[bullram]

OK....... I will try it, please no slams just technical help, I want to hang an axle under the front , at first just the axle,the steering , the leafs,(YES I KNOW) I should have bought a 4-wheel drive but at the time could not afford it...(guess I am the only one), but if you converted yours to 4wd what axle should I look for, I want the straight axle, (FORD) (DODGE) CHEVY ????? again thanks for the help......

 

[ruffram]

I have never done this type of conversion but I don't think it will be as difficult as it sounds at first. It will however be expensive. Even at slavage prices, transfer cases, drivelines, and in tact straight axles are not cheap. The hardest part I think will be hanging the leaf springs. Welde the brackets to the frame where you have room and I would have springs custom arched depending on how much lift you want. As for an axle, I would seriously consider getting a straight axle of the front of a 79 to mid 80's dodge. They should be about the right width, are made to hang from leafs, and certain years even had the differential on the same side as the new ones which would make the transfer case to axle driveshaft doable. I haven't done this or seen it done so take my advice at face value. Please carry on with this project. One good thing about leag springs is you can have them arched to whatever you want. Have the back set matched and you could easily have clearance fo 40 inch tires. Driveline angles permitting. Let me know how it goes.

 

[Rawkon]

Sounds good to me

 

[TUNIS]

If I were you, I'd sell the 4X2 and buy a 4X4 around the same year. It would probably cost you about the same or even less if you went that route. I don't think it would be worth the time and effort. I've seen lifted Dodges with all the goodies for pretty cheap on eBay and other internet sites...

 

[canyonero02]

if your gonna do the conversion go for a dana 60 front axle. its much stronger and is just an overall better axle than the crappy dana 44's that come on stock 1500 4X4's. if i could do it over again i would have bought a 2500.

 

[LUV24BY]

When I had my Toyota and considered going to the Straight axle over the IFS, it was about $2500 in parts and if I had it done about $4300 - $4800 installed. Lot's of fabricating to do either way you look at it!
Just some input! <IMG SRC="/board/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif">
LUV24BY