I am looking for anyone that can give me tips/ideas/advice on my Rockwell axle swap.... I am putting a pair of front steer axles in my 1997 Ford F 250 4 door powerstroke truck... I will be doing lots of street driving.. Please email me so I can call and talk.. LOTS of pictures pleeease.... i will post my full build up including Tonz of Pictures when I am done, I have been talking to lots of guys with axles and stuff and I am anxious to start very soon. Just need to sell my 1-ton axles D60/sterling 10.25 ...


anyway if anyone "has done or knows someone who has done" please email me at Rick.DeRose@Citigroup.com (((AND))) emailrick1@yahoo.com

Thanks a lot guys !!!!

Are you sure you want to put Rockwell's under a '97 Superduty? I know it's none of my business but I'd love to have your truck as my tow vehicle. You could pick a cheaper model to work on and actually increase the value of it instead of decreasing the powerstrokes. If you are still going to do it-everything will be custom work. Leaf springs/4-links would have to be worked out. Pinion brakes with no ABS or expensive hub disc that can run 2K per axle. Hydraulic steering for the rear but you can go hydraulic assist, full hydraulic-(Not street legal in some states), or regular power steering. Driving around town will be easy as long as you plan on keeping it around 50mph. With 6.72 gears-rockwells need some rpm's to reach highway speeds. Plan on a decent lift to clear oil pan with front axle. I'm working on a Mid 80's truck body with rockwells but I have a way to go. Steve

Steve thanks for the input. here are some of my reasons for doing this conversion...

1) want to run 40in tires or more and Tsl's have no load range and wear out to fast and cost too much
2) Value of a 97 Ford powerstoke???? have you seen an Autotrader mag... they made a billion of these trucks and the new body style is all the rage !!! and with the new motor coming out this year My truck will REALLY drop...
3)Not running rear steer yet !
4)6x6x6.com sells complete disc brake kit for a rockwell front axle for $600
5) ebrake... drum brake on transfer case output
6)I have 5.5 inches of lift now and will be going to approx 10 inches max..
7)will run standard mechanical steering and will put on hydro assist.
8)cost cost cost.... anticipate spending $2000 on entire project with myself doing all fab work.
9)Military surplus tires up to 52 inches quite the selection
DOT legal and heavy load range long wear(yes they wont ride like a caddy)
The list goes on !!!

Not doing it
..I have to deal with regearing what I have now
..Pinion angle !!!!!!
..high cost of big wheels
..high cost of tires
..just not as COOL......

where r u gettin ur new axles?

what size rims r u goin with?

when & where r u doin the conversion?

Tradin your not KParker are you??
I have a contact in KY for tires/wheels/axles

I want to run same wheels and tires your running...
I will be doing all fab work at my house in Wylie
I will start as soon as I buy my Plasma cutter
Hope to start in December

WHere are you?? WHat have you got?? Maybe we can hook up and talk about what we are doing.....
Here is my truck

Thanks Dan I am talking to him now...... Hey do you have any pics of Rockwell axles with hub disk brakes? I am trying to get an idea of what exactly is involved in that... Thanks Daniel............ Did you ever get that "Big G Project" done?? Shhhhhh .....

Rick

I put a set of these under an 89 F-250. It was about 4 years ago, so the details may not be right on.

Basicaly to get the front to clear I had to turn the 6" springs into about 10-12". I started by droping the front mount, same as doing a shackle reversal. Then had to make spring pads for it anyway, so I just made them about 2" tall. For steering I made it full hydro, against my will. He wanted it, I didn't like the idea for the street. Later in life he changed it back. Also instead of a pinion brake, we just hooked up the drum brakes, worked great. He didn't have the money for disc.

For the rear (which we used a front) Just had to use the stock 2" block and a shackle flip to make it match the front.

When I was done, he could fit 50"+ tires. All in all I think he had about $2000 in parts into it.

email me if you need any other specfic details

I am almost done putting Rockwells underneath my 86 Bronco, Probably almost identical as far as crossmembers go, and to clear my crossmember I had to lift it 17" (I might have gotten away with 15" but with no uptravel). The Third members are seriously big on those things. Sorry I don't have any decent pics.

JYS

hey junkyard slug.. where abouts are you in eastern nc? i wouldnt mind checking out that ride... been thinking about rockwells... i just think the pumkins are too big for my liking..

Greenville. Just E-mail me at Junkyardslug@hotmail.com whenever you want to ride up. I am a musican and work in Raliegh alot so if you ride up make sure I am in Greenville first.

