Sooo. As usual, I have changed plans....again.
I picked up an 83 250 chassis a while back to use for converting my truck to 3/4 ton, but I realized if I am going to go through all that work for a 250/350...Id rather have a Crew cab single wheel anyway.
So I decided to go different route. I want to keep the F150 as a DD, so I for no real reason I picked up this odd bird off of Nick.
Yes...it is an 8.8...a factory 8 lug semi float 8.8 from a LD 4x4 F250
Im going to do a "Heavy-Half" setup. Using the 8.8, 92-97 front beams with 78-79 rotors (to match the 1/2-20 studs in the rear), and a 3/4 ton leaves.
This way I can keep my rust-proofed, spotless frame, and not waste time putting an axle under it that isn't proportional to its capabilities any way. The 8.8 will bolt in and get me to 8 lug with larger brakes and 16s. Not to mention gears are cheaper (/I can use the 4.10s from the Ranger).
I want to drop the rear 4-5" at the same time to level it out as well....maybe bring the front down as low as I can and still keep camber in spec with cams and stock beams.
I also scored a column from a manual trans truck, cluster block off plate, and a bad ass bug visor (not sure if I will actually use it.lol)
With 8 lug axles, 3/4 brakes with Hydroboost, heavy leaves, 16s, and the ZF5 I think the truck should be a decent tow rig and still be a fairly nimble light truck to DD and have fun with.