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alright I've got a few questions
1. has anyone converted an F-150's 4X4 twin i beam front axle to a solid one
2. how hard is it
3. how hard is it to change from a 302 to a 351
I looked in to it. It seems like alot of work. Are you thinking of leafs, or coils? If you went leafs you could copy what ford did on the f-350. Coils maybe from a 78-79 f-150 might work.
You can use a lift kit and modify it to work with a solid axle. You can also check the suspension and 4w4/offroad forum for threads talking about it...
i was considering coils and taking the axles out of a 79 f-150 thats in a junk yard around here but i wanted to know if any one had done this just to know what kind of problems im thinking about getting into the reason i wanted to change it out is the ball joints are getting bad and the coil springs are saged out and solid axles are easier to lift
Many users in those forums I mentioned have done the swap - and talked about it. The information you seek is in that forum - use the search function with topics like "sas" or "solid axle swap" - etc.
The style of suspension is actually called TTB (twin traction beam). I prefer it to a solid axle because it rides a lot smoother. I went a 4 inch lift and with some fabrication put some autofab coilovers in. Have a look at www.broncograveyard.com they have kits for the axle swaps so it would give some idea of what you'll need. The engine swap isnt easy but it is worth it. I did the same thing from a 302 to a 351ci I ran it like that for a while but two weeks ago I pulled the motor and started a rebuild.
One bit of info is label everything because it will be a lot easier than trying to remember what wires go where.
I know someone who has put a late 70's straight axle into a 92. Worked out pretty well. He somehow got the coils in but I cant exactly remember now. Anythings possible, just have to be creative!
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