JYS

Rick--im in frisco, and ur talkin bout travis in ky right?

ive got a plasma cutter, just need an excuse!

my sig has what im gettin, plannin on a buggy...ill figure it out when i get my axles.

Rick,
If you haven't yet, look at The Diesel Stop (http://www.thedieselstop.com) and look up a fellow by the name of Swamp Donkey. He's done the same swap in his CC 1 ton. He's got most of the details on his web page (http://hometown.aol.com/jzettel73/Swamp_Donkey.html). Good luck with your swap.

The Swamp donkey doesn’t use Rockwells, it uses GMC 2 1/2 ton military axles that are a completely different design. They are front loaders instead of top loaders, and have what look like huge birfield joints in front. You also have to run the GMC transfer case, cause the front axle needs contrary rotation compared to every other axle imaginable.

JYS

Originally posted by Junkyard Slug
The Swamp donkey doesn’t use Rockwells, it uses GMC 2 1/2 ton military axles that are a completely different design. They are front loaders instead of top loaders, and have what look like huge birfield joints in front. You also have to run the GMC transfer case, cause the front axle needs contrary rotation compared to every other axle imaginable.

JYS

True on all points but one, you can flip the GMC front axle's third member over to run a standard t-case, one of my club members did it.

http://www.rockcrawler.com/readersrides/photos/2827b.jpg

Oh yea, I forgot about that. I think Swamp Donkey had to get custom shafts made. The GMC axles would not need as much lift to clear as rockwells.

JYS

Trigger thanks for the try...... Tradin call me at 972-657-7173 during the day or 214-417-0685 we need to talk... My sis lives in frisco.... maybe we can exchange ideas and stuff.. I was talking with KY crawler but we could not work out a "deal" ... Has anyone esle seen an old body style 97 and older Ford F-series with Rockwells on them? Does anyone know of any sites or anyone who has done a conversion? Seems like everyone is doing Rockwells on Buggies...... I plan on building a web site with tonz of pics and details while I am doing my conversion/\....


keep the stuff coming guys !!!!! here is my truck with 33's a couple of years ago... this is the way a 4x4 should be driven.. look snow in Dallas... lasted 2 days then bone dry..

with the gears in the rockwells and 54" tires it would work out to about the same gearing as 4.10's and 33's. If thats what your planning sweet if not hope you have an extra overdrive.

Not to ruin the thread but I beleive the disc brake setup for a rockwell front axle is 1200 not 600. I was pulling out my credit card as I read that. Then checked the website. I thought christmas was gonna come early.

I am corrected. There is a 1ton setup available for the lesser price. The 1200 is for a 2 ton setup.

jim

Daniel your a ton of help I appreciate all your input... I may now to run a rear axle for now my contact for 2 fronts dropped out on me.. if I flip the front axle hubs in and leave the rear axle out will he width be the same on both?? I want to make the wheels all the same size. (backspacing wize). does your 1-ton brake kit only work with the hubs flipped out???

Thanks again. Rick

Is rear steer legal on public road ?

rick! if you think you can do the whole conversion including discs for $2k, you oughta start selling what you're smoking. don't mean to shine on your parade here, but just start adding up the parts! axles, rims, tires, springs, u-bolts and plates, brake lines, disc brake kit(s)!, drive shafts, shocks, steering linkage, hydraulic steering and controlls for the rear, .........
and what about the extra width?! you'll have to run mudflaps and with the military tires it's gonna ride like shiat!
how about the speed sensor in the rear axle? if i remember correctly, the diesels had them. where are you going to put that and make it work with your computer?!
i had a fullsize with 2.5 ton rockwells under it and i will never use them again. wait till you break an axle shaft!
i'm sure that daniel and a few of the other guys on this board can help you with their knowledge and experience, but it's gonna cost you a whole lot more than $2k!
but that's just my $.02 worth.;)

Originally posted by Abba
Is rear steer legal on public road ?

:shrug: New chevies have it.. Seen the commercials?

so what gay mitsubishis have had it for years
dont mean shiat:flipoff2:

I agree on the cost issue. I am currently doing the swap on a Toyota and not planning on makeing this thing street legal so I can get away with a lot more of the cheap fixes. I am using ultra cheap tires and wheels and I am still lookin at $3k to $3.5k. I am not even going to do rear steer as originally planned as it is getting to be too costly. Plus later I will have another project to do.

