I have a 77F150 4X4 that is SLOWLY getting rebuilt into a weekend toy. I need to rebuilt the dana 44 front end, and was wondering if a straight 2WD axle could be swapped in to keep it mobile while I go through the front axle.

It seems like new C bushings to go in the radius arms made for the 2WD axle would be all that's needed to do the swap. Well, that and the 2WD straight axle and spindles, and hubs, etc.

If this can be done, will the 4X4 calipers fit the 2WD rotors?

 

Ford didn't use a solid front axle after the early 60's. And even then, I thought it was with leaf springs, not coils. 60's and newer 2wd is a twin I beam independent suspension. It would take crossmembers, spring perches, steering box and tierods from a 2wd - lots of cutting and welding...

If you want to keep driving while overhauling the axle, might have to by a used D44 and swap it in to drive. Or buy a used one and overhaul that, then swap it in when finished. Then you only swap axles once...

Marty

 

swapping a 2wd axle will be more than a headache. 73 custom is correct they never used a straight axle with coil springs. I had a 64 F100 and it was a straight axle with drum brakes, leaf springs and it wasnt even shaped like what you would need to fit in the C bushing space.