I'm in the process of doing the newest cool thing and converting a 79 2wd Crew Cab into a 4 Wheel Honkey. All I've acquired so far is a C-6 trans and transfer case from a 80 F-150. I believe they should bolt up to my 460 as it was originally behind a 400M. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not sure if they transfer case will be a very durable unit or not but I'm not gonna be beating it as it will be a hunting rig, family cruiser, and pulling rig. Anyway I'm interested in opinions for front axle and steering setups. I would like to go with a radius arm set up as I believe the ride substantially better and may be able to get a little tighter turning radius out of them. Just my opinion. I'm wondering what Ford might have put the 8 bolt front axle in that might have had a radius arm system in? Any input or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Corey

 

Good luck with your project. Have fun.

 

As far as I know, the 4wd 3/4 and 1 ton front axles (8 lug) were all leaf sprung until 2006?

 

You are not going to find an 8 lug front axle that came factory under a ford truck.
Many van conversions had 8 lug dana 60's but are very rare, and very difficult to find.
Couple of ways you can go. Your concept of keeping the coil springs is a good one, and should be considered, and you can find a full width Dana 44 from a 78/9 bronco or F150, as well as the spring buckets, and you will be on your way. If you desire an 8 lug front end, you will simply convert this to 8 lug. This is done all of the time, and other than hunting down some parts is a pretty easy option.
Second option is to find a D60 that was originally under a leaf sprung truck, and install some weld on wedges to attach you radius arms to. The most desireable axle is the 78/9 Unit because of the longer short axle tube. These make welding the "wedges" much easier. If later axle is used, you will have to modify the cast center section to make enough room so you can bolt up some radius arms.
Since you may need radius arm drop brackets (depending on lift, and radius arm style) you may want to just get the long radius arm kit like those made from Cage CAGE Offroad Products Solid Axle Swap, Radius Arms, Bushing Mounts, Dana 60, Air Shocks, Solid Axle Swap Brackets, Radius Arm Kits, Offroad Products, Off Road Products, Standard Lifts, Lift Kits, Suspension Lift Systems, Ford Offroad Products, Dodge
Longer radius arms will be needed, and you will have to lift this thing enough to clear the crossmember and the differential.
Your choice of coilover shocks or standard coil springs are optional at this point, and if you choose std. coils, then you will also want some factory 4 wheel drive spring buckets, and the brackets to mount a trac bar.
Depending on lift, you can use a traditional inverted "T" style steering, or an aftermarket crossover style. The dana 44 will be slightly more difficult to accomplish a true crossover design, and thee D60 has bolt on arms making this the easiest axle to use.
Steering brings us to which steering box to use. You will have to mount a new steering box over the front of the axle and not behind the axle where it currently resides.
You can use a bronco /f150 3 bolt box, or a 78/9 power steering box.
Either will work, but again will require a little fabrication.
This is actually a reasonable conversion, but does require some fabrication, and some thought.
Good luck.