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Nov 27, 2011 | 02:58 PM

.87-ford

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SAS Questions

I have a 1987 f-150 that i'm looking to do an SAS on i have the dana 44 front axle and the rear 9 inch from a 79 f-150... first question is how hard will it be to swap the rear axles? second is can i use the drums from my 87 axle on the 79? and third is my front tire is not sitting in the center of the fender well.

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To center the tire what will i have to move? The rad arms and brackets? The top coil spring bucket?...and should i use the 87 top coil bucket or the 79?

Thanks

Nov 27, 2011 | 05:29 PM

tjc transport

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

there is not very much of a difference between the9 inch from the 79 and the 8.8 that you have in the truck now. so unless there is a gear ratio issue, i would just leave the 8.8 in it.

Nov 27, 2011 | 11:26 PM

alpha/omega

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What Tom said. Keep the 8.8 unless its a ratio difference.

Use a plumb bob (or even a heavy nail, etc) to mark center for the front tire placement. Get the axle set up where you want it and build from that. IMO I would not bolt coil buckets and radius arm brackets up and then force the axle into that position. Get the axle right first.

I think most keep the stock coil bucket but the 79 will work also. Measure the height difference and I think you'll find the 79 to be taller- will provide less lift.

Nov 28, 2011 | 12:15 AM

.87-ford

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Thanks for the replies...I'm not sure what gearing i have or what gearing the 79 has thats why i just swiped both axles...now i understand the plum bob thing but the question is still will i have to move the top coil buckets?...if i position the solid axle further forward than the ttb axle was i would think that the spring geometry would be off slightly am i correct? or is the difference not enough to matter? I'm just trying to get this done right rather than throw it together and it cause problems later on. Thanks again for the help

Nov 28, 2011 | 01:26 AM

alpha/omega

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1-position the axle so that it is square with the frame and centered in the wheelwell.

2- move the coil bucket so that it is directly above the coil spring pad of the axle.

3- mount the radius arm brackets to the frame AFTER you check and recheck step 1, paying close attention not to move it from its position in step 1. I've seen many people tack weld the axle to jack stands to make sure things don't move.

Do not go with what is there just to make things simple. Do it right. From experience the top coil bucket will be close in the stock location but its will probably be in your best interest to move it forward 1-1.5"

Nov 28, 2011 | 01:30 AM

alpha/omega

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Oh, check your ratios to save some hassle with swapping rears.

3.54 and 4.10 were both available for 44s and 8.8s, 3.50 and 4.11 were available for 9" axles from the factory The difference between 3.54/3.50 or 4.10/4.11 is nothing to worry about. 3.54/4.10 will not work.

Nov 28, 2011 | 10:27 AM

.87-ford

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Alright thanks alot for the info...this'll help the swap go easier. i'll still be askin alot of questions to make sure that i get it right. thanks again for the help.