I love this web site... Everyone has an opinion and I value them all good or bad.. Rear steer is Legal. cost 2k is a relative # and should get me seriously on my way... here is what I have for costs so far.

Axles: 1 front 1 rear(for now):
$550

Wheels: stock 2.5 Duelly style I will cut and flip centers
$100

Tires : Mich XML 395/85/20 used in recappable condition
$225

Retreads at bandag retreaders (local) $150-$185 per cap depending on style lo-side
$600

driveshaft flanges:2 for
$40

Will fab front shaft myself $0 rear shaft ( i have a buddy at a d/s shop) est
$60

Pinion brakes(yes not street legal but will get me going till I figure out hub disc brakes) will fab pinion brakes myself probably have parts already no est cost here.
$0

Steering will fab mechanical linkage for now will add on hydro assist est cost $450 not figured now.. steering linkage figured in Misc costs..

Misc costs: u bolts, nuts-bolts,brake lines, misc items.
$300


Total $1875 right now... yes I know I am forgetting some things but $2k is my goal.. obviously there will be addl costs for hub brakes and if I go with rear steer but those will be addl.. even if I buy the hub brakes from daniel its addl $1000 still under $3000 total.... and of course there will be tonz of add on stuff down the road if I like such as lock out hubs, etc. I completely agree if you paid a shop or did not do all the work yourself you could easily hit 5k or more,.... but that is not me.... once again I understand I am not remembering everything and budgets always get revamped but we will see.... I will totally post all costs and my total time and etc on my website(under construction also). so we
will see..

theres a set of 52"tires on ebay with a real low reserve that would work out good for you............................ps.look under dana 60.Auction number 1873734252

here is a bad FJ..... all homemade and really low cost did it all himself... has been running for a long time with no problems especially "breaking" an axle..... how do you break an axle on these ???? this is a 50/50 truck lots of on road and lots of trail stuff nothing crazy just far enought to check out all the crazy buggies and stuff.. more like a support vehicle..

my Ford will be 50/50 truck not this Toyota I reread and looks like I was talking about the Toy.... not the Toyota....

Originally posted by Daniel
Ditto... more like five maybe more...
Even if you buy your axles off farmer john, snatch up his forklift steering and weld your axles your still lookin near 5K to do it all


I Have been working on putting rockwells under my jeep with coil overs and I am just at 5k with hydro steering, coil overs, beadlocks, tires, wilwood brakes, DOM tubing, hydro jd2 bender, and alot of other little things so I know he can do it for maybe $2500

hey, if anybody can convince you that you can do it for $2k, it'll be yourself. all the littl nickle and dime stuff will add up to at least $4k. springs, brake lines, paint, brake fluid , gear oil, hardware,....
besides, using stuff you already have laying around needs to be counted into your final figure as well, after all, you bought or got it somewhere, right?:confused:
i just don't want any rookies to get the impression that you can run deuces for $2K.
what happened to the rear steer?!:confused: :eek:

Another thing you need to consider is that you are going to need to rebuild the axels all the seals and bearings the 2 boots and bands that hold them on add up quick so I am going to change my guess to you could maybe do it for less than 3k

edit

If ya have all the parts...then you don't need much. Where's the cost ?
I'm going to stuff some dueces under a half-ton chevy, and it won't cost me squat. Well, I won't say nothing.....but not 5-6k.
My only real costs will be driveshafts, and rims.
Other than that....minor costs if ya have all the parts. Trick is...do it all yourself. Why pay someone else to build your own ride ?!

Originally posted by Rick DeRose
here is a bad FJ..... all homemade and really low cost did it all himself... has been running for a long time with no problems especially "breaking" an axle..... how do you break an axle on these ???? this is a 50/50 truck lots of on road and lots of trail stuff nothing crazy just far enought to check out all the crazy buggies and stuff.. more like a support vehicle..

more specs on this beast!!

