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I have a 69 F-250 4x4 now. I want disc brakes in front, I figure the easiest thing is to just swap in another 3/4 ton axle that already has discs. Which year F-250's would be the easiest bolt in to accomplish this. I'm thinking like 76-79 F-250 would be a good swap. I also would like to give my truck power steering, I heard you have to customize another steering box to make this work. Is there a company that just sells ready to bolt in power steering kits for my truck?. Thanks for ANY help.
I have a 69 F-250 4x4 now. I want disc brakes in front, I figure the easiest thing is to just swap in another 3/4 ton axle that already has discs. Which year F-250's would be the easiest bolt in to accomplish this. I'm thinking like 76-79 F-250 would be a good swap. I also would like to give my truck power steering, I heard you have to customize another steering box to make this work. Is there a company that just sells ready to bolt in power steering kits for my truck?. Thanks for ANY help.
I don't know what would be the easiest, but I do know that:
The first year Ford offered disc brakes on the F250 4WD's was in 1976.
Both Dana 44's and Dana 60's were used.
1980 and later trucks are completely different than previous models.
Will the 1980 and later front axles work on 1979 and earlier F250's? Dunno.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Dec 18, 2007 at 04:49 AM.
Say someone had a D44 front axle, and didnt know what era it was (disc brakes) how would u tell if it was a 76-79 version or the 80 and up version? You say there are completely different so how would one tell?
Say someone had a D44 front axle, and didnt know what era it was (disc brakes) how would u tell if it was a 76-79 version or the 80 and up version? You say there are completely different so how would one tell?
Thanks
Dana (Spicer) 44's were used as rear axles on Ford trucks 1951/72 (cars 1949/56), and as front axles from 1959 thru 1979. The later Dana 44's are different design.
How to ID: Look for the axle ID tag, it could be in two places.
On one of the bolts that holds the removable inspection cover on (usually missing by now).
Front axle: On the axle tube adjacent to the cover = right side (left side on the rear axle). The ID tag is 2" X 1/2" and is held to the tube with two bolts. The Dana ID number is 7 digits. Sample: 603100-1. Post what you find, I can decode it.
There's one other way that was the best way once, but in the world of swaps, it ain't too reliable anymore.
On the trucks Warranty aka Rating aka VIN Plate, on the left door face near the latch. Second line at the right...look for the AXLE code. Post what you find.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Dec 19, 2007 at 04:24 AM.
My 1969 F250 Highboy crew cab is converted to power steering using a ford box. I will get the numbers off the box and pitman arm. It looks like a pretty sano conversion.
Also check here for a disc brake conversion for the closed knuckel axle.