A solid axle swap will entail pulling out all factory front end components and replacing them. You could fab (or buy from maybe camburg) a upper bucket mount for coil overs. You will have to figure out steering. I would recommend full hydro but if you want to run it on the street then you'll need to figure an appropriate steering box and frame re-enforcement. You will also need to decide what type of suspension you want. Leafs are easy, you can fab up brackets, put them on and bolt the axle on. The nicer way would be linked or radius arm suspension. Best out of those two would be a a 3 or 4 link. You'll need to build crossmembers. I'd go ahead and link the rear since you will be able to drop some coin on this. I would suggest that you head over to
www.pirate4x4.com and search (don't post...just search until you have GOOD questions haha).
Pros: Better function than any pre-made lift kit
Cons: This is a MAJOR mod that will require LOTS of fabrication and time.
I'm putting a 79 d44 in the front of my 93 explorer at the moment with radius arms. It's a pretty simple suspension that's easy to understand. I have probably 1k in mine all in all (not counting tools). Need to do alittle rebuilding of the axle, need tires, shocks, and probably a few other misc things along the way. I've done all fabrication myself. I had NO experience before I start however I read, practiced, and wasn't affriad of scrapping shat parts I boogered up. I've spent alot of time learning...more than actual build time by two or three times!
I'd like to put some rockwells under my f150 someday!
