straight axle conversion
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: farminton, me.
straight axle conversion
i was lookin for any helpful info about a straight axle swap on an 87 f150. what will i have to make for modifications and what will i have to make for brackets?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,121
Likes: 1
From: Springfield, VA
Look in the tech articles for this. There are a couple of ways of going about converting your truck to a solid front or SAS. You need to decide if you want to stay with coils or completely change out and go with leaf springs. IMO, coils are a much easier swap, but you are limited to keeping a Dana 44 front, unless you really want to challenge yourself and convert a Dana 60 to coils. If you are just starting out in the fabrication world, Jeff's Bronco Graveyard sells all of the parts that you need to do the conversion, and depending on which kit you go and what your budget is like, they can sell you the built up axle for the kit. 
If you decide to not go the kit route and do the fabrication yourself, as many of us have done, let us know what you want to accomplish with the truck. Keep in mind that which ever way you go, you will need at least 4" lift to clear the engine crossmember, so plan on having this thing bigger when your done.
If you decide to not go the kit route and do the fabrication yourself, as many of us have done, let us know what you want to accomplish with the truck. Keep in mind that which ever way you go, you will need at least 4" lift to clear the engine crossmember, so plan on having this thing bigger when your done.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,121
Likes: 1
From: Springfield, VA
note: you need 6" of lift to clear the crossmember
Nope, just need 4" to clear, but to give extra clearance and because the cost of 4" to 6" is nothing, most use the 6" lift. Mine started with a 4" lift that was on the doner axle and went up to 6" about 4 weeks later after I got all of the new parts.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,734
Likes: 38
From: Sunny Florida
That sucks that you have to lift the truck.I was just thinking about doing this swap but the lift will put a hold on things.
I can only find Dana 44 with leafs which has 8 lugs on it. Still attached to truck.
I can only find Dana 44 with leafs which has 8 lugs on it. Still attached to truck.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Keep looking RTM...in my area you can find old 4x4 F-150's and Bronco in quite a few places, you just gotta keep your eyes open. Check old farmers for the F-150's...sometimes they'll have them parked in the weeds behind the barns and you can probably get them pretty cheap if the trucks aren't in service anymore. If they are still attached to the truck it's no problem, get an acetylne (I think that's right) torch and blast the out of there! Good luck.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,734
Likes: 38
From: Sunny Florida
I am looking. I even mentioned it to all my friends so something will come in time for a good price.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: cameron county
dont fret go with a 78-79 bronco or f150 front axel assembly it is not a direct swap but it is easier than having to fabricate mounts for leaf springs. as per the lifted coils you will need them i believe ( suspensionconnection.com) sells lifted coils for less than $150.00 as for the rear lift just use lift blocks another el cheapo way of lifting a vehicle and by the way dont forget to buy longer shocks. good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: Whately, Ma
This swap is easier than you think, I did it in 2001 and never looked back. The only custom parts I used were front shock mounts and a custom 18" adjustable track bar ($41 from the local speed shop). Everything else you can get from a 78-79 F150/Bronco or at the parts store. Steering is easy, a drag-link for a 90F3504x4 works perfect. I'll dig up my old parts list and post it. I have some swap pics in my gallery. BTW, I used 4" lift 78/79 F150 coils, clear fine!!!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
I went another way and fabricated my own kit. Total investment not including the axle....46 dollars in metal and rod ends for the track bar. Plus as a plus i kept my 95 lift springs, 95 extended radius arms and the stock mounting points on the frame. I do have plans for the swap and i'm working on putting them together into a package. Check out my gallery for pictures