Hello, I have a 1977 f150 shortbed 4x4, I've got a brand new set of bfg km2 tires on a good set of 8 lug 16 wheels. I'd like to convert to 8 lug so I can use this set up, I've got a 1979 dana 60 with matching gears as my truck,and I also have a low pinion 44 out of a72 highboy. Will that low pinion contain all the parts to do the 8 lug conversion? Does that sound like a good idea? I know it will be some work but I've got the time right now, thank you

 

Would be a ton easier to just go buy some F150-1/2 ton 5 on 5 1/2 rims that are 16" swap the tires and save yourself a lot of work. Flip the old 8 lug rims back on Craigslist.

Summit/Jegs or 4wheelparts.com would have some basic white spokes 70ish bucks even alum modular for $125?

But if you just have to be an 8 lugger, swap the complete rear axle, and just use the "outers" on the front axle. Meaning swap the steering knuckles and everything attached to it.

I am not sure on the steering set up, tie rod wise on the LP HB axle, but I am pretty sure it is the old Garrison power assist and that might cause problems, connecting things up?

Also the old LP HB axle will have leaf spring pads and not axle wedges. So that will be more work trying to make the complete axle fit.

Also the LP HB axle wil be drum front brakes and that is not a smart upgrade IMO.

 

Also contact this FTE member Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Profile: earthquake68 He just did the exact conversion using a D60 complete rear axle (leaf springs included) and the complete outers from a 79 F250 front axle and got to keep the front disk brake set up. And got to rock the old school 16.5 slotted mags.

Alan is a awesome vehicle mechanic, actually he is a technician/fabrication/paint and body guy too. So ask him all the questions you can. That brown of his truck started as a 79 2wd F150.

Yes seeing 8 lug nuts and radius arms make you double take.

 

Ya I know what you mean, actually the 77 doesn't use the ram esist on my truck, it is a y style steering and I would just be using the necisarry hub parts due to the fact that the 44 I have is old drum brakes and open knuckle , or should I try and find a 77-79 high pinion 8 lug axle, due to the disc brakes to match the one in my halfton?

 

A 78/79 HP D44 with disk brakes would be a better upgrade IMO.

Still the 8 lug is going to have leaf spring pads and your 1/2 ton D44 has wedges. There is some work involved in a complete axle swap.

 

Swap the steering knuckles out! Keep the existing dana44 and swap the steering knuckle, disc brakes, hub, and spindle.

 

That's what I was looking into, I'm thinking I will not even need to drop my existing axle, is that possible?

 

Yes, get and put on 78/79 sterring knuckles and everything connected to them.

 

Ok thanks, that's gonna be the route I'm gonna take

 

And contact (thru a PM) earthquake68 for any tips, he did the exact swap. He got his complete rear D60 w/leaf springs and the front 79 steering knuckles from me.

Jy shopping time. You will need to have a ball joint kit, so see about getting/renting from a parts house.

 

Ok , I appreciate the knowledge and help