Hey guys, I just registered and have my first questions. I have a 79 F-150 shortbox 4x4 with a 351M and a 4 speed. Been wanting to lift her and run 38's or 40's (perhaps 44's if I got crazy).

I have a Dana 44 Front and a 9" rear (if I am not mistaken) with 3:73 gears.

First question: Do you recommend an axle change, say to a Dana 60, and a higher gear ratio? How hard would this be and what would it entail? I am a very mechanical guy, just never done such a thing.

Second question: Who makes a good lift kit and where should I check...online stores, catalogs, etc.? I would be looking to go larger than the 4" lifts that I see advertised almost everywhere. I love this truck and it has been in the family since it was new. Your help is valued and appreciated. Glad I am a part of forum!

Thanks, Josh

 

>Hey guys, I just registered and have my first questions. I
>have a 79 F-150 shortbox 4x4 with a 351M and a 4 speed.
>Been wanting to lift her and run 38's or 40's (perhaps 44's
>if I got crazy).
>
>I have a Dana 44 Front and a 9" rear (if I am not mistaken)
>with 3:73 gears.
>
>First question: Do you recommend an axle change, say to a
>Dana 60, and a higher gear ratio? How hard would this be
>and what would it entail? I am a very mechanical guy, just
>never done such a thing.

I have heard that the ford 9" is legendary in terms of strength (Almost all drag racers use them) but then again, those are drag racers. A little different for a 6000 pound truck. If I were you I would put a 60 in the rear and 4.10 gears front and back. The 44 should stand up as long as you aren't running anything too wild (NOS, Blowers). Bigger tires are rough on axles and you can snap one if you are putting too much power thru them. If you are gonna be running some serious ponies then you should look into alloy axles. I think www.stageten.com makes some. Switching the axles should just be a matter of unbolting the leaf springs and possibly getting new U-bolts. If that doesn't work then you can get new springs (F-250 ones) for about $180 from JCWhitney. It isn't hard, just a lot of matching parts. Suspension is one of those things you don't want to try shortcuts on.

>
>Second question: Who makes a good lift kit and where should
>I check...online stores, catalogs, etc.? I would be looking
>to go larger than the 4" lifts that I see advertised almost
>everywhere. I love this truck and it has been in the family
>since it was new. Your help is valued and appreciated.
>Glad I am a part of forum!

I have been told by more than a handful of people that you shouldn't buy anything but Skyjacker for Ford. It softens the ride and, for a 1/2-ton, they are pretty cheap. I think you can get a 6-inch with new front and rear springs (takes care of that) for around $550. Throw in a set of nitro shocks and a dual steering stabilizer (gotta have it for those big tires) and that's still only $800. That should also clear 44" tires if you choose. May I ask what you are trying to do with it because that would help as far as the advice I could give you.
>
>Thanks, Josh