Need help with 50ttb
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Need help with 50ttb
Hey fellas, need help with my 50 ttb.
My truck is the 86 6.9 IDI 2wd 4spd wtb the TIB.
I found a TTB at the junkyard last weekend and bought it, what I need help with is this. Been lookin for specs and diagrams but not finding much on the radius arms or kits of that sort. I work at a fab shop so metal and welding is t a problem.
Can you you guys help me out with diagrams and specs/dimensions or any other tips or advice?
I need help specifically with:
-after market radius arms arms that I want to build
-i want the truck to be able to run 35-37 inch tires
-will I need to change or replace shock towers?
-brackets
-shocks coils that are preferable
-and urethane bushing kits
-also ring and pinions, for some reason I can't find any 3.54 reverse for the front
-transfer case and front drive shaft
-will I have to have to change tranny?
-any upgrades or advice to the ttb?
-
i know I'm asking a lot but anything helps, this is my first ford truck (mopar guy), but it has the international motor so I like it.
Gonna start art a new thread soon about putting a turbo on but that's a whole other beast, wanna button up the bottom before going into the engine bay.
My truck is the 86 6.9 IDI 2wd 4spd wtb the TIB.
I found a TTB at the junkyard last weekend and bought it, what I need help with is this. Been lookin for specs and diagrams but not finding much on the radius arms or kits of that sort. I work at a fab shop so metal and welding is t a problem.
Can you you guys help me out with diagrams and specs/dimensions or any other tips or advice?
I need help specifically with:
-after market radius arms arms that I want to build
-i want the truck to be able to run 35-37 inch tires
-will I need to change or replace shock towers?
-brackets
-shocks coils that are preferable
-and urethane bushing kits
-also ring and pinions, for some reason I can't find any 3.54 reverse for the front
-transfer case and front drive shaft
-will I have to have to change tranny?
-any upgrades or advice to the ttb?
-
i know I'm asking a lot but anything helps, this is my first ford truck (mopar guy), but it has the international motor so I like it.
Gonna start art a new thread soon about putting a turbo on but that's a whole other beast, wanna button up the bottom before going into the engine bay.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Roslyn, Wa.
Just wondering what the appeal is with the coil spring and radius arm setup as opposed to putting leaf springs on it? Articulation? or just a smoother ride? The leaf setup is a lot less trouble and a lot more durable under the weight of that IDI. Of course, It's your rig....just curious
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Well I wasn't sure if it would be easier to go with leaf springs or keep the shock towers that are on it. I'm new to 4x4 and my truck already has towers on it so I figured it would just be a cutting and welding issue with brackets to fit the ttb to what I already have. Am I backwards with that train of thought?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Roslyn, Wa.
No, I don't think it's a backwards train of thought at all. You're looking for the easy swap. I'm not sure of how different the 2wd TIB mounting positions are from the TTB. Ive only seen it in my old bronco. I do know that it is a more complicated suspension system than the leaf spring one. I'm curious as well so I will shut up and see if one of the wiser dudes on here have the answer
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 7
You can probably get away with quite a bit.
On the other hand... I think the leaf springs are a much stronger, better solution. Why go with anything less? The IDI is a pretty heavy motor as it is!
Just duplicate the brackets on the truck you are pulling it off of, except modify them as drop brackets to drop all the mounting points down X inches for your lift.
As long as you drop all 3 points on each side(front and rear spring mount, center pivot) the same amount, your wheels will stay level and it'll turn OK.
You will need to figure out the steering gear though - either just drop the steering box the same amount, or change the pitman arm.
On the other hand... I think the leaf springs are a much stronger, better solution. Why go with anything less? The IDI is a pretty heavy motor as it is!
Just duplicate the brackets on the truck you are pulling it off of, except modify them as drop brackets to drop all the mounting points down X inches for your lift.
As long as you drop all 3 points on each side(front and rear spring mount, center pivot) the same amount, your wheels will stay level and it'll turn OK.
You will need to figure out the steering gear though - either just drop the steering box the same amount, or change the pitman arm.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Portland OR
The "The '80-'86 Sticky - Tech Tips & Tricks" sticky thread over on the bullnose forum has a section about axles, you might be able to find good info there
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Sparks, NV
The d50 ttb is equal length. The tib/d44 ttb in f150's are unequal length. You're going to have to source everything and customize your build including the leaf mounts.
Or you can steal a 2005+ Dana 60, including the coil buckets and radius arms, and throw it in on a weekend. The buckets use the same holes as the old ones. Nevermind the unit bearings, they are larger and do a much better job than the 99-04 rigs.
Or you can steal a 2005+ Dana 60, including the coil buckets and radius arms, and throw it in on a weekend. The buckets use the same holes as the old ones. Nevermind the unit bearings, they are larger and do a much better job than the 99-04 rigs.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 29
From: NJ
On the other hand... I think the leaf springs are a much stronger, better solution. Why go with anything less? The IDI is a pretty heavy motor as it is!
Just duplicate the brackets on the truck you are pulling it off of, except modify them as drop brackets to drop all the mounting points down X inches for your lift.
You will need to figure out the steering gear though - either just drop the steering box the same amount, or change the pitman arm.
Just duplicate the brackets on the truck you are pulling it off of, except modify them as drop brackets to drop all the mounting points down X inches for your lift.
You will need to figure out the steering gear though - either just drop the steering box the same amount, or change the pitman arm.
Also, dropping the steering box sounds like a recipe for disaster. There is a lot of stress on the steering box mounting, frames do crack there and at the crossmember just behind the box. Use a drop pitman arm or convert to high steer, don't do a hackjob that could get you hurt or killed.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post