I have a 1971 F-100 4X4. Before I lift it and get bigger tires I want to do a front axle swap to get disc brakes. I could probably get my hands on a dana 44 from a 1979 F-150. Will it bolt in? Are the spring mounting dimensions the same? When I purchase the lift will I need to get coils for a 1979 F-150 or a 1971 F-100? Or are the coil spring diameters the same? Thanks!!!!

 

IIRC, the spring cups on 78/79 Dents are different and the steering linkages (tie rods) have thicker shanks. Your 71's tie rods will bottom out and cannot be tightened. Ya might want to consider doing the whole sh'bang with integral PS from the 78/79 too.

Order springs spec'ed for the 78/79. If needing to piece together a system, contact Rocky Mountain Suspension outta North Carolina. Their customer service for these situations is really good.

Welcome to FTE.

 

If I find a 79 Dana 44 I will take all the steering and track bar. I guess what you are saying is that it will fit though? The frame widths are not different between 71 & 79? Should I try to get the coil frame mounts from a 79 as well??

 

Did you get this to work? I am looking at doing the same thing.

 

my 71 f100 has a 78 bronco complete front end ( 4x4 ), works well , has the power steering box from the bronco also. coil towers even sway bar which I still need to remove. po installed it , drives fine. He did NOT do anything to the brakes though so I am changing the manual brakes to power assisted and new prop valve at this time. rears would just lock up when you hit the brakes.