Starting my axle swap.

[Edgewalker]

I'm still green so I figure I should post what I'm doing. That way all you experienced fellas can point out my dumb ass mistakes. I'm gonna start with a 9 inch for the rear. It has 31 splines with 4:10's and supposedly came out of a '72 ford pickup. I have not opened it up, but it feels like it has a spool in it. Ill leave it as it is because the gears feel nice and tight very little play and the gear oil is super-clean. I put f150 rotors on it. Still have to cut out the access hole. I know everyone uses the GM calipers, but I had these Cherokee calipers laying around, so I was thinking of fabbing up some brackets and using those.

https://goo.gl/photos/9xFJWSkNWmAyqb5T8


I could not find a reasonably priced ford axle in my area for the front, so I bought a chevy D44 with 4:10's and flat top knuckles. Then I plan to cut the long side and weld it to the short side like they did here:

http://d44tech.com/flipped_chevy_dana44.html


Here is what I am starting with. The guy offered me a spare housing with inner and outter shafts for $60. I'm seriouslly thinking of picking them up. What do you guys think.

 

[Hagan]

Ive never seen that article before. Thats pretty neat and cheap to do. Looking forward to seeing some progress

 

[bobbywalter]

what engine and trans?


i would go to a passenger drop 208 case most likely. it is too much work on the axle flip for me.

 

[Edgewalker]

A chevy 208 bolts right up? That would be easier, and there is one on CL for $50.

 

[Edgewalker]

Fab up the caliper brackets

Time to make some beefy caliper brackets.

Thats too much beef. I found some leftover 3/8 cold rolled that should do the trick.

I'll figure out the rest of it tomorrow and get it all welded up.

 

[bobbywalter]

no....chevy 208 wont bolt up. but if you have a v8 truck there are options for that.

a jeep or dodge passenger drop 208 would be ideal as they are often fixed yoke and the right offset.

 

[Edgewalker]

Thanks for the info Bobbywalter. Looks like I'm going ahead as planned. I did get the caliper brackets welded on and tapped the holes to mount the calipers.

 

[Edgewalker]

I added some small flat pieces to support the brake pads. Do the chevy calipers need supports like this?

And I figured out how to post pics. Aren't ya proud of me.

 

[bobbywalter]

i cant see em

 

[Edgewalker]