Other than that....minor costs if ya have all the parts. Trick is...do it all yourself. Why pay someone else to build your own ride ?!

nobody here is even thinking about adding up the cost of the labor.
we're talking about parts only, and even if you do have them already, you still had to pay for this crap at one point.:flipoff2:

Thanks for the input guys.... It won't be cheap by all means but I have sold my D60/sterling axles for 2k so any minor addl is ok.. but I have stuff that I bought for nearly nothing and will be able to rob parts off of and stuff... Only "real" cost was storing the junk and I am paying for my property anyway... I am a welder and have the room to do this all myself so I will definitely save on a lot of minor fab stuff,, I am trying to talk the wife into buying me a plasma cutter for Xmas but when I told her I found one for $1200 she laughed at me real hard !!! anyway guys I really intend to put my money where my mouth is I have nothing to hide as a matter of fact I have had soo much positive help from so many people off this site I feel obligated to pass it on to the next guy.. I will start a web site JUST for the build up and pics and stuff so lets see what it ends up "really" costing I think I wont be TOO far off. anyway Thanks alot to everyone and keep the stuff coming... On a side note, The prices for the axles range from $550 for a pair of front and rear to $4000 from Boyce so right there is a BUNCH of money difference, just something to think about.... Leg work is the cheapest cost savings....here is a pic of some homemade fab work, not mine just another guy who sent me a picture of his ride....

Originally posted by Rick DeRose
Leg work is the cheapest cost savings....here is a pic of some homemade fab work, not mine just another guy who sent me a picture of his ride....

Rick, can you put me in touch with the guy who sent you that picture with the leaf spring rear and rockwells?

that is tracy's yellow fj. he is a local lance, he just bought some rims off me last week.

360 Tracy? I thought he had rear steer?

And who hasn't bought some rims from you :D (I know Green is looking for a set).

Hey GUNRACER... I will need some wheels.... what can you get me? I might just run the stock 2.5 wheels and flip the centers.. or maybe you can suggest something...

Lance, I have Tracie's phone # if you need to get ahold of him.. Email me at work tomorrow Rick.DeRose@Citigroup.com..

Hey Lance I just found out you sold a buddy of mine a fuel injection sys for his Toyota.. Small world..



Rick

i have a set of boyce equipment 16.5 X 12 or 14 chrome rims, with some rust spots if you're interested.;)

Originally posted by Rick DeRose
Hey GUNRACER... I will need some wheels.... what can you get me? I might just run the stock 2.5 wheels and flip the centers.. or maybe you can suggest something...


I'm going to cut the centers out of a set of 2.5 ton wheels and weld those centers into my 15x10 beadlocks that I have now.



Lance, I have Tracie's phone # if you need to get ahold of him.. Email me at work tomorrow Rick.DeRose@Citigroup.com..


I have it somewhere also. I have email too. I just didn't realize it was his rig.


Hey Lance I just found out you sold a buddy of mine a fuel injection sys for his Toyota.. Small world..


Yeah, did he ever get it going? I know he got some new tires or something didn't he? I envy nobody trying to do an EFI swap. I still have a EFI harness, computer, intake, and MAF for another swap.

Originally posted by Lance Morin


Yeah, did he ever get it going? I know he got some new tires or something didn't he? I envy nobody trying to do an EFI swap. I still have a EFI harness, computer, intake, and MAF for another swap.

If you are talking about Joe, he got lots of new parts, including tires, from me.

not a ford but a dodge

hers a ford ranger

hey whos dodge durango is that, i passed them on memorial day at the beach.. i drivea 91 f-150 on 44's 14 bolt/d60... its a baby blue single cab,,,, that durango looks nice in person, bigger than me a lil
chad

Originally posted by FourPlay420
hey whos dodge durango is that, i passed them on memorial day at the beach.. i drivea 91 f-150 on 44's 14 bolt/d60... its a baby blue single cab,,,, that durango looks nice in person, bigger than me a lil
chad

Um, your sig says you have 42s. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

naw, they were 44 hawgs, i have 42 swampers, my friend tried to get me trade him, but i didnt, the swampers pulled way harder
chad:D :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

Originally posted by flmanyj
not a ford but a dodge


Damn lift blocks in the front that is scary:laughing:

Ya can you say axle wrap ?? Those Lift blocks are no big deal if you weld them to the axle and run a torque bar and run links from the frame to the housing.. That is what I am going to do... I have seen guys run leaf springs with so much lift they look like a U.... that has to suck... Man I would love to talk to the guy who did the work on that Durango, anyone know him?? how the Hell did that ranger drive with 6.72 gears and itsy bitsy tires like that... good thing it was a 4 banger or a 6.. My Powerstroke wont like the RPM's......

Ya Joe got the EFI set up running, He took it to a Toyota Technician and paid him a couple of hundred and he hooked it all up and got it running good.. should be out in a week or two...

Man this Post has taken off... Come on guys post more pics and stuff this is getting damn good......

