Dana 60 swap..

[Stranger ranger]

Well after much hard pondering, I've finnaly figured out what I want to do, and what parts i'll be using. If money wasnt an issue, this would be about a month project but with funds not so plentiful, it has to be done in sections, which is ok, cause its winter and what else is there to do.

With that being said, i'm picking up a 1978 F250 with dana 60's front and rear. Also it has a 4speed, np205 and a 351w. So i'm going full width axles on my 1994 ranger. Its an extended cab 4x4 ranger, nothing special except for the 6inches I have on her now, but thats gettin old considering i'm the smallest of the group now.
I'm mechanical inclinded, which includes welding, but not that well in that area, but i'll be having some help from a few machine shop workers.
My first of many questions is;
In order to mount the axles to the truck, i'm using leaf springs for a yj btw, but do I move the perches on the axle or do I set up a cross member to where ever the spring is going to be. Most likely since the axles are full width, they are not gonna line right up. Of course their not. So how do I make this work. So far this is about the only stump i've come to. Thanks for any input and advice from here on out guys!!!!

 

[badblue]

4 link with coilovers or air shock is what i would do.

 

[JohnnyU]

You sure it's a 60 Front? Many came with the 44HD, in fact all of the ones I've seen in salvage yards around here had the 44. I think the package was Snow-Fighter or something similar that had the upgraded D60 front.

 

[hitech_hick]

You sure it's a 60 Front? Many came with the 44HD, in fact all of the ones I've seen in salvage yards around here had the 44. I think the package was Snow-Fighter or something similar that had the upgraded D60 front.

My '78 F250 is identical to the one listed with the exception of a 400M. They aren't very common with a Dana 60 front, but they are out there...


hick

 

[Stranger ranger]

well I'm going to look at the truck very soon, And i know what a sixty looks like so i'll know right away. If so its mine..

 

[Stranger ranger]

should I convert the rear to disc brakes or just leave the drums alone?

 

[hitech_hick]

should I convert the rear to disc brakes or just leave the drums alone?

Depends on what you want to do with it, might want to ditch the drums in favor of discs just for the weight savings. Another thing to consider is that you probably only have 30 spline axle shafts in the rear. Depending on what tires you are planning on running, you might want to replace them right away as well...



hick

 

[Mutant Pony]

Convert the f-250 frame to coil front and cut the frame down (length wise) to match your Ranger body. Works awesome! there are a bunch of them around here. Nothing can touch them in the mud.

 

[Loanranger]

should I convert the rear to disc brakes or just leave the drums alone?

If you do alot of muddin or water crossings, the drums will be worthless.

 

[Stranger ranger]

As my previous question stated, do I move the original spring perches, make new ones, or leave them and build a cross member?