air-bagging?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2008
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air-bagging?
I am building my truck as a 4x4 (1956 F-600), however the solid front axle has a built in 6" drop or so. As it is now the ride height it about perfect, the 36" wheels fill the wheel well perfectly.
The problem is is that if I swap out the front axle to a straight on, it's going to raise it 6". I'm not looking for a tall 4x4, I very very much prefer the look of a "low" 4x4. The truck isn't going to be used for paths or anything, it would trash my truck, I just need the 4x4 for snow. It makes a big difference where I live.
I was told to look into airbags, but they're fairly new to me, least when mixing with 4x4s. Any input on using them up front? Perhaps there is an easier/cheaper way? I'm mainly looking for the front to sit about 6" lower after the new axle is in, to counter act what the new axle will raise. Truck will have 36-38" tires in the end. Have more plan info if needed.
Thanks
The problem is is that if I swap out the front axle to a straight on, it's going to raise it 6". I'm not looking for a tall 4x4, I very very much prefer the look of a "low" 4x4. The truck isn't going to be used for paths or anything, it would trash my truck, I just need the 4x4 for snow. It makes a big difference where I live.
I was told to look into airbags, but they're fairly new to me, least when mixing with 4x4s. Any input on using them up front? Perhaps there is an easier/cheaper way? I'm mainly looking for the front to sit about 6" lower after the new axle is in, to counter act what the new axle will raise. Truck will have 36-38" tires in the end. Have more plan info if needed.
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2009
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Im assuming you are talking about a 2wd front axle is in the truck now and you are swapping in a 4wd front axle?
When you bolt in this 4wd axle the truck will then be 6" too tall for your taste?
Why not bolt in a set of stock springs? Cheap and easy IMO.
When you bolt in this 4wd axle the truck will then be 6" too tall for your taste?
Why not bolt in a set of stock springs? Cheap and easy IMO.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2009
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Oh ok...I guess I misunderstood also.
How about a spring under setup with your current leaf springs. That may only lift the front an inch or so depending on tube diameter and leaf pack thickness..
What axle would you be using?
How about a spring under setup with your current leaf springs. That may only lift the front an inch or so depending on tube diameter and leaf pack thickness..
What axle would you be using?
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Cargo Master
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Not sure on what axle at the moment, I may have to wait till I find something that will work well for me. I'd like a strong set, but am on a budget, I was thinking something out of the mid to late 70s Ford trucks. Any suggestions?
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Post Fiend
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I dont think any 1/2, 3/4 or even 1 ton axle will really hold up to the weight that thing can carry...not to mention they are all too narrow.
You need something in the 2.5 ton flavor. Ford Chevy International and maybe a few other companies built 2-2.5ton medium duty trucks. I dont think even the beefy 4" tube HD knuckle D60 from a late model F550 would even do the job. 20" rims wouldnt be a problem for them but the bolt pattern wouldnt match the rear. Whats it got 6 lug wedge rims?
regardless we arent talking cheap.
You need something in the 2.5 ton flavor. Ford Chevy International and maybe a few other companies built 2-2.5ton medium duty trucks. I dont think even the beefy 4" tube HD knuckle D60 from a late model F550 would even do the job. 20" rims wouldnt be a problem for them but the bolt pattern wouldnt match the rear. Whats it got 6 lug wedge rims?
regardless we arent talking cheap.
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Cargo Master
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I'm looking for it to have to carry 22,000lbs anymore, I just need it to be a lot more practical. I plan on using a goose neck trailer with it but I can't see ever hauling more than 5,000lbs on it.
I have to swap the rear as well, it's has dual gearing around 5.83 and 7.59 or something. Even if I could match one of those to the front axle, it still be way way too low to use practically. I'm planning around 4.10s.
I have to swap the rear as well, it's has dual gearing around 5.83 and 7.59 or something. Even if I could match one of those to the front axle, it still be way way too low to use practically. I'm planning around 4.10s.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2009
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buy a 350 dually.
IMO its just not practical to swap in a 1ton or smaller axle and the newer 1 1/4+ ton axles are extremely expensive.
Id think a D80 or D135 from a F-superduty or F450/550 would work in the rear but the problem is the front. Id think you'd need to retube at minimum a D60 and build it with some seriously beefy inner Cs and knuckles.
IMO its just not practical to swap in a 1ton or smaller axle and the newer 1 1/4+ ton axles are extremely expensive.
Id think a D80 or D135 from a F-superduty or F450/550 would work in the rear but the problem is the front. Id think you'd need to retube at minimum a D60 and build it with some seriously beefy inner Cs and knuckles.
Elder User
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If you don't want the adjustability of the air bags then that probably wouldn't be the best route for you. I'm not knocking bags, because they are great. I own a truck now with them and have had them in the past. Problem is that setting the ride height where you want doesn't always give you the spring rate that's preferred. Higher the height the firmer the suspension gets and visa-versa. My ranger has gone thru three suspension setups to get that good ride at the height I wanted to drive it at. I was planning on running bags on my 79 that's getting redone but decided against it. If you have any questions on bags just ask. I have done alot of research on them over the past 8 years
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