I like this mechanic.......

I am looking for 20 inch wheels...... I was gonna get the stock 2.5 and cut and flip the centers but I am worried about them not being wide enough... I want to run a 395/85/20 tire.... any ideas???



:confused: :confused: :confused:

Originally posted by Rick DeRose
I am looking for 20 inch wheels...... I was gonna get the stock 2.5 and cut and flip the centers but I am worried about them not being wide enough... I want to run a 395/85/20 tire.... any ideas???

I'm going to stick with 44x18.50x15 TSLs on some custom (by me) 15x10 used to be Diamond Wheel Beadlocks with 2.5 centers welded in at probably 4" backspacing on flipped hubs. I thought about running some of the bigger 53" meats, but the last thing I need to worry about it tearing up Rockwell axles. The whole justification for this project (to the wife) was to prevent breaking stuff every trip or so and spending endless time and money on repairs. 44's and Rockwells are proven to hold up well. 44" is enough tire to get into serious trouble ;)

Originally posted by Lance Morin


I'm going to stick with 44x18.50x15 TSLs on some custom (by me) 15x10 used to be Diamond Wheel Beadlocks with 2.5 centers welded in at probably 4" backspacing on flipped hubs. I thought about running some of the bigger 53" meats, but the last thing I need to worry about it tearing up Rockwell axles. The whole justification for this project (to the wife) was to prevent breaking stuff every trip or so and spending endless time and money on repairs. 44's and Rockwells are proven to hold up well. 44" is enough tire to get into serious trouble ;)

On the front you can only run about 2.5" backspacing with fliped hubs

The ranger has a stroked 460 BB

the drango is one of chucks trucks abboractions

that thing is always breaking some thing in that pic they
just got done beating someing underneath with a 3pound hammer to get to back in gear

Daniel, do you have any more pics of that truck?? also how wide do you think the 395/85/20's are,, tread width in inches? Ya I need to hook up with Gunracer to get some wheels. Those stock wheels are Tube type right?

Thanks AGAIN.....

Rick

how gay does the ranger look :eek: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

why would you not pony up for some decent rubber, whack the fenders, run some 54"s :( its all a waste of rockwells, and that 460 :D

I found it....

XML
All-terrain non-directional computer enhanced tread design delivers excellent soft soil mobility, through improved self-cleaning capabilities.
Offset shoulder design for increased traction in soft soil.
Full-width belt protection and elastic protector ply help protect the casing from bruising and penetrations.
Radial casing design optimized to operate at lower pressures to offer improved mobility and increased enveloping capabilities to resist impacts.

Size Tread Load Range Catalog Number Loaded Radius in. Overall Diameter in. Overall Width in. Approved Rims in. Min Dual Spacing in. Revs per Mile
Tread Depth 32nds Max Speed mph
325/85R16 XML D 37984 17.7 38.7 12.9 9.00 - - - 540 21 62
12.00R20 XML G 63997 20.7 44.5 12.2 8.50 8.00 - 13.7 466 25 62
14.00R20 XML G 73819 22.9 49.5 15.1 10.00W 10.00 9.00 - 420 31 55
395/85R20 XML G 99131 21.3 46.7 15.4 10.0W 10.00 - - 448 30 55

Does anyone have any stock 2.5 duelly wheels?? Prefer local within driving dist of Dallas... Does anyone know how wide these are?

Daniel, Thanks Just emailed Gunracer and he is setting me up. Thanks...

ttt

where are u getting rockwell axles for 550.00. here in florida your lucky to find them for 1500.00. I'm looking for 2 fronts.

nice first post asshat, the fawking thread is over FIVE YEARS OLD....:flipoff:

BAND!!!!!!

EDIT: dammit I need a big red FAIL stamp like the DONE stamp on Monster House....

Basically back then you could still find some deals from freelance Military surpluss guys. Now days, it's not as economical to go to 2.5 tons.

I still enjoy the security of alloy 2.5 ton axles though. Back to the dead...

Did this thing ever get done? Or were everyone's suspisions correct?

yes it got done..... 52/53's on rockwells.... I have a picture of me running over a car with it..... BUT it was TOO DAMN BIG..... I could not drive it like I wanted to and before I sunk the cash into disk brakes, I lowered it back down... Put 46's on it with a 60 front 80 rear.... AND I have been driving the hell out of it..... So nothing to exciting, I guess thats why this died out..... I have pictures somewhere I need to post up.... thanks
Rick