Solid axle swap vs. stock TTB
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Solid axle swap vs. stock TTB
Hey guys, So I've been doing some hard thinking and researching the past few weeks about solid axle swaps and the stock TTB that comes in the 80-96 4x4s.
I purchased a Dana 44 out of a 79 F150 a few months ago with the intent to swap it into the 88 F150 which I currently own, which all of you know is equipped with the TTB stock. My question is, are they really that bad? I've used this truck for wood hauling and other off road activities and it had always performed well. What I'm asking is what is so bad about it and is really worth it to swap in the Solid Dana 44? from what I've read it is a pretty involved process. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I purchased a Dana 44 out of a 79 F150 a few months ago with the intent to swap it into the 88 F150 which I currently own, which all of you know is equipped with the TTB stock. My question is, are they really that bad? I've used this truck for wood hauling and other off road activities and it had always performed well. What I'm asking is what is so bad about it and is really worth it to swap in the Solid Dana 44? from what I've read it is a pretty involved process. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Backwoods of Snowflake AZ
As far as I understand unless this truck is seeing offroading everyday and/or it is running over 35s then it isn't worth putting a SA under the truck. Personally I would say stay with a ttb as it sounds like you are running 31s or 235s and don't use it everyday offroading.
Trav
Trav
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From: Minneapolis, MN
As far as I understand unless this truck is seeing offroading everyday and/or it is running over 35s then it isn't worth putting a SA under the truck. Personally I would say stay with a ttb as it sounds like you are running 31s or 235s and don't use it everyday offroading.
Trav
Trav
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Backwoods of Snowflake AZ
I have been told to only have a locker in the rear as these trucks act funny in the mud and snow when their is a locker up front.
Does the truck have LS (limited slip) or not?
If it has LS then I would say that is good enough. I had a truck that I took offroad all the time and used as a wood truck and never had a problem with it getting stuck or whatever (most of the time I was in 2wd too) and all I had was a stock LS and 31s. That truck was an 86 F150 4x4 I now have a 88 F150 4x4 and 90 F150 4x4 same set up and I plan to do light offroading and run 31s (at the most 33s) but no out in the woods with this one.
Trav
Does the truck have LS (limited slip) or not?
If it has LS then I would say that is good enough. I had a truck that I took offroad all the time and used as a wood truck and never had a problem with it getting stuck or whatever (most of the time I was in 2wd too) and all I had was a stock LS and 31s. That truck was an 86 F150 4x4 I now have a 88 F150 4x4 and 90 F150 4x4 same set up and I plan to do light offroading and run 31s (at the most 33s) but no out in the woods with this one.
Trav
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Laramie, WY
TTB 44 is strong enough for 33's, 35 is the suggested maximum.
The issues with them are more related to maintenance, as in, they require it. Replacing radius arm bushings and axle pivot bushings is something I have had to do more than I would like. Another issue is the change in camber that occurs during the cycling of the suspension (also when loaded). The above leads to funky tire wear patterns, but when maintained and properly aligned they're fine.
The issues with them are more related to maintenance, as in, they require it. Replacing radius arm bushings and axle pivot bushings is something I have had to do more than I would like. Another issue is the change in camber that occurs during the cycling of the suspension (also when loaded). The above leads to funky tire wear patterns, but when maintained and properly aligned they're fine.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Roseville, MN
A coil-sprung TTB (like in an F-150) generally rides and handles as well, or better, than a solid axle. That is not true of leaf-spring TTBs (F-250s and earlier F-350s).
Both the D44 TTB and D50 TTB have strength pretty comparable to a solid Dana 44 (the D50 TTB is probably a little stronger in some ways). A D60 could be considered a reasonable upgrade if you're going with big tires or will beat on it, but a solid D44 doesn't really get you any more strength.
It's easier to get alignment screwed up on a TTB (especially with a lift), so they can be tire eaters. But with a little care that's not much of an issue either.
There are mixed opinions on this, but in my experience, none of the 4 TTBs I've had were ever vibration-free, while all 5 of the solid front axles I've owned have been smooth. But even in my experience, only one of the TTBs was objectionable.
Both the D44 TTB and D50 TTB have strength pretty comparable to a solid Dana 44 (the D50 TTB is probably a little stronger in some ways). A D60 could be considered a reasonable upgrade if you're going with big tires or will beat on it, but a solid D44 doesn't really get you any more strength.
It's easier to get alignment screwed up on a TTB (especially with a lift), so they can be tire eaters. But with a little care that's not much of an issue either.
There are mixed opinions on this, but in my experience, none of the 4 TTBs I've had were ever vibration-free, while all 5 of the solid front axles I've owned have been smooth. But even in my experience, only one of the TTBs was objectionable.
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