Straight Axle conversion
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Straight Axle conversion
I own a 96' Ford f150 with a 4" suspension lift. Ive been going through ball joints like its my job, and wondering about converting to a striahgt axle. Ive been looking for used axles online, but remain unsure of which striaght axle from which vehicle will have the brackets for the coil springs to match up perfectly. Please send help in all areas that i should be concerned with before purchasing a used axle.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Sierra Vista AZ
Originally Posted by ibleedfordblue
ford didnt use IFS until 97 only TTB from 80-96 and 97and98 heavy duty f-250. check jeffs bronco graveyard for a bolt on kit for straight axle or fabritech.
between IFS and TTB.
Roland
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Whately, Ma
TTB is Ford's version of IFS back then. This swap is very easy!! I did it 3 years ago on my 94F1504x4. You need to find a 76-79F1504x4 or a 78-79 Bronco for the Dana 44, after that, you have several options. I've seen about 20 different TTB/solid swaps, and every one was different. Here is what I used:
78 Dana 44
78 F1504x4 radius arms/brackets
78 F1504x4 tie-rod
78 F1504x4 lower coil cups
94 F1504x4 upper coil buckets
90 F3504x4 drag link
94 dropped pitman arm
4" lift coils for a 78-79 Bronco
4" lift shocks for a 94 F1504x4
78 F1504x4 calipers
custom 18" adjustable track bar ($40)
custom front shock mounts
stock driveshaft works perfect (the ujoints are even the same 79/94)
I welded 1/4" plate steel to the middle of the engine crossmember before mounting the track bar to it. I used the stock track bar location on the 78 front. I'm probably forgetting something, hope this helps. Steve
78 Dana 44
78 F1504x4 radius arms/brackets
78 F1504x4 tie-rod
78 F1504x4 lower coil cups
94 F1504x4 upper coil buckets
90 F3504x4 drag link
94 dropped pitman arm
4" lift coils for a 78-79 Bronco
4" lift shocks for a 94 F1504x4
78 F1504x4 calipers
custom 18" adjustable track bar ($40)
custom front shock mounts
stock driveshaft works perfect (the ujoints are even the same 79/94)
I welded 1/4" plate steel to the middle of the engine crossmember before mounting the track bar to it. I used the stock track bar location on the 78 front. I'm probably forgetting something, hope this helps. Steve
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From: Whately, Ma
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
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From: South Kitsap County, WA
TTB- Twin traction beam, Ford's attempt at independent front suspension from the late 70's to mid 90's in most of the light duty 4X4 trucks and all Broncos. It is ID'd by what looks like a wide open pair of scissors covering the front diff and axles.
IFS- Independent front suspension, generic term for free traveling front axle set-up. In our case, it is the designation given to F-150's and 250LD's 4x4 front end. Ford uses a tortion bar to drive the front wheels down on twin A arms at each spindle.
-Kerry
IFS- Independent front suspension, generic term for free traveling front axle set-up. In our case, it is the designation given to F-150's and 250LD's 4x4 front end. Ford uses a tortion bar to drive the front wheels down on twin A arms at each spindle.
-Kerry
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Brett Foote
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From: Sierra Vista AZ
Originally Posted by kspilkinton
TTB- Twin traction beam, Ford's attempt at independent front suspension from the late 70's to mid 90's in most of the light duty 4X4 trucks and all Broncos. It is ID'd by what looks like a wide open pair of scissors covering the front diff and axles.
IFS- Independent front suspension, generic term for free traveling front axle set-up. In our case, it is the designation given to F-150's and 250LD's 4x4 front end. Ford uses a tortion bar to drive the front wheels down on twin A arms at each spindle.
-Kerry
IFS- Independent front suspension, generic term for free traveling front axle set-up. In our case, it is the designation given to F-150's and 250LD's 4x4 front end. Ford uses a tortion bar to drive the front wheels down on twin A arms at each spindle.
-Kerry
Thanks Kerry
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