fw radius arm width & caster??

jarfly · Aug 15, 2015

So i'm getting started putting my 97 back together, got a 78 full size bronco for the axles.
First question is the width on the radius arms, With the stock radius arms and 78 radius arm mount, I am having to pull the arms in 2-3" or so to get them to go in. Is this commen with using these under a ranger?
Second, Caster angel. Like a idiot I forgot to measure what it was on it before I tore the front end out. What kind of number a I looking for here?
thanks in advance and since everyone like pics.

jarfly · Aug 20, 2015

So made a little headway with this. I have got the rad arms pulled in and bolted in the brackets, But seem to be having problems with getting the axle squared. With the radius arms bolted in the bottom transmission cross member, the axle sees to be 1/8th to far one way. Does anyone know if the holes in transmission x member are not the same on both sides?

alwaysFlOoReD · Aug 20, 2015

I don't have personal experience with this swap, nor have I looked into it much. I did tear out radius arms from a 88 f150 2wd and they were ~3" longer than my ranger arms.
I remember reading something [on TRS] with drawings explaining the ttb front suspension. IIRC there is a difference from one side to the other, but can't be sure about arm mounting. I'll look for the article.
Edit; couldn't find it. Hopefully someone else has an answer.

Hagan · Aug 20, 2015

This is why I used a '77 axle with weld on wedges. I had the same problem as you. But I simply cut my wedges off and moved them in on both sides.

I know most people don't care but it's a shame every time a d44 gets ripped out of a 78/79 Bronco.

4x4junkie · Aug 20, 2015

alwaysFlOoReD said:
I remember reading something [on TRS] with drawings explaining the ttb front suspension. IIRC there is a difference from one side to the other, but can't be sure about arm mounting. I'll look for the article.
Edit; couldn't find it. Hopefully someone else has an answer.

The difference is in the axle beam pivots (beam lengths). This isn't something that would come into play on a SAS since the pivots are removed.

1/8" is a pretty small amount, a slight difference in the bushings themselves could amount to that. I'd say maybe try a washer as a shim on one side if you're trying to get it squared.

And I agree, pulling the arms inward like that is probably not a great idea (this distorts the axle C-bushings in a way they weren't designed for). Maybe you can move the RA mounts outward that small amount (fab up new RA mounts, etc.).

jarfly · Aug 21, 2015

I think I found my 1/8th in the worn out bushings. Anyone got any pics of modded radius arm mounts?
Allso, very old debate, heims vs bushings? Thinking of buliding some long arms.

Bent Bolt · Sep 10, 2015

I had the same issue when I did mine. I bought a set of radius arm brackets for a mid 90's F150 from Ford and bolted them to my frame. The 79 FW axle and arms fit perfect. Eerie how well it fit.

1RangerNut · Nov 9, 2015

Bent Bolt said:
I had the same issue when I did mine. I bought a set of radius arm brackets for a mid 90's F150 from Ford and bolted them to my frame. The 79 FW axle and arms fit perfect. Eerie how well it fit.

Do you have any pic's?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kirby N. · Jan 1, 2016

I used a 76 front end and moved the mounts in too. I could show you pics, but it won't apply to your situation because your mounts are a cast part of the outer c knuckle and won't move easily like mine did. Fwiw, I think mine moved in 2 7/16. If I did it again I think I would go in 2 1/8 or so.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

fw radius arm width & caster??

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