'03 axle swap

[divemaster5734]

Got the C350 running and driving down the road. barely.
The bushings are toast everywhere, from the entire steering to the sway links, they are rotted through.
I picked up a set of '03 super duty axles.
I like the leaf spring posture and want to keep that, but I also want the modern wheel pattern, 4 disk brakes, and the 3:73 ratio.
I did a search and could only find write-up's on '05+ swaps because everyone likes the coil overs.
I do understand.
With the 35" tires and 4" super lift 1 ton suspension kit, the interior floorboard sits at about 2' 8" off the ground, the running board is at 2', so I'm getting some powered drop down steps.
I was wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of a write up for the swap.
I already know I'll need to update the master brake cylinder and proportioning valve, and will probably go with a Wildwood system.
I'm hoping to find a link or two to start the learning curve to better prep for the swap.
Thanks

 

[u2slow]

The perch spacing is wider on the front axle. That can be 'absorbed' with a reverse shackle kit (RSK) lift.

If updating the master, I suggest going to hydroboost also. It's what the 99+ trucks have stock, and it made a huge difference on my '95 F350 for stopping power (still rear drum).

 

[asmith]

I agree with u2slow. If your going to update the axles I would go to a RSK kit at the same time. I believe there is a kit this exact swap ( to accommodate the wider perches), but you would have to look. And definitely swap over to hydroboost. That will help you brakes out the most.

 

[divemaster5734]

Checked out the hydroboost master, and will probably go that route. I like that the Wildwood system bolts directly to it.
Not sure if I can do a RSK at this time, I didn't plan on the axle swap, and that's going to be an extra $2,500 with cheap wheels, new calipers, and all the plumbing.
Still have the interior, all the door guts, and new Bronco rear hatch with spare tire.
It sat rotting away so long the driver and front passenger window motors barely works, never liked the first row bench seat windows were manual, nothing to do about the 2nd back row bench seat with fixed windows, and the rear hatch is rusted shut.
Will have to put the paint on hold for now.
Already am many thousands over budget, but she sounds so nice with that rebuilt 088.

 

[Nero]

Even with all that wrong a C350 is still worth stupid amount of money because they made so few of them.


Unless you make your own... Or a 6 door bronco....

 

[divemaster5734]

Even with all that wrong a C350 is still worth stupid amount of money because they made so few of them.


Unless you make your own... Or a 6 door bronco....

Exactly.
To be honest, it's not about the money.
It's a love at first sight thing.
I didn't even know they existed until I saw it on eBay.
Had to have it, and won the auction.
Was about 100 miles away.
Knew I was in trouble driving it home, as I knew absolutely nothing at all about anything diesel.
My daily driver is a '14 Ram Laramie Longhorn Ecodiesel 4x4 I leased new, then purchased the option at the end.
It's got all the fancy bells and whistles, all the available options on the '14 model including a 5.1 16 speaker surround sound with a 600 amp amp and 14" sub under the back seat.
Even finally paid off the $70k sticker.
But it's been too domesticated, they even shoved silencer tubes down the exhaust to make it more yuppie.
There's something magic about that idi growl and turbo whistle.
Driving that black cloud blowing C350 and shifting through the gears is just plane intoxicating.
Building it for weekend outdoor fun, and I'll be able to drag pretty much any dang thing I want to as well.

 

[Old Goat]

The newer axles are of the metric measurements.
The older axles are 8 on 6.5. (8 lugs on 6.5 inches)
If you want to keep the 8/6.5 and want to keep your
stock wheels, there is a template to redrill the Hubs.

8x170 to 8x6.5 Drill Template

Are you swapping in a Ford Dana 60 with the 8x170 bolt pattern but already have an 8x6.5 rear axle? Well, here's your easy solution! This template slips over the studs of the 8 lug ford pattern and accurately gives you the drill locations for 8x6.5. All you need is a 39/64" drill bit for stud...

cnafabrication.com

Goat

 

[divemaster5734]

Bookmarked the link. It's a little concerning making the extra holes in the wheels, wouldn't want to compromise the integrity.
Is nice to know there are options.
Thanks

 

[IDIBRONCO]

It's a little concerning making the extra holes in the wheels, wouldn't want to compromise the integrity.

You redrill the hub and install new studs.

 

[Old Goat]

I first read about this axle swap in this thread a few years back.
It`s 6 pages but interesting what the guy went through to
achieve the end results. It seem every one has the fear there isn`t
enough meat on the Hub.

10.5 SuperDuty Rear Hubs to 8 on 6.5

www.powerstrokenation.com

Goat

 

[divemaster5734]

I wonder if anyone has had issues after drilling out the hubs?
Under fair weather, no load conditions it would be fine, but pulling a steep grade with 12k+ lbs in tow on a 105° afternoon will bring a whole new level of metallurgy issues into play that I personally don't possess the knowledge to untangle.

 

[Old Goat]

Couple more threads may be of use.

2WD Super Duty front brakes to match 10.5 rear axle swap wheel pattern - easy or complicated?

I have a 1986 2WD F-250 SRW. I am planning on doing a Sterling 10.5 swap in the rear to get disc brakes with a parking brake. The wheel pattern changes, I can either drill it out or change the front to match. I have a line on some 17" Eagle Alloys in 8x170 that I could put on the truck, or I...

www.oilburners.net

Swap in 2011 axle

I am thinking about swapping in a rear axle from a 2011 or newer. I know the speedometer uses a ring in the diff but I was thinking about using one of the pickups at the axle end. My abs is unplugged to give me a cruise that doesn’t surge. Is this doable? Will the drive shaft bolt right up? Will...

www.oilburners.net

Goat