Solid Axle Swap
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Solid Axle Swap
Hey fellas. Before anyone gets upset or tells me to use the search function, I am NOT talking about a 4x4 conversion. I have a 78 f100 ranger, 2x4, and I don't really need it to be 4x4. However, I've seen/read about lots of gasser builds where a straight axle was installed instead of independent suspension. My reasoning would be simplicity (not that I beams are that complicated), better tire wear, and the ability to lift/lower without huge complications. I'm going for old school hotrod type truck with this, and I think a solid beam would be a unique and fun way to do that. Thoughts???
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Probably leave the cross member alone. Since it wont have a diff, I think it should clear just fine. If I have to pull it and fab one/replace it, that's not really a major issue. As for the axle itself, I'll probably go pull one from a pre-1965 slick f100, then move my spindles and brakes over. I need to redo them anyway, so if a few things need to be altered, that's ok. I'm hoping my spindles should be bolt up or pretty close, maybe make an adapter plate or something.
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Those old gasser hot rods has a straight axle mounted to leaf springs, like a old 50 chevy truck front axle...or old F500 or F600 Ford trucks??? I think they had it?
If it is a short bed/rat rod with a monster motor go for it, of course add a flip front end with zoomies coming out the fenders.
Toss in a little "Bulldog" stance to the front end to show some D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F. attitude!
If it is a short bed/rat rod with a monster motor go for it, of course add a flip front end with zoomies coming out the fenders.
Toss in a little "Bulldog" stance to the front end to show some D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F. attitude!
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I do love the old gasser look, but unfortunately mine's a long bed (for now anyway 
) but I'm more going for simplicity and an old school toughness. Independent suspension (even one as strong as I beams) just doesn't seem as strong. Plus the handling of my truck is crap, and I've heard the straight axle trucks are better.
) but I'm more going for simplicity and an old school toughness. Independent suspension (even one as strong as I beams) just doesn't seem as strong. Plus the handling of my truck is crap, and I've heard the straight axle trucks are better.
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It is just a cruise around town/moving/feel manly truck, not anything fancy either. But since I have to replace my springs, shocks, and every bushing in the front anyway....
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A short bed is not a requirement...just an opinion.
That I beam set up is plenty strong for what it sounds like you are doing with it IMO.
As far handling....you know you are not driving a Indy car, lol but a long bed pick up truck. Not exactily a rocket on rails, you got there.
You know there are better and easier ways than doing a solid axle swap to get better handling. Like adding front and rear sway bars with some good shocks will help, along with a Red Head steering box and a new rag joint.
That I beam set up is plenty strong for what it sounds like you are doing with it IMO.
As far handling....you know you are not driving a Indy car, lol but a long bed pick up truck. Not exactily a rocket on rails, you got there.
You know there are better and easier ways than doing a solid axle swap to get better handling. Like adding front and rear sway bars with some good shocks will help, along with a Red Head steering box and a new rag joint.
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I know I beams are strong, but there's something old school and tough about a solid axle. Not sure what made me think of it, but we'll have to see. I'll keep you guys posted if I get to it this summer.
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