Are half ton and 3/4 ton beams the same length? or will 86 3/4 ton spindles/ knuckles fit on 86 1/2 ton beams?

I am looking to convert the front of my 86 150 to 8 lug and I can get my hands on some 87-97 3/4 ton beams cheap, but curious if the beams will bolt up in place of my 1/2 ton beams. If not, is it a model year issue or just the concept of the swap.

I know the beams from the 86 are setup so the ball joints are pressed in to the BEAM where as my buddy's 97 has the ball joints pressed into the knuckle, so I know there is that difference too.

 

I am not sure, but the whole beam might fit. Look up the balljoints for a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton on one of the parts sites, I bet they are different and would not let you swap knuckles.

I know more about the 4x4 trucks, not so much about the 2wd trucks.

 

I figure the knuckle swap would require reaming with a larger taper or something, similar to putting D44 knuckles on a D35 TTB...

 

Complete beams should fit.
I don't think you can swap the knuckles over, I think they were ball joints on the F150, and king pins on F250/350 2wd (thru 86).

 

My 1981 F350 4x4 has ball joints.

 

See, I KNEW someone was gonna post that, which is why I specified 2WD...........