New Axle???
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: North US Border, Canada
New Axle???
Hey guys just wondering. I'm shopping for a front axle to swap on my 1974 f250 highboy. Something with disk brakes ofcourse and with the least mods possible. So my question is up to what year 3/4 ton do you recommend I look at in the salvage yards? I'm thinking maximum mid 80's???? Any help would be great.
Thanx
Madmike33
Thanx
Madmike33
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: nebraska
I think some '76 & 77's had a open knuckle Dana w/disk brakes -- should be a pretty straight forward swap. A solid front axle out of a 80's would be more expensive & more difficult to install. Just my .02cents.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Spokane, WA
Important thing to remember: 80 and newer trucks had a wider frame. This means the spring perches are wider on the front axles. Since the driver's side perch is cast into the diff housing it cannot be moved. This means the only option is to fabricate new spring perches and a crossmember to support them. It would be a pretty good amount of work for a guy with all the right tools and know how and a pretty good amount of expense to have someone else do it for you. Therefore if you want a disc brake front axle with minimal trouble it'll need to come from a 78 or 79, as stated above. FWIW if you can get a good deal on a front axle from a F350 (Dana 60) it's going to be worth some bucks and be a lot tougher than the D44 axle from the F250's. However it's common for those to run $1000-$1500.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: lino lakes, mn
76-early 77 f-250 bolt right in but you have to change the master,brake booster, front brake hoses, proportioning valve Idid this swap on my 75 I used the booster and master off a 75 3/4 ton 2wd with discs the front end came out of a 77 wich I bought the complete rolling chassis of for 400.00 so I got all the brake lines and proportioning valve from that good luck
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Elder User
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From: North US Border, Canada
Thanx guys, this is all good to know, but it also makes my search a little tougher too. Oh well I guess I should try to find a donor truck it'll probably be cheaper in the long run, plus I get some extra parts that could come in handy, sooner or later.
Thanx
Madmike33
Thanx
Madmike33
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Elder User
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From: North US Border, Canada
Just Picked up a 78 F250 for $800.CDN, about $600.US. So The axle should solve my problem. There's a couple of picks in my gallery.
Madmike33
Madmike33
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Post Fiend
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From: Spokane, WA
Dang Mike, that was a good deal. If it were me I'd strip the fenders and the doors off that sucker and save them just in case you ever get an "owie". It looks like you'll be in business in no time here! 
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From: North US Border, Canada
Originally Posted by ivanribic
Dang Mike, that was a good deal. If it were me I'd strip the fenders and the doors off that sucker and save them just in case you ever get an "owie". It looks like you'll be in business in no time here!
Madmike33
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Spokane, WA
Is that a D44 up front or have you had time to look at it closely? Not that it's likely but it's possible that it could be a D60 if that truck was a Snow Fighter which would make the front axle alone worth double what you paid for the whole truck. Wishful thinking at least. 