So I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy a kit to solid axle my 2003 Chevy. I have done conversions on several toyotas and have experience fabbing parts. On tyhe other hand, if they have the geometry and the steering and everything else worked out I might just sack up and buy the kit. Has anyone made their own brackets? How about anyone installed the kit. Does it work well, does anyone else make a kit. I'm planning on an inch or two more than my 8" ifs lift to clear the 37's a bit better.

So I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy a kit to solid axle my 2003 Chevy. I have done conversions on several toyotas and have experience fabbing parts. On tyhe other hand, if they have the geometry and the steering and everything else worked out I might just sack up and buy the kit. Has anyone made their own brackets? How about anyone installed the kit. Does it work well, does anyone else make a kit. I'm planning on an inch or two more than my 8" ifs lift to clear the 37's a bit better.
I just made my own brackets because I didnt like the fabritec shackle in the front design. I now see why they use it, the way the frame is on the newer GM's the rear shackle hanger cant be mounted foward enough to get the axle far enough up. For now im using a zero rate to move it foward, but in the future im going to swap out my 10" lift 45" long springs for somel onger ones and move teh front mount up. Overal Im very glad I fabbed my own brackets.

Dark eternal, I noticed on my 99, it has what ill call a crunch zone, the accordian style box steel were the stock bumper used to fasten lol, you did remove that right? what did you use to replace it? just curious with what other people did, im gonna make mine straight axle, sm465, dana 300, do you see any problems here?
thanks in advance
Mike

Don't use a dana 300, it's not really meant for a fullsize and it drops on the wrong side. Just use a NP241 or 243 behind your (assuming) 4L60E and call that good. Use a ford HP44 or HP60, and go from there.

So you dont think the d300 will take the fullsize abuse? The trucks gonna be way overweight lol, made a custom flat bed, snow plow in winter and such, my current d44 for the front i have is a drivers drop, and i dont mind going through the trouble of making pass drop work, but im open to possibilities, an hp 44 would be nice, but the current 44 i got matches my 14 bolt rear with 4.56 gears. let me know what you think. maybe i should just go with a np205?

If you currently have a driver's drop 44, then you're set. Just get a NP241 transfer case, put it in, and you're ready (assuming you have autotrac now). Newer Chevys are drivers drop.

i have a 241 for sale......PM me for info

Brian

correction, my 44 i have now is a passengerside drop. not sure what i was thinking, its a chevy hd 44. so np205? and yes my trannys currently a 4l60e, but im swapping it out for a sm465.

Does anybody know about what the cost is for the kit?

Dana 300 = :nuke:
Dana 44 with hard use and 37s in a heavy truck = :nuke:

Go with a 205, 241, or 203/205 doubler.

Pete

So, anybody wanna buy a clean d300? lol guess ill be lookin for an np205 to fit my sm465. i think the 44 will be ok, its an hd one, which only means 8 lug i guess but ill let it open, till i get my 60. Although id like to see about that one guy that made a 14 bolt front, that would be sweet.

they want a insane about, like $1700 or some bullshit.

Try reading this and see if it helps, its not done yet but has alot of good info. Also go sign up on gmfullsize.com and search "truck has gone under the knife" and read the thread by me. That should pretty much answer any SFA question you have. Im just wrapping mine up on my truck.

http://homepage.mac.com/darketernal/SAS.html

http://homepage.mac.com/darketernal/.Pictures/SASPics/after.JPG

Dark eternal, I noticed on my 99, it has what ill call a crunch zone, the accordian style box steel were the stock bumper used to fasten lol, you did remove that right? what did you use to replace it? just curious with what other people did, im gonna make mine straight axle, sm465, dana 300, do you see any problems here?
thanks in advance
Mike



Why not just buy an older truck with soilid axles, 465, 205? Why put a 465 in a new truck?!?!? :shaking:

Well i got the new truck, i had an 84 and loved it but didnt love the body work, i like the ls1 motor, and injection, although not when it will come to need repairing, and my trucks already pretty origional, figured id give it a little more touch, and have some more fun with it. i built a flat bed for this one, because chevy beds suck now adays, and now im ready to make it fun off the road.
ps, i love those indestructable 4 spds, and hate automatics, ( the new truck is) that was a mistake.

i got a 1999 chevy s-10 and need a srtaight axle conversion kit for it where do i get it.

i got a 1999 chevy s-10 and need a srtaight axle conversion kit for it where do i get it.

Fabritech makes one. I know National Tire and Wheel can get there kits.

Who do you guys think makes the best beefiest straight axle conversions for 88-98 chevy trucks?I've seen fabritechs and it looked drove pretty well.Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.BTW does anyone knowwhere I can get fabritechs #?

Sky manufacturing makes a sweet little set of brackets for like 400 bucks. you dtill need springs shocks and steering but it still works out cheaper.

I have an ORU kit and it's a very good well built kit. I have the +6 kit with the longer front springs and it rides great. The sway bar makes it corner better than stock and disconnect and it flexes pretty good.

:shaking:leave it to the newbs to dig up 3 year old threads and start asking questions instead of searching....:shaking:

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Jesus christ, I posted in this thread 3 years ago. I sounded like an idiot. Hell I still do I suppose. hahahaha

Glad I checked the dates before i sounded like a tard too.... damn.

:shaking:leave it to the newbs to dig up 3 year old threads and start asking questions instead of searching....:shaking:
Well they must have searched for the thread, a least you know they know where the search is.:D