LUVTruck.com

So, I found a good set of Dana 44's for decently cheap, and I'm really considering swapping them into my truck. Right now its just reeeeally uncapable and really low. Now to my questions...


Since the front 44 I found is passenger drop, and I'm going with leaf springs, what all do I need to do? It seems as if the only real trouble would be steering... What other problems would I run into?

Thanks.

(now I'll just wait for Boonie Buster, hah)

Is Boonie Buster still around?

Cam

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1980 Chevy LUV 4x4

ya, i'm still around. I'll look around for some old posts on this subject...

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"I'll take 'The Rapist' for $1200 Alex..."
"That's 'Therapist' Mr. Connery"

I looked some, but only found info and talk about the yoyo axle swap.

So what width are these axles WMS to WMS? (WMS = Wheel Mounting Surface )

Are these out of a fullsize chevy? or a jeep waggy? or....?

There are a TON of things to consider. How flexy you want the springs, what motor you are running, steering will probably be the worst of the bunch, but you just have to make sure (think ahead!) of axle location when welding up spring perches and shackle angles. You don't want any binding of the steering stuff (obviously! ) and you want oil pan clearance. What are you planning on doing with this setup? Are you trying to get a lot of lift for Mud Boggin' or low and stable for crawlin' ? or something in between, street worthy and offroad worthy.

What skill level would you say you are Fabrication wise? Nooby? Some experience? Fab God?

That's one thing I have enjoyed about my rig, it's stable enough on the road with dual shocks up front, but flexy enough to go right through the tough stuff!


Sorry for the grill-fest, but i want/need to know what you're looking for.

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"I'll take 'The Rapist' for $1200 Alex..."
"That's 'Therapist' Mr. Connery"

Ok, so, I would suggest you find a buddy (you seriously trust with your life! I am being honest here) And have him do the fab work/welding at least. Especially if you don't feel confident in your welding skills.

That being said, (I really should gather all this info for a sticky.... ha ha) You'll want to figure out and layout some measurements for the front leaf spring bracket. the rears will follow according to the length of spring and so on and so forth. typically the spring perch widths are very close they range from about 29.5" to 36.5". The ones you have are about 32.5" I think.... I will find some pics of my steering setup in a bit. I had to do mine a little different as my axle moved forward from stock and the steering box stayed in the same location, it's kinda funky, but it works!

What are advice are you really looking for? Are you looking for a how-to or just what snags you'll run into..?

Because you'll run into a lot. It's just a fact.

I'll try and compile an "as you work" list of snags.

-Cutting off stock IFS Junk, making sure not to cut TOO MUCH material off that might weaken the frame integrity.
-finding/building/gearing/cleaning/repairing/rebuilding/adjusting the axle you bought for the swap.
-Figuring out a reasonable sprign perch width
-Finding the right leaf spring for the job (can be a bit of trial and error )
-Setup of the spring hangers front and back and a shackle angle that's not going to "cam over" and lock the shackle against the frame (I have seen this happen before...not fun...)
-Adjusting the spring perches on the axle for proper camber. weld perches (this is a pain as the diff side on the dana44 is usually cast into the center section )
-Figuring out a steering setup thats right for you and the rig. I personally would shoot for a High steer setup. Just make sure if you run a thick spring pack to gauge for clearance over the springs, a raised or spaced high steer arm might be in order.
-A Proper Pitman arm that will not hit the axle when it flexes and such.
-Assure motor clearance when you setup your springs and ride height.
-Drivelines drivelines drivelines.....

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"I'll take 'The Rapist' for $1200 Alex..."
"That's 'Therapist' Mr. Connery"