Just wondering if anyone out there had attempted to put a straight axle under a 97 F-150, and if so how hard was it.

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See ya'll on the trail

 

Hey Powerstroke73, go to National Tire & Wheel's website. They sell a straight axle conversion kit for '97 and newer F-150's. In its description it says that it is all bolt on with the exception of two spaces where there is the need to drill two holes. I was quoted at $2200.00 for the kit when I emailed them for some info.

 

Thanks for that tip sdiesel316 thats a pretty cool setup, but if I convert to solid axle I want to go with front leafs hanging a reverse cut HD Dana 44 up front (would prefer a reverse cut 60, be we all know how much fun that'll be to get) and Dana 60 rear. I am curious though, if I will have to reinforce the front of the frame rails, from the a-arm mount forward to hang the shackel mounts. I believe this may be nessesary due to the crumple zones and all, I don't know if there is enough strength that far out to hold the weight of the truck, and the abuse of my wheeling.

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See ya'll on the trail

 

IS that a complete Kit? Axle and all?

WOW, Of course if I keep spending all this money I'll think, why didn't I just buy a f250 SD with a straight axle?
Actually I keep thinking If I could find a wrecked SD I could swap bodies more or less.

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Y2K F150 4x4 XL Med Torredor Red
4.2 5 speed,AIRAID, SuperCHIP,
3.55 LS, Leer camper shell, bedrug,
Ranchhand Rover Brushguard 2X Off road lights
Tint/alarm/ aftermarket keyless entry/locks
2m radio, CB, 3 Scanners
regulator@f150driver.com

 

Hey Y'all, If anyone finds any more infor out pleae post it, Or email me I really am interested in this. I was told 1100 to 1500 to get my lowered gears installed (3.55 ls to
4.56's) I'd rather wait and swap in a straight axle and lower gears.
I 'm guessing they would use coils on the newer fords also, any one have a suggestion on a axle? I'm thinking a DANA 44 but will probably have to buy from a salvage yard.
what came on the Super duty? I know that there should be some wrecked ones by now.

Ok any ideas or comments?


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Y2K F150 4x4 XL Med Torredor Red
4.2 5 speed,AIRAID, SuperCHIP,
3.55 LS, Leer camper shell, bedrug,
Ranchhand Rover Brushguard with 6 LIGHTS and
Wireless remote switch Tint/alarm/ aftermarket keyless entry/locks
2m/10m/11m/12m radios, Scanner
LT285/75/16 BFG All Terrains
regulator@f150driver.com

 

sdiesel, I may have missed this on Nat. tire's website, All I see this for is 96 and earlier F150's-Bronco's. Rangers are listed for 97.
You got my blood pressure going there.
Again maybe I missed it but could you correct me if I'm wrong.
I hope I am cause my F150 used purchase is looking more and more like I stole it if there is a conversion for this.


I FOUND IT. THANKS.


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MIKE KIEVIT
1996 EXPLORER XLT
1997 F150 2WD(2ND OWNER)
1999 COBRA

[This message has been edited by MKTRUCK (edited 11-12-2000).]

 

here is the link at nat. tire http://www.natltire.com/pages/ford4.html

 

See my other post on Solid axle.
also http://www.setstr8.com and then click on new products. Doesn't use leaf springs but instead use 4 link. uses mostly factory holes to mount up brackets and a Dana 44. I can't wait to get one!

 

Hey Regulator if you go with the Dana 44 you would possibly have to replace the rear axle as well. Ford uses 5 on 135mm I believe on 97 and newer F-150s and on the trucks that had the Dana 44 (79 and older F-150s) they used 5 on 5 1/2". It might be possible to switch the rotors and every thing from your truck onto the axles, but if you go to the junk yard you won't find one with the same lug spacing as your rear axle. If you want to go with the 8-lug axles out of a Super Duty the front would be a Dana 50 and the rear would be a Dana 60 I think, either that or a 10 1/4". That is the setup that I would prefer on my truck but those axles are gonna severly drain my wallet. Just thought I'd let you know about that so you didn't get a big suprise when you go to put your rims on and they don't fit.

 

Yep Already thought of that.
Eventually would like to upgrade the rear axle also but one thing at a time.

Plan is once I decide on actual axle ( probly have one made/rebuilt. I'll buy the rims to fit the front and take the axle shafts from the rear and have them modified or replaced with matching ones. Shoot I was hoping to find a wrecked superduty 4x4 and just canibilize it for parts but the FABRITECH guys say the kit is designed for Dana 44 ( bolt up no welding) The stock rear will probably hold up with modified/replaced driveshafts till I can swap out the rear axle. gonna do this very delibrate and make sure everything will work before i start cutting! probably be 2001 before I get started. did you check out the site/kit?