Solid Axle Swap
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4wd Low
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 14
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Solid Axle Swap
I came across a video of someone solid Axle swapping one of these trucks without buying all the stupid expensive brackets they try to sell you. If anyone has done a swap on here let me know what you think about that as I dont have a clue. Thank you
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 115
I replaced my twin traction beam Dana 50 with a solid Dana 60. However, I installed a reverse shackle kit at the same time. I think that may be what you’re referring to as “stupid expensive brackets they try to sell you”.
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,411
Likes: 2,899
From: Reed Point, MT
A monobeam swap from an 86-97 F350 CAN be as inexpensive as buying the axle and putting it in after removing the axle pivot bushings for the Twin Traction Beam. Of course, there are little nuance things like brake lines, u-joints, and leaf spring and shackle bushings that you'll want to do at the same time. Also there are a couple differences in the brake rotors, pads, and ball joint vs. kingpin over the years.
The worst part about installing an axle that basically bolts in (the years mentioned above) is the price of the axle itself. Usually people who have them know what they're in possession of and charge accordingly. Even then, plan on a few hundred bucks extra at a minimum for ball joints/kingpin rebuild, brakes, spindle bearings, and probably u-joints.
Make sure to get the track bar (panhard bar) too if you're not doing the reverse shackle kit. The stock shackles at the front have very little side-to-side stability and WILL flex a lot when steering. Speaking of, get the F350 pitman arm too or else your steering will be slow.
The worst part about installing an axle that basically bolts in (the years mentioned above) is the price of the axle itself. Usually people who have them know what they're in possession of and charge accordingly. Even then, plan on a few hundred bucks extra at a minimum for ball joints/kingpin rebuild, brakes, spindle bearings, and probably u-joints.
Make sure to get the track bar (panhard bar) too if you're not doing the reverse shackle kit. The stock shackles at the front have very little side-to-side stability and WILL flex a lot when steering. Speaking of, get the F350 pitman arm too or else your steering will be slow.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: North Texas
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Butt-Head
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From: Reed Point, MT
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