front axle
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 55
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From: Everly Ia
front axle
I was wondering if anyone has a write up on how to switch the front axle from the wish bone to a straight axle. And what the best tire size to go with for towing. I have a 97 F250 with 4x4 and super cab. I have 33x12.5x16.5 and im having a heck of a time trying to find them so i want to go with 16 inch rime but dont know what to go with
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 921
Likes: 1
From: Denver CO
First of all its not a wishbone its what called a TTB or twin traction beam DANA 50, the solid axle is a DANA 60. If you want to switch it out there is very little rrequired other than the axle itself. For the most part almost any D60 will fit, the tricks on mounting it are simple remove all the parts of the D50 including the pivot bracket, then point for point bolt in the D60 the steering linkages will be needed that correspond to the D60 as the the linkages for the D50 are totally different and while they will work on it, they will mess up your alignment. Then it has been said the you may need the front drive shaft from the donor D60 as there is a minor length difference.
As for the tires IIRC the 16.5" wheel are no longer in production and thus the tires are getting scarce. However if you trying to do heavy towing and also maintain fuel mileage I'd suggest staying with the stcok 235/85/16 tires in a load range E and depending on where you live and what kind of traction you need a rib tread vs. a lug tread depending on application.
As for the tires IIRC the 16.5" wheel are no longer in production and thus the tires are getting scarce. However if you trying to do heavy towing and also maintain fuel mileage I'd suggest staying with the stcok 235/85/16 tires in a load range E and depending on where you live and what kind of traction you need a rib tread vs. a lug tread depending on application.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 921
Likes: 1
From: Denver CO
Also the D60 with the kingpins is usually more preferable than the ball joint version however depending on you application and intended use either could work just fine with a little regular maint.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 921
Likes: 1
From: Denver CO
Also we have been working with a few other guys here on this lately here a link to that thread and it might answer questions for you as well as provide you with a few more helpful details.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-question.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-question.html
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,010
Likes: 5
From: Johnson City, TN.
Here is a link with all the Dana 60 info you will EVER need.
Pirate4x4.Com - Extreme Four Wheel Drive
Pirate4x4.Com - Extreme Four Wheel Drive
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