More thoughts on 4x4 conversions.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2005
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More thoughts on 4x4 conversions.
Fellas-
I've been reading with interest a post concerning swapping out twin I-beam frontend components for TTB stuff. Seems like a bolt in. (I'm used to working on Chevy trucks, no way is this do-able on those). So let me throw another wrench into the works.
I have a 1980 F150 2wd with a fairly mint body, and I may have access to a 1979 F150 4x4, complete with D44 front, 9" rear.
Rather than swap in TTB parts, is the straight-axle dana 44 a viable swap into the 1980 chassis? Has anyone tried this? Or are the dimensions of the two frames way different. If I go to all the trouble of hacking out rivets, etc, I'd rather end up with a true straight axle 4x4, not the TTB.
Your thoughts??
I've been reading with interest a post concerning swapping out twin I-beam frontend components for TTB stuff. Seems like a bolt in. (I'm used to working on Chevy trucks, no way is this do-able on those). So let me throw another wrench into the works.
I have a 1980 F150 2wd with a fairly mint body, and I may have access to a 1979 F150 4x4, complete with D44 front, 9" rear.
Rather than swap in TTB parts, is the straight-axle dana 44 a viable swap into the 1980 chassis? Has anyone tried this? Or are the dimensions of the two frames way different. If I go to all the trouble of hacking out rivets, etc, I'd rather end up with a true straight axle 4x4, not the TTB.
Your thoughts??
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,610
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From: Northwest, Arkansas
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Joined: Feb 2005
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There is approximately 3 inches difference in the frame widths between 80-up trucks and 79-down trucks, plus minor difference in the 2wd/4wd and coil sprung/leaf sprung versions of each. The swap is doable if you have time, patience, a little money and some welding skills. My bro-in-law's truck has 79 running gear under it (see my gallery) and he did the work in about a one week vacation. If you're not into all the knuckle busting and welding, you may consider selling your 2wd and purchasing a 4wd. Your options are only limited by your enthusiasm and your wallet.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,436
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From: South Dakota
The swap is fairly straightforward, and if you have good wrenching skills and all the parts it can be done in a weekend with good planning and an extra hand.
Here is a good link with a good writeup on swapping in a solid axle with a coil sprung front axle like you could put in. You will have to lift the truck to do this swap in order to clear the front crossmember. You will also have to find a tranny/tcase and a crossmember.
Here is a link of a guy that did a SAS using leaf springs up front. Leaf springs is an easier swap and you would have the extra "beef" of 3/4 ton or 1 ton running gear. You do not have to fabricate as much with this swap.
You can also check out my gallery of converting my '67 F100 to 4x4, as it will be the same thing you'd have to do only on a newer truck.
Hope this helps you out!
Here is a good link with a good writeup on swapping in a solid axle with a coil sprung front axle like you could put in. You will have to lift the truck to do this swap in order to clear the front crossmember. You will also have to find a tranny/tcase and a crossmember.
Here is a link of a guy that did a SAS using leaf springs up front. Leaf springs is an easier swap and you would have the extra "beef" of 3/4 ton or 1 ton running gear. You do not have to fabricate as much with this swap.
You can also check out my gallery of converting my '67 F100 to 4x4, as it will be the same thing you'd have to do only on a newer truck.
Hope this helps you out!
