/2 tons.

seriously, keep it coils, keep it 1/2's, wheel the hell out of it, and add front chromo's down the line when funds allow. as long as you keep it smart in the tight stuff 1/2 tons will live with chromo's and 37's. hell, even stock shafts are fine if you keep the front open and stay smart with the skinny pedal.

EDIT: p.s. whatchu talkin' bout diesels? idi swap going on?

 

Im going with Joshs option 3 and Dans option 4

 

Well, it looks like I have some decisions to think about.

Before any of this happens, I am starting on getting the body in good shape. That is a priority.

 

Are there any alternatives to bushwacker cut out flares? different brands, or anything? What are some other options?

 

search wild horses and james duff. they specialize in early broncos, but i believe both have ventured into making stuff for big broncos.