How big of a difference is the suspension between the generations? I can find 09-10 lift kits are substantially cheaper. I have pretty decent fab skills, but I'm not going to fab my own lift kit. If I could take an 09-10 and its 90% the same, i could make up the difference. will the main dropdown crossmembers and knuckles interchange?

 

Own both an '04 and '08. Suspension in the '08 is much more comfortable.

 

The things that you need to interchange won't. The differences aren't big, but will be enough where you'd need to start fabbing.

 

I think he just meant the different between the 04-08 gen and the 09-14 gen. Your 08 suspension is probably just in better shape than your 04 and not much changed. the only real difference is all 04-05s got 4 leaf packs in the rear (which gave them more rake) and most 06-08s got 3 leaf packs in the rear.

Anyway, back on topic,

The suspension did change slightly for 09+ So I'm not sure it'll be anywhere near plug n play.

 

Hmm... maybe i'll just get some measurements off of a super duty hub and put a D60 under the front. wonder if the ABS sensors will talk to the 150 controller....

 

Your original post sounded like you were trying to save some money. Replacing the front axle will definitely not save money.

 

I think if I was patient and waited for the right deals, I could do it for $1000. Simple leaf spring SAS. I've got an off road rig, so there would be no reason to dump money into lockers or upgraded axles.

But I'd either need to regear the back to 4.10 or regear both to 4.56, which adds $300-600 that would need to be spent anyway.