Need help from the converts
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: NW Iowa
Need help from the converts
Just getting ready for the parts gathering phase on converting my 79 250 Crew to four wheel drive. I have a c-6 and transfer case from a 81 F-150. It was behind a 400 so I hope I'm correct in assuming it will bolt up to my 460. I would really like to use radius arms as I like the ride and don't plan on getting the the rough stuff to often. I know about the cage products but it's a bunch of money for what ya get in my opinion. I was wondering if Ford produced a HD 44 or 60 front axle with radius arms that may work with some minor mods or were they all 5 bolt knuckles with radius arms. Any ideas or things you've done would be appreciated. Thanks.
Corey
Corey
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Only half tons came with radius arms. If you use your coil spring and radius arm idea, you will have your work cut out for you. The frames are different and the radius arms will not actually reach the frame, so you had better get the metal glue out, because you are gonna have to fab up some stuff.
(this statement is not actually true, because the Sd trucf after 2005 has a D60 and radius arms)
How high do you plan on making this thing? I ask because for your conversion you will have to either make a severe mod to the crossmember or rais the truck enough to clear the differential. This will usually require about a 6" lift.
And the 5 bolt knuckle theory is confusing. I believe you are talkng about the actual lug pattern, and not the knuckle. I say this because both the 44 and 60 use 5 bolt spindles and knuckles.
I am sure that you are refering to the wheel bolt pattern.
78/9 D60F's are pretty easy to convert to either link type, or radius arm suspension.
(this statement is not actually true, because the Sd trucf after 2005 has a D60 and radius arms)
How high do you plan on making this thing? I ask because for your conversion you will have to either make a severe mod to the crossmember or rais the truck enough to clear the differential. This will usually require about a 6" lift.
And the 5 bolt knuckle theory is confusing. I believe you are talkng about the actual lug pattern, and not the knuckle. I say this because both the 44 and 60 use 5 bolt spindles and knuckles.
I am sure that you are refering to the wheel bolt pattern.
78/9 D60F's are pretty easy to convert to either link type, or radius arm suspension.
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From: NW Iowa
75F350. You are right, I was talking about the lug pattern. Also I would prefer not to lift this truck, so I might be SOL with the radius arm idea. But as you say, the 05 and later SD axle may work. Although I am unsure about the axle width compared to the 79.
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There is actually an axle width difference.
Crazyredneckanyhow currently has a build going on that addresses this issue. He chose leaf springs.
Anyway, the x-member issue is that it hangs terribly low, so it either has to be removed and a custom one made, or the truck has to be lifted about 6 inches to clear the differntial, so no matter which axle you use, this 4wd conversion will require some heigth to clear the front axle.
You probably also do not want a SD fron axle. They are cheap, but are kind of piles of non usable junk.
What I mean is that they use a metric bolt pattern for starters (8 x 170mm) so this is a pain, and they also use unit type beariings, so these are not serviceable, they seldom have manual locking hubs, and the factory plastic ones that do, are not so great. These also do not have provisions for a bolt on steering arm should you choose to use x-over steering. You will be limited to inverted "T" style steering.
You will have your work cut out for you. This is a rather detailed project that you have decided to take on.
Fun project, but you will have you work cut out.
Crazyredneckanyhow currently has a build going on that addresses this issue. He chose leaf springs.
Anyway, the x-member issue is that it hangs terribly low, so it either has to be removed and a custom one made, or the truck has to be lifted about 6 inches to clear the differntial, so no matter which axle you use, this 4wd conversion will require some heigth to clear the front axle.
You probably also do not want a SD fron axle. They are cheap, but are kind of piles of non usable junk.
What I mean is that they use a metric bolt pattern for starters (8 x 170mm) so this is a pain, and they also use unit type beariings, so these are not serviceable, they seldom have manual locking hubs, and the factory plastic ones that do, are not so great. These also do not have provisions for a bolt on steering arm should you choose to use x-over steering. You will be limited to inverted "T" style steering.
You will have your work cut out for you. This is a rather detailed project that you have decided to take on.
Fun project, but you will have you work cut out.
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From: NW Iowa
I know a little something about the durability of the Super Duty front ends. I put upper and lower ball joints in them about every other week, and I don't work at a dealer either. But once the aftermarket greasable joints are in, the do last. I honestly haven't seen one problem yet with the sealed type bearings they have. Bet the metric studs would be a PITA.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2005
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From: Spokane, WA
I have toyed with using the Super Duty axles on my 76 4X4 Crew. I think the 8-170 pattern with four wheel discs (using the Sterling SD rear) would be cool. We do not see many problems with the unit style bearings unless there is a lot of submerging (creek fording) going on. Then again, the climate is pretty dry and mild around here. Remember, the '01 and older Super Duties are Dana 50's, not 60's. I have a Dana 50 housing out of an '01 SD I plan on using to mock the front end up but haven't gotten around to it yet. Of course this is still utilizing leaf springs in the front, not radius arms like the original post.
Last edited by jhooch; Jan 22, 2009 at 12:32 AM. Reason: typo
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OK, guess we have gone a different direction. The problem that the 99-04 SD front axle has is the spring pad width. This width is too wide for the early frame, and the springs will have to be relocated on the frame to accomodate the wider spring pads.
I know, just move the spring pads right? That cant be done. The spring pad is cast right into the diff just like the earlier axles, though in this case, the short side axle dimension will prevent this axle from installing it under an early truck.
Another eason you do not see the SD axles under any other trucks. Too much work.
I know, just move the spring pads right? That cant be done. The spring pad is cast right into the diff just like the earlier axles, though in this case, the short side axle dimension will prevent this axle from installing it under an early truck.
Another eason you do not see the SD axles under any other trucks. Too much work.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
OK, guess we have gone a different direction. The problem that the 99-04 SD front axle has is the spring pad width. This width is too wide for the early frame, and the springs will have to be relocated on the frame to accomodate the wider spring pads.
I know, just move the spring pads right? That cant be done. The spring pad is cast right into the diff just like the earlier axles, though in this case, the short side axle dimension will prevent this axle from installing it under an early truck.
Another eason you do not see the SD axles under any other trucks. Too much work.
I know, just move the spring pads right? That cant be done. The spring pad is cast right into the diff just like the earlier axles, though in this case, the short side axle dimension will prevent this axle from installing it under an early truck.
Another eason you do not see the SD axles under any other trucks. Too much work.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: NW Iowa
Well then, I guess my next best option is scabing an axle out of a highboy and using the leaf set up. Wouldn't be all bad I guess. Then the steering fun begins. Thanks for your opinions 75f350 & jhooch.