Does anyone have or know someone with a 6" suspension lift and the Dana 44 TTB front end? If so, how is this setup working? Is the alignment holding up? The reason I'm asking is because I plan on getting a bigger lift for my truck, but I'm not sure how my front end will hold up with slightly larger tires (right now I run 35" Dunlops, but I want to run 35" Swampers, but I need a couple more inches.) Any ways, I know someone who swapped their Dana 44 TTB for the solid Dana 44 but it set them back about 2 grand. Now, I know once I convert to a solid front axle, lifts are cheaper, I can go higher, and I'll have room for wider tires, but I just need enough room for 35x14.50" tires. I really don't need to go any bigger than that for the sake of my driveline and braking integrity and my desire to still have a respectable amount of get-up. I also plan on getting lower gears (haven't decided between 4.56 and 4.88) but I don't want to do the gear swap until I've decided on whether I'm going to stick with the TTB or if I'm going to convert to a solid front. I also can't get the 6" lift until I know which setup I have. So as you can see, the future of all of my suspension and drivetrain purchases (tires, gears, lockers, lift) is all dependent upon whether I stick with the infamous TTB or I pony up for the straight axle. Any information or advice would be much appreciated.

 

I dont think a 6" on the TTB would be too bad. My lift has the extra holes in the drop down brackets so you can choose 4 or 6, you just need different springs and shocks.

 

TF,

I had a Skyjacker 6" lift for a while. I wasn't too bad. It sure took a beating. And with the IFS setup, it sure drove nice.
But I remember the guys at the alignment shop had a hard time getting it straight. And I went through 2 upper ball joints during the period I had the 6" lift installed. Which was only approx. 3 years. I would save up my money and look for a solid Dana 44 or do a leaf spring setup w/ a Dana 60.
The Dana 60 setup might be a pain in the ***, a lot of hacking and welding going on.
With Dana 44 it will be a lot easier and cheaper.

Keep us posted on what you decide.

Jerry D.

 

You know, when it comes to lifting trucks, it seems like there are two types of people: some people know exactly the look they're going for and go out and do it once and don't think about it again, and then there are the people who are never really satisfied, and always want something a little bigger and/or a little stronger. I have a feeling that if I purchase a 6" lift for my TTB setup, sooner or later I'll be discontent with my suspension like I am now and I'll end up doing the swap any ways. I think you're right, it's going to be all or nothing. Knowing the kind of person I am, that's the way it has to be. Four inches isn't too bad on the TTB, (I've only been through one upper ball joint on one side in almost 3 years and my alignment isn't too terribly bad), but these front ends just weren't designed with lifts in mind and should thus, be treated accordingly. Thanks for the advice, it might be a while before I gather enough funds to do the swap, but I'm going to do everything at once-- gears, locker for the rear, front axle swap, 6" lift, and tires. Before I do that, I'm going to have to upgrade my powertrain combo...351 or bust.