Straight axle conversion on 88 and newer chevy/GMC

[glassman]

I need some feed back.Has anyone done a straight axle conversion to a 88 or newer chevy/GMC?
I have a 92 GMC sierra 2500 Ext-cab short bed(Lt-Duty 3/4 ton).
I am going to put a Dana HD70 w/detroit & 4.56 gears out of a 87 chevy 3500 single wheel 1 ton under the back springs and I want some help with the front end.
Off road unlimited makes everything to do the job,but I want some outside info to the pros and cons of doing this.
Just so you know I would like to put a Dana 60 from maybe a Ford F-350 on the front end.
Thanks...Jeff <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0">

[4x4man]

man, i in the process of the same thing right now. i have a 95 extended cab stepside im lifting 10 inches using a solid axle. i bought the ORU kit,,it is a well built kit.its been taking me awhile to get up the money for the rest of my stuff but im getting close. the axle im using is a dana 44 out of a 74 ford f100. so far things are going good. i have the front spring hangers on. the dana 60 out of a f350 would work well.how much lift do you want to use? a crossover steering is going to be a must for you. just plan on spending some $$$$$$. it has costed more than i expected.

[4x4man]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/cgi-bin/ubb...&f=11&t=000862 check this out,,,,if you have any questions,,,,ask joel kelsey,,,hes has helped me out alot

[glassman]

Thanks 4x4man,Everyone please keep the info coming.
Heres the scoop on why I want the conversion.
1.I was thinking of buying a New 1 Ton GMC.
2.I don't want to spend $35,000 plus.
3.It would be more fun to build a 92 Ext-Cab Short Bed 1 Ton(Since They never made one).
4.This truck will run 33"-35"tires so I am not sure how much lift I will need, but ORU's web site said the conversion with stock height springs will add 2" of lift over stock IFS height.
5.I want bigger breaks and solid axles for more strength.
6.This truck is going to be a tow rig for my Jeep CJ-7 and in the future a 5th wheel travel trailer,so I want a truck that can take a lot of bed weight(around 2500lbs.)without raising it too high.
7.I was considering swapping in an 8 lug IFS front axle,but I am learning that the upper control arms and the frame are different.
8.Another benefit would be more articulation.
While the list goes on and on I think it will look cool also.
Thanks...Jeff <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0">

[CJ-Jeeper]

Your biggest problem might be finding a front Ford D60. They don't seem to be very common & are expensive when you find them. It'll be a cool project, though. I've thought about putting a D44 in my S10, but I don't do hard trails with it where I really need good articulation. I use the CJ for that. The S10 is for higher speed stuff like deasert roads & trails & sand & is also my daily driver. The independant susp. seems better for that stuff.
Good luck! <IMG SRC="smilies/blender.gif" border="0">