I am up in the air about the suspension, leaf springs are simpler, but coils would look more original.

 

My apoligies for spelling Claton incorrectly in the previous reply. I type faster than I think.

Ok, while I too agree that radius arms and coils would appear to be far more original, and I believe that you can use some of the original spring buckets and such.
One thing has to be considered. The coils spring front end may have most of what you need already and keep fabrication to a minimum.
A leaf spring front end can go either way, especially if it is a 78/9 ford f250 front axle since this would hsave the longest drive side axle tube.

How wide is the van frame?
Sprinch perches for the leaf sprung axle was 31.5 inches on center.

 

It's actually Clayton, I just did that on my user name.
I measured 47 ish center of coil spring perch to coil spring perch. Outside to outside of the frame is about 46 inches so center to center would be about 40 inches. And I should mention that this van is unibody construction.

 

> Too narrow

Maybe not, I am pretty sure mine is from a Bronco 1978-1979 with 8 lug outers.

Anyways, you might find these two threads useful since they have Dana 44 pictures of the axle under my van:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...-steering.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...clubwagon.html

 

Thanks! they are good threads. I think when you use 8 lug outers, it makes the axle wider. Also, the 69-74 vans are totally differnt than the 75 up ones. What is the width of your axle?

 

I think inside to inside of the dust shield was 68 inches, I have to double check.