What kind of cash you looking to spend ??

What I would do, is go with a Dana 60, really build it up, while its not installed. Go Chromo everything, spend some time on Pirate, reading about how to build a proper Dana 60, with different knuckles and what not. BUild it up proper from the inside out. Then look into a truss. How are ya with the welder ? bendin metal ? Make a truss, and a mounting point for a Hydro ram. Get the proper pump, hosing, and larger resevoir and run a FULL hydro steering set-up. It would be the easier, best way for your steering. Makes it easy turning such large tires, and eleminates the small, vulnerable steering parts required with traditional set-up.

 

I can't think right now, but we are passenger side drop, correct ? (means the pumpkin is on the passenger side up front ??? )

Get a matching Dana 60, the shaft will line up fine. There are a number of companies that offer custom flanges and custom drive shafts that will mate up fine for ya. Plan on stock T-case ? or a different one ? One with lower gearing options ?????

 

Hell yeah that truck is ballin!

I dont know if full hydro steer is street legal.

 

some states require a special opertors license to use on public streets.

But.... best bet is to make this into a trailer queen, maybe even a truggy.

Sure you wana stay leaf sprung ???

 

this is one bad project i would love to see be put together so take some pics when you do this too

 

I thought the 97-03 f150's were driver side dropped. I would like to keep the stock t-case or the time being. I was told however that a np205 would be a good swap out. But i kinda would rather go alittle more WILD than that if i was to swap it maybe an Atlas... maybe.

Well ill probably driving this for the time being even after the SAS and i still like to keep it street legal for weekend driving or possibly some of the local car shows.

And yes i will DEFINITELY keep it on leaves.

well ill try hard to get this stuff together as soon as possible.

 

I would like to spend under 6k for everything. I will be keeping stock t-case so that will save some money.

 

under 6K is reasonable, but just make sure you dont cut corners man.

what are you doing for the rear?

 

i plan on a 10.25. but i was also told not to rule out a D60 rear as well as D60 front. I had another recommend dually (D70 i think) but that just would be wierd.... haha

and obviously i get the usual people telling me to use Rocks but thats not practical right now.

 

Just find a D60 front with the same side drop, and your good. NP205/203 doubler would be about the 1/4 price of an atlas, give you some lower gearing,as well as give you tons of gear selection. They are easy to do, and by far the best bang for your buck. Look into it, if ya need more help, let me kno. I have done this twice now.

As for a rear, go single wheel D70, or a BUILT D60 like I was saying. Built right, with a detroit locker, chromoly innards, its way stronger then any D80 or sterling rear out there.

why stuck on leaf spring suspension ?? Your starting a build from scratch. You coud go 3 or 4 link with air shocks fairly easily, and cheaply. Just a thought. Flex, ride, and everything would just be better. If you are stuck with lease, at least make em flex. build in a "goofy" leaf, or droop shackles, or something.

Time to look into state laws for the full hydro system then. trailer queen has its advantages.... and they seem to be endless.

 

what leafs are you going to run out back? and what leafs out front? custom? or are you getting some other leafs that another truck may use to lift it?

 

building a bullet proof D60 would be ideal. hell even a D609. however, you said you want to keep this under 6k so i think that is out of question. since your are keeping the 4.2 a d60 will be plenty strong. leaves are simple and too will keep your cost down. i think your defenitaly going to need shackles to have nice flex and height. highly arched springs will work for the height but will draw back on offroad performance.

 

Jesse at farmboy fab is definately a good resource. The kid literally knows its all practically. Good traction bars too.

 

o yeah and also look into shackle design for the front AND rear. some types will give you alot more flex than other. for the front do you want the shackle in the front of the leaf or the rear?

For the rear you can do a set up like this and get alot more flex out of it. this is Jay's truck, itsn an 03 SASed ranger running front and rear leafs. D44 in the front and i think a ford 8.8 in the rear.

 

what size tires are on that ranger? Would a D44 be a better match with the v6? How is that one holding up? Ive seen some wild D44 Setups pushing alot of meat just never though about it really...

I still like the D60 option and probably go that route but i want to look at everything before finalizing on the decision.

I would like to have the shackles in front of the leaves. I really dont need much FLEX with what im doing (its a mud truck/ trail truck but even the trails i ride dont have much need for flex. My truck as is now makes it fine.

Now if i can find axles that are in good shape should i run them as is until they FAIL or go ahead while they are out and rebuilt them chromo?