Axle Swap

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Dec 22, 2008 | 08:55 PM

fireguync

Thread Starter

Trailering

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 19

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From: NC

Axle Swap

Can i swap a 3/4 ton front axle 4X4 with disc brakes out for a 73 f-100 4X4 with drum brakes. If so what years will fit the best?

Dec 22, 2008 | 09:33 PM

mark a.

Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2004

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The 3/4 ton will have leaf springs. The 1/2 ton has coils. So no it wouldn't work. You will have to find a 1/2 ton with disc brakes to put under it.

Dec 22, 2008 | 09:45 PM

75F350

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Well, actually Mark it can work with some modification. He would have to do it the same way we put D60F's under a 1/2 ton or Bronco with coils. Since the axle has a longer driver side axle tube, it has enough room for a radius arm.
The questions here are whether or not the OP has the fab skills to pull this off.
The other consideration is that the 3/4 ton front axle will have an 8 ug bolt pattern, and the wheels will have to be changed. If that is not a problem, and the OP decides to upgrade the rear axle too, and wants to changes wheels then maybe no problem, but I would think that it would be easier to just use all of the "outer hardware" (from the knuckle out) and convert the old 1/2 ton axle to an 8 lug with disc brakes.
This would be much easier than fabricating the entire 3/4 ton axle.
Maybe??????

Dec 24, 2008 | 11:36 AM

fireguync

Thread Starter

Trailering

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 19

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From: NC

do you you know what year they started the 4X4 1/2 ton with disc...

Dec 24, 2008 | 11:54 AM

75F350

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It would appear that 76 was the magic number for 1/2 tons as well as 3/4 ton 4x4 trucks.
Dana 44 Solid Front Axle: Reverse Spiral and Standard Housing info..

Dec 24, 2008 | 12:39 PM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75F350

It would appear that 76 was the magic number for 1/2 tons as well as 3/4 ton 4x4 trucks.
Dana 44 Solid Front Axle: Reverse Spiral and Standard Housing info..*

....

Dec 24, 2008 | 07:10 PM

Thunderjet4x4

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Joined: Apr 2003

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You can also keep the original axle, and upgrade to the 76-79 F150 disc brake setup. Still the 5 lug, and not too difficult-if you can find the parts cheap.

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