Okay I have a 96 F250 7.3 diesel, I am wanting to lift it 4-6 inches. At the same time though i'd like to improve the ride....That being said I have researched a little on what to do but would like to get a recent opinion.

The question is, is it better to stay with the TTB or go to a solid axel?

With each route what are the steps to take to make a lift happen, but get a better ride out of it?

P.S. this truck had a huge x ray machine on it previously so the suspension is shot!


Thanks!

 

Welcome to fte.

I'm not much of one for lifts, but I know that you really don't want to put a lift on a 50. A 60 is a MUCH better platform for a lift.

 

welcome to FTE.
as Darrin said, the D-50 is the weak link on the truck when lifts are concerned.

you should be able to achieve the lift you are looking for in the front by simply doing a D-60 swap and a reverse shackle conversion.
then figure out how much lift for the rear to level it off and get re arched springs. if i remember correctly, a D-60 and RSK will equal rite around 4 inches of lift

 

Are yall sure its a 50? From what I read the Front Axel (Twin I Beam) is a dana 44...I know the dana 60 with the RSK kit would be ideal, but so would having 2k to spend on the axel and kit.

 

when i did the original 4 inch kit in my truck i still had the ttb and believe me biggest mistake i ever made i couldnt keep that stupid front end aligned its a piece of junk.. Went the solid axle less then a month later and 6 inch springs. the rsk is a excellent choice over a spring lift though keeps ride quality good. whatever you choose if your going up in height ditch that ttb thats my 2 cents

 

Thanks for posting, glad to hear from another one that has done this!

Is switching the ttb to the dana 60 and using the RSK kit something that you can do without have too pay someone to do it. I'm pretty good hands on and can typically do it...

 

the D44 TTB was usually used in the lighter trucks. all diesels i have ever seen had the D50 TTB


D60 swap is a weekend deal and very easy to do. rsk is a little harder, but not something a decent back yard do it yourself should have any problem with.

 

So much hate for the D50 around here, when it's all about how you maintain it.

First of all, good luck finding a D60 that doesn't need repairs to itself or has all of required parts for under $800.

90% of all the TTB problems originate from worn leaf springs, damaged center pivot and leaf spring eye bushings and poor alignment practices. I've been through all of these problems with mine and other's TTBs and still wouldn't change them for anything.

First things first, replace those bushings. ALL of them. It'll cost you under $100 if you get them from the right place. I have poly bushings throughout my entire truck and the costs totaled $200. Body bushings included. Second, make sure your ball joints and wheel bearings are new or at least in good shape. Many people blame the axle for strange wear patterns and pulling when they haven't checked the common culprits to start with, they just blame the axle. Third, get a set of adjustable camber/caster sleeves and install them before you get to the shop, they charge insane amounts to put them in and they aren't hard to install.

Find a good alignment shop. Ask them if they even know what a D50 twin-traction beam axle actually is, and what it take to align it. They usually will ask you if you have adjustable camber/caster sleeves installed if they know anything about it right away.

Honestly, a lift kit is nothing more than dropped hinge brackets and new, higher curved springs making the truck higher. I've lifted 6 of these trucks now, all PSD and two F150s with D44 TTBs. None of them are having or have ever had the problems people describe on this site. You must start with a good foundation and get a good alignment, the same as you would with a solid axle conversion.

Not trying to step on anyone's toes here, just my experiences with the axle.

 

Some regular cab PSD F250s had D44s in them. I've owned one. Rule of thumb was if it had extended cab or larger it was a D50.

 

i have replaced at least 20 D-50 TTB axles that had broken tubes between 1987 and 1995.
and that was just at my shop, and all on unlifted street driven trucks that were not heavily abused.
the ones that got abused and lifted usually got the D60 put in when they were put together.

i do not have hate for the TTB, i just feel they are poorly made and will never ever own a truck with one in it when the D-60 is so much better of an axle.

 

one thing to be said for the TTB is its allot better for jumping. and thats about it.

 

I don't hate the 50 either. In fact, I still have mine and have no plans to change it.

The 60 is still a MUCH better foundation for a lift.

 

I don't have any undue animosity for the D50 either, but I do think that if the OP wants a lifted truck the D60 is the way to go. It is a much more simple, durable and time tested setup for lifting a truck. As others have said you can easily achieve 4-6" of lift with a D60 swap and an RSK and your truck will ride better than stock. I wouldn't spend my money any other way.

 

Agreed I don't hate the d50 it's a excellent front end if used for a stock truck no lift and is properly maintained. Just needs to be baby sat as far as alignment.

 

ha! didnt know they could actually be aligned more then 10 minutes in the ones ive owned.