[Pete S]

My son has a mildly lifted '88 truck. He wants to start preparing for a solid axle swap. I've read some articles in the past.
1.) What "method" works the best. What not to do. Although we haven't fabricated much, welding skills shouldn't be a problem.
2.) This will be on a budget so the "kits" that are sold are not an option.(I've heard mention of using factory mounts?)
3.) Are there some web pages/links that step by step describe the process. I didn't see anything in the tech area.
Any good information is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Bones]

Dude, do a search, this has been beaten to death on this board.

 

[NoBrainR]

The cheapest way I can think of is to shop around for a 79-85 parts truck, the closer to 85 the better. Then tear it apart and save every thing. You'll end up needing it later. Then you have to decide what you really want the truck to be able to do. If it's going to be a poser, skip the first step, the second, and find another board. If it's going to be used, come here often, search, ask questions, and read (and wear your asbestos suit). There are several different methods, it all depends on if your a follower, or an inevator. IMHO, there are some parts you should buy, but TEHO. And best of Luck.

 

[xextr3m3]

some advice....
1. There is a reason all-pro makes a kit....they know what the fawk they are doing...

2. When you go to cut the IFS off.....USE A TORCH....dont think you will be able to do it with a sawzall and a cut off wheel...TORCH IS GOD

3. All-pro knows what they are doing

4. dont skimp on steering if it sees off road abuse....get Hy-steer....dont reuse the stock tie rod....it is wimpy(ask me how I know)

5. Ask the board anything you may have a question about....not everybody will flame you because I and I am sure others have been there before where they have asked a question that has been asked a hundred times before and the NICE people still give answers everytime

6. All-pro knows what they are doing

7. This board has an answer to almost every question....use its knowledge

8. GET IT!!!!

if you need any measurements I can go measure fo you

 

[rockrunner64]

Check out Eriks page

[ 10-07-2001: Message edited by: Rockrunner64 ]

 

[OOP'S]

There is a great write up on doing a budget SAS here on Beeb's web page. He did his for about $1,000.00 and it is a nice job and wheels great. http://home.off-road.com/~bibelheimer/index.html?OFX

[ 10-07-2001: Message edited by: OOPS ]

[ 10-07-2001: Message edited by: OOPS ]

 

[rocktoy4me]

Plan on spending money! Lots of it. It is worth every penny, but dont think you are going to get out cheap. I think a $1000 sounds a little on the low side because i know i have way more than that in mine, but i guess it could be done. Remember to add things like new front drive shaft, axle rebuild kit, and other things that you will want to do while it is apart to your price list. IT ADDS UP!

 

[YotaRunner]

Just need to know what the plans are for the truck...
how tall?
Daily driver?
what is the budget?

When I did my swap I didn't have enough know how at the time to piece it together, so I waited a while longer and saved up the extra $$$ and went with Allpro....they know what they are doing... <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Oh, and I hit this board for Q's everyday, some us are a$$holes, but alot of are not, so don't be afrad to ask...

good luck

 

[convertiyota]

I have pix of almost every step on page. No writeup though.

 

[DRM]

Whoever said buy a solid axle parts truck and just swap everything over was CORRECT.

Dana 44 swaps are just too involved - skip them unless you WANT to source parts all day long.

If you want a sur- fire direct swap in, get a solid axle parts truck. You can do the swap that way for whatever the price of the parts truck is, and you should still have some parts to sell to recover the cost <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0">

 

[DRM]

Oh yeah, check out the tech info section of my web site (link below) to see how I did my budget SAS.... and feel free to ask me any questions you have <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

 

[OOP'S]

Originally posted by rock toy 4 me:
<STRONG>Plan on spending money! Lots of it. It is worth every penny, but dont think you are going to get out cheap. I think a $1000 sounds a little on the low side because i know i have way more than that in mine, but i guess it could be done. </STRONG>

When Beebs did his he did most all of the work himself, He narrowed the D-44 himself, built his own spring hangers, built his own front square d-shaft, set up his own gears and locker made his own spring pacs. Just about any thing that he could make he did and then for the parts he had to buy he really shopped around and got the best price he could. As far as the set up on the front end and locker and the square d-shaft this runner is built for rock crawling only when it is in four wheel drive at low speeds so the set up is not as critical. He also sold a lot of the IFS crap to bring the price down.

 

[rockota]

Check out Jack Alford's original write-up on his SAS - from '95 or '96...
http://www.off-road.com/4x4web/project/projtoy.html

bkg

 

[DRM]

I would bet you could get a solid axle parts truck for under $500.

1. Cut the front frame section (just where the front hangers are) off the parts truck - that is now your "drop crossmember". weld this under your current frame.
2. Cut the rear shackle hangers off the parts truck - weld these under your current frame. You will use the stock rear shackles too. #1 and #2 should get you a built in 3" of lift.
3. Use the stock rear parts truck springs combined with the stock front parts truck springs under the front of your current truck. Longer springs, good flex, CHEAP.
4. Use the complete solid front axle, and stock front driveshaft.
5. Make some front shock towers or hoops (or just buy some of the Ford ones).
6. The only real hard part is the steering, and I would HIGHLY suggest you go to crossover type steering for this, although using the stock sparts truck steering is an option. You can spend anywhere from $0-$800 on crossoversteering, just check all your options.

There you have it, and I GUARANTEE I could do a swap for under $1000 <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0">