F-250 TTB to Solid Axle swap

[kevermt]

I just discovered this site!!!! Great info here!!

I have question for the Ford gurus.

I have an opportunity to buy a front axle (dana 50?) from a 2000 F-250 7.3 for my 95 F-250 front end swap. From my calculations and research I believe this will swap in fairly easy. Are there any tricks or hangups w/ this swap? Steering arm issues? I have seen great write-ups on early model D60 swaps but not this particular axle

All help much appreciated!!!

 

[Stan the Man]

I wouldn't waste the time putting in a newer D50. If you can find a 90ish D60, the swap is a matter of minutes.

 

[kevermt]

I wasn't sure if the 2000 Fords used a D50 or 60. It has new rotors, calipers, seals and its cheap. My TTB needs balljoints, and seals. Looking to swap sooner than later but its hard to find a 90s Ford D60 for any deal. Besides strength, what are drawbacks for the D50? I'm running stock size tires, no lockers.
thanks

 

[Rot Box]

Nothing wrong with the newer style D50 they just aren't quite as strong as the newer D60 :sombrero:

The problems I see for starters is the wheel lug pattern--it is different. With different wheels you could swap in the later rear axle and gain disk brakes though... You gain unit bearings which are not as cheap (by a long shot) or strong as what you currently have. Steering and spring perch width might be a snag too.

I would pass and hold out for a 85.5-97 D60 as it is pretty much a bolt in swap.

 

[hillbillyjake]

I wouldn't waste the time putting in a newer D50. If you can find a 90ish D60, the swap is a matter of minutes.

i agree with this. check out fullsizebronco.com. alot of swap info over there.

 

[deserteagle56]

Nothing wrong with the newer style D50 they just aren't quite as strong as the newer D60 :sombrero:

The problems I see for starters is the wheel lug pattern--it is different. With different wheels you could swap in the later rear axle and gain disk brakes though... You gain unit bearings which are not as cheap (by a long shot) or strong as what you currently have. Steering and spring perch width might be a snag too.

I would pass and hold out for a 85.5-97 D60 as it is pretty much a bolt in swap.

What the man says. Without adapters you will be running an 8 X 170mm pattern on the front wheels and and 8 X 6.5" on the rear.

The Quigley people fixed this when building my van by putting adapters on the rear axles to change the pattern to 8 X 170 so that front and rear were the same. It also gave it about a 3" wider stance on the rear which made it match the front track width exactly.

 

[ujoint]

The spring pad width is different also. 38" on the new trucks, 36.5" on the 86-97 trucks. I agree with everyone else, get a nice 86-97 axle. Here's the breakdown on that generation of axle:

86-91 Kingpin
92-94 Ball Joint slider caliper
95-97 Ball Joint bolt on caliper

You may see some 95's that are slider caliper, but all of these axles will have the proper spring pad width. I would also recommend a shackle reversal while you're doing this!

 

[kevermt]

I've been away from this site for a bit but thanks for the info!

Should I try to grab the springs and steering parts from the same donor F-350?

After looking at my rig 10 minutes ago I realized I need to do this ASAP!

Check out the photo of my broken TTB crap! Please help!

 

[chet]

yes grab everything, steering linkage, brake lines, driveshaft, springs if you want. Not that you will need everyhting but if you got a broken bracket who knows what else needs replacing!

 

[redthies]

I second the motion on the shackle reversal kit. They are $275 from Sky Offroad in Oregon, and well worth it. The ride is much smother than stock and you gain 3"s of clearance too. I believe the springs are the same on both 350 and 250, but if you can get a whole front end as a unit, you know you have everything. Good luck on the swap.

PS... Where is all that oil coming from???

 

[kevermt]

I'm looking for a wrecked or rolled rig to get the parts from, junkyards seem to want at least $1500 just for the axle. The core exchange is obviously not worth a $hit. I'm trying to find a private party on Craig's list locally for the parts. Anyone in the Northwest w/ any good info on donor rigs please PM me if you like.

I guess the oil on the diff is from the bumped oil filter? I have no idea when this happened. Its been out of camber for a few months but I have only been driving it lately for work. I can't even see how the whole right side has lasted this long intact.

Luckily I have a Cherokee project I can drive in the meantime.

Thanks for the help and I'll keep ya'll updated.

 

[ujoint]

Check out the photo of my broken TTB crap! Please help!

Yikes!!!!

 

[redthies]

There is a 93 ball joint D60 front end complete hub to hub with 4.10s for $500 arctic pesos on BC4x4.com in the ford for sale section. That would be abooot $475 USD at todays exchange. If you are interested, post an email and I can pass it on... (or join bc4x4 yourself)

 

[kevermt]

Thanks, I'm joining BC4x4.com!

 

[redthies]

Best of luck! Let me know how it goes. He also has an older king pin style.