To SAS or not to SAS, that is the question
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From: Anchorage
To SAS or not to SAS, that is the question
I've saved enough pennies to start gathering parts for my 4wd conversion and have to decide what I want to do about the front axle. I found a TTB with 3.54 gears (I have 3.55s rear) and a factory LSD for about $300. OR I can get a complete 79 F150 for not much more than that. The strength and simplicity of the solid axle are both admirable qualities, but it would take some fab work and downtime to swap it in, not to mention re-gearing the rear axle. The 79 donor truck would come with a 6" lift and 35s. The TTB is a complete bolt-on. I have no doubt that a good mechanic friend and I could do it in a day.
The whole purpose of doing the 4wd conversion is so I can safely drive around after I move to Wyoming in May. I don't plan on doing anything more extreme than doubletrack jeep trails. Rockcrawling and mudbogging are right out, although it would be nice to know that I could. Do I really need the extra strength (and initial headache) of the solid D44 or will the TTB hold up to a 4.9L, 32s, and occasional mild wheeling?
Thanks,
Thomas
The whole purpose of doing the 4wd conversion is so I can safely drive around after I move to Wyoming in May. I don't plan on doing anything more extreme than doubletrack jeep trails. Rockcrawling and mudbogging are right out, although it would be nice to know that I could. Do I really need the extra strength (and initial headache) of the solid D44 or will the TTB hold up to a 4.9L, 32s, and occasional mild wheeling?
Thanks,
Thomas
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From: Florida Hill Country
You would probably do fine with the ttb until your ready to move up. Regearing and going to 33s would probably do you more good for now. Then you can decide if you want to build a Montster Truck or Trail Rig. Plus, you can figure out what you want/need after getting some dirt/mud in your eyes!!!
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From: Anchorage
The 4wd conversion cannot come soon enough. I came this close to getting stuck in a little mud puddle a few minutes ago. With the front tires pulling, it wouldn't have even slowed me down. I'm just glad it wasn't wet grass. I'd still be there! 
I had already just about convinced myself to go with the stock configuration anyway. With as much power as I have and running a 'small' tire like a 32 or 33, plus the fact that I'm pretty much a finesse type driver (only as much go-pedal as is needed), I shouldn't have any problems with the TTB. Like you said, down the road I can really see what I want to do with the truck and go from there. I'll try to get the axle this week so I can install it next weekend. Pictures will be posted!
Another question: How much will the TTB lift the front of the truck? The driver's side front tire, 31x10.50, rubs when I hit a descent sized bump. After the conversion, will 33s fit without a lift?
I had already just about convinced myself to go with the stock configuration anyway. With as much power as I have and running a 'small' tire like a 32 or 33, plus the fact that I'm pretty much a finesse type driver (only as much go-pedal as is needed), I shouldn't have any problems with the TTB. Like you said, down the road I can really see what I want to do with the truck and go from there. I'll try to get the axle this week so I can install it next weekend. Pictures will be posted!
Another question: How much will the TTB lift the front of the truck? The driver's side front tire, 31x10.50, rubs when I hit a descent sized bump. After the conversion, will 33s fit without a lift?
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From: Bashaw, Alberta
My buddy has a 4x4 F-150 and I don't think you'll get away with 33's unless you do one of the three options: body lift, suspension lift or my favorite and cheapest dig out the sawzall and have at the fenders.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: iowa
I had a 86 (which should be the same as the 92 for suspension), and I had to put 4" lift to clear 33 (actually 2 would have been enough) but they won't clear with the stock ride hieght, or I should say you can run them as long as you always drive on straight smooth roads other wise you will need some lift.
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From: Anchorage
I figured it would be pushing it if they would fit at all. I'll just stick with 31s until I can afford the lift and new gears. Like I said, I won't be doing any serious wheelin' for the forseeable future anyway.
Thanks again guys.
Thanks again guys.
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From: Eureka, Ca.
I had a stock 89 F150 and I ran 33x12.5x15 AT's on it. the only time it rubbed was when the suspension was almost bottomed out.
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I am in the process of a straight axle swap, 4x4 conversion, lift, and regearing at the moment on my 1995 F-150. Have you considered the fact that you have to convert your transmission over to 4wd and get a t-case? I was goin to pay somebody to do this but everybody in town wanted about $800 to convert my tranny and rebuild it (that's with me pulling it and reinstalling it). The TTB front would be much easier but the straight axle has the coolness factor! If you want a cheap lift, you can cut the coil mounts off and move them down and re-bolt them up, that would take care of the front end, on the rear you could get blocks. So you could have roughly about a 4 inch lift for about $50 (excluding the cost of extended brake lines). About the strength of the TTB, I have seen a guy on 40's with a TTB (probaly not the smartest thing, but it works). In my opion go with the straight axle, it may be more work, but in the end it is stinkin' awesome and more than likely your never going to brake it!
Last edited by BAMBIBLASTER; Dec 7, 2004 at 11:08 AM.
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From: Safford, Arizona
Originally Posted by BAMBIBLASTER
If you want a cheap lift, you can cut the coil mounts off and move them down and re-bolt them up, that would take care of the front end, on the rear you could get blocks. So you could have roughly about a 4 inch lift for about $50
As far as doing a 4X conversion, I'd do the solid axle, but that's just me. If I was putting that much work into it, I'd make it worth it. It won't take much more to do the solid axle compared to the TTB. But I like rock crawling and such. For 32's and normal 4X4, the TTB will do just fine. It's lasted me a loooong time with 35's and the trails I like to frequent.
Good Luck.
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From: Anchorage
Originally Posted by momudder720
Why not get both? Do the TTB for your DD and save the '79 for gettin stoopid in?
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[QUOTE=TallGuy_Az]Not on a TTB - you'd have to drop the brackets that hold the axle housing to the frame the same amount. So you'd either have to buy new ones or make some. Otherwise your front end would look like the back of a sand rail, where the tires lean way out. Steering would not last long, since you'd be trying to turn into the ground.
That was my mistake, I did not make it clear that I was only talking about being able to do the cheap lift on the straight axle convserion.
That was my mistake, I did not make it clear that I was only talking about being able to do the cheap lift on the straight axle convserion.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Safford, Arizona
Oh, got ya.
I just picked up a solid 44, but haven't had the time yet to start swapping. But there is tons of information on SAS on these boards and others. Just look around. In the few times I've looked, I turned up quite a bit of info.
I just picked up a solid 44, but haven't had the time yet to start swapping. But there is tons of information on SAS on these boards and others. Just look around. In the few times I've looked, I turned up quite a bit of info.