rustygold
Full Access Member
Looks like it to me and it's in the crush zone
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302 to 7.3idi swap
- Thread starter Ricky Vickers
- Start date
NEVER INSTALL THIS ON A CRUSH ZONE!!!
allow me to reiterate...
$100 dollars and the same amount of time.
allow me to reiterate...
$100 dollars and the same amount of time.
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rustygold
Full Access Member
But wouldn't it be would it be cheaper to get an 05+ axle with coils because they use the stock I beams bushing spot?
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VandalS
Full Access Member
Did you ever do this? I’m debating doing something similar. I like the F150 xcab short bed and I’m having trouble finding an f250 in the same configuration. Then I’d swap in a PSD and axles from a 99 f350.
david85
Full Access Member
I recently converted my F250 to 4wd with a leaf spring Dana60 front end. It has similar twin I-beams with coil springs to the F150 so the swap would be similar if working on the F150 platform. Lots of measuring and drilling on the frame to get leaf springs in but it can be done. https://www.oilburners.net/threads/dana-60-going-in-eventually.86730/
Also, the 1980-1996 frames rails are virtually identical from F150 right up to F350s since it was all built on one platform back then. Only in 1997 up did they have different platforms between the F250 and F150.
So because there's no major difference between F150s and F250 frames, if you can make a 2005 coil spring Dana 60 swap work on an F250, I see no reason why it wouldn't also work on the F150 (for 1980-1996). Keep in mind the SD uses metric axles, so unless you want to run different rims on the front, you'll have to swap the rear out too. This would offer a considerable upgrade in brakes though.
One last option is to use stock F150 twin traction beam and perform a chevy 3500 knuckle conversion in order to run 8-bolt hubs. It's been done before, and would require less modification of the truck. I think the coil springs from a 2wd F250 diesel will work for this. One thing I didn't like about the Dana 60 conversion is that it sits much higher (roughly 4" lift compared to 2wd F250). So if you want to keep the height lower, Twin Traction beam from an F150 is the best way to go. If you want lots of lift, solid axle is the best way.
As for ride comfort, nothing rides smoother than the 1980-1996 F150 twin I beam.
Also, the 1980-1996 frames rails are virtually identical from F150 right up to F350s since it was all built on one platform back then. Only in 1997 up did they have different platforms between the F250 and F150.
So because there's no major difference between F150s and F250 frames, if you can make a 2005 coil spring Dana 60 swap work on an F250, I see no reason why it wouldn't also work on the F150 (for 1980-1996). Keep in mind the SD uses metric axles, so unless you want to run different rims on the front, you'll have to swap the rear out too. This would offer a considerable upgrade in brakes though.
One last option is to use stock F150 twin traction beam and perform a chevy 3500 knuckle conversion in order to run 8-bolt hubs. It's been done before, and would require less modification of the truck. I think the coil springs from a 2wd F250 diesel will work for this. One thing I didn't like about the Dana 60 conversion is that it sits much higher (roughly 4" lift compared to 2wd F250). So if you want to keep the height lower, Twin Traction beam from an F150 is the best way to go. If you want lots of lift, solid axle is the best way.
As for ride comfort, nothing rides smoother than the 1980-1996 F150 twin I beam.
But there are major differences between the f150 TTB and the f250/350 TTB. The ttb arms are shorter on the f250/older 350 than the f150 ttb arms. So a clean f150 ttb to a dana 50 ttb swap is not possible.
And you have to modify the frame also. The f250/350 has the frame cut out in the front for the leaf spring shackle. And of course you would have to take the rivets out and take the spring brackets and the radius arm brackets off.
I am sure it could be done, but it's not going to be easy.
That configuration f250 was only made 96-97 or so.
The f150 frames are not that strong. They are known to fatigue and sever near the steering box.
VandalS
Full Access Member
It sounds like it’s possible, but work to convert either F150 or 2WD F250 over to 4x4 with a solid axle swap. I can get both axles out of the engine donor to keep it the same.
david85
Full Access Member
I was referring to the 8-bolt conversion that can be done on F150 TTBs. So the original F150 front end would stay, while everything out from the knuckles would change to allow 3/4 ton running gear. Not an ideal setup and lots of work, which is why I ended up going the same route as most others and installing a D60.
And yes, there was plenty of drilling to install the D60 in my original 2wd truck.
I have never tried that, but what research I did a long time ago, the swapping knuckles around to go from 5 lug to 8 lug is not possible. There was a few guys that did it, but they ended having to use some chevy parts to get it converted over.
VandalS
Full Access Member
RSK? What is that?
So it’s possible, but you’re giving your truck the bow tie curse to do it. [emoji16]
RSK = reverse shackle kit
Something like this:
https://www.skysoffroaddesign.com/c...-shackle-reversal-kits?variant=15441313726530
Something like this:
https://www.skysoffroaddesign.com/c...-shackle-reversal-kits?variant=15441313726530
david85
Full Access Member
Yup, that's same info I came across. So yes, you would need some chevy parts to convert F150 TTB axles to 8 bolt hubs. I think this also requires use of single piston calipers, so it would mean a downgrade in front brakes compared to F250s.
EDIT: Here's a writeup on the 8-bolt conversion:
https://www.fullsizebronco.com/threads/dana-44-ttb-8-lug-swap-lots-of-pictures.211942/
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