Solid Axle Swap Questions

[TruckBoss223]

I thinking about doing a Solid Axle Swap on my 1998 2 Door Chevy Tahoe and I have a few questions for those of you with the experience here.

Currently i have an IFS with a NP246 Transfer Case

Now here's my question

Was poking around a salvage yard today and just figured I would ask if they had any axles out of early model Ford

They have a 1979 Ford F250 plow truck with a rack box on the back. It appears to have a Dana HP44 with ball joints 8 Lug in the front, I am assuming a Dana 60 full float rear and a NP205 Transfer Case. They look in decent shape and the truck is still in use. Hes asking $1500 for all 3 plus anything else i want off the truck I just have to remove it all myself.

Is the $1500 worth it, i was told if i walk in there with a $1000 cash he will most likely just take it and how hard is it after everything is said and done to adapt a floor shifter into my truck.

Also is there anything else than can help me out. Im not doing any extreme off roading or anything were i would need a Dana 60 front which has been VERY hard to find cheap. and can anyone recommend any good sites to get what i need to do the swap.

and what else would you take off this truck ? Driveshafts ? anything else worth taking ?

Appreciate your help

 

[bowtiefreak]

I am by far no expert on the swap. MY advice is go to GMfullsize.com and read up there, tons of write ups

 

[TruckBoss223]

Thanks.. do you happen to know if there is a big demand to sell my IFS Old transfer case and all the old parts ?

 

[bowtiefreak]

you might get someone looking for parts, but unless it is a lift kit not many people want that stuff

 

[sparg93]

also check out pirate4x4...huge website dedicated to offroading...a lot of knowledgeable guys on there.

 

[purple 'hoe]

Check Pirate. I do ALL of my SFA research there. Lot's of info, lot's of technical information. This is one of the build threads I've been reading for my research. I'd suggest reading it if you're looking into swapping. Difference in mine is I'll be driver side drop. And I'll keep my 241

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=788003

You'll want to find a 77-79 Ford axle (Dana44 HP or a Dana60). Personally, find the 60 if you can. A Kingpin Axle will be much stronger than a ball joint. Are you going to build your own brackets or do you plan to buy a kit? Fabworx's makes a great SFA Swap kit.

http://www.fabworxoffroad.com/3652-straight-axle-conversion/


Transfercase Wise, swap in a NP241. As much as everyone likes to say the 205's and 208's are better, my research has come led me to understand the 241 is just as durable and dependable.

Rear axle wise, I'd find a 14BFF. With just some simple changes, it'll swap right into place (if you find a 88-98 axle)

Also, start researching into Crossover Steering. That's where I'm at right now with my research.

What exactly do you want to do with the truck? Or how exactly do you want it to sit?

 

[rabbiporkchop]

The only thing I would take off the truck is the front axle, and even that is only worth 500 bucks to me

 

[the big blue bus]

fabworx has good stuff my buddy sasd his with that will get the pics up he sent me. 14ff rear would be better fronts about the only thing worth it. i can get one for 250 here

 

[rabbiporkchop]

fabworx has good stuff my buddy sasd his with that will get the pics up he sent me. 14ff rear would be better fronts about the only thing worth it. i can get one for 250 here

250 sounds more like it for a D44

 

[the big blue bus]

im getting a d44 off my buddy. new ball joints knuckle was machined for arm and arm installed. 400 for it. has been cleaned and been thruogh. he just bought a d60 for his now that hes putting 4.56 gears in it