Axle swap build and lift questions

[stevenf]

I want to start toying with my BII so I figured the rear axle swap would be the best to start with. I will be putting using an 8.8", (whatever I can find, not looking for specifics like explorers...) I need to know if Ford made the 8.8 with 28 spline axles on trucks or only 31 spline...??? If they did make 28's and I ran across one, should I replace with 31 spline axles or will the 28's hold up fine with 33" tires and a 302 conversion?

Also, I will go ahead and add the lift while Im putting it on. I want 3-5" depending on whats comfortable with 33's....???
For a lift, should I add the leaf spring assembly from the donor vehicle? Mabey add some very small blocks to compensate the rest?

[vabronconut]

i don't know if they ever went 28 spline for the 8.8, i know it is standard for the early bronco 9" and the 28 spline in those easily handle 33's and even 35's. i would definetly get the 31 spline if i had the choice though.

[stevenf]

Thanks,
Should I use the leaf springs from the donor vehicle to get my desired lift? Will Forf trucks leaf springs provide more flex then the stock BII's? Also, For the front, with a Dana 30 or 44, should I convert to leafs in the front also?

[greenmachine89]

If you do go with the xploder axle you will have to relocate the spring perches. Also if you want to really beef up your axle I think it's superior axle who makes a c-clip eliminator kit for that axle. The ranger has the springs on top of the axle so that makes it a complete swap. Also you will have to change the flange on your driveline. I have 36's on a 8.8 and it has held up just fine!

[vabronconut]

to start with the front, leafs up front are a personal choice, most common dana 44's are coil spring types. i hear the articulation is the same for leafs or coils as long as you get the right springs. if you go leaf go with a good aftermarket 11 spring pack. personally i would stay with whatever the axle already has. as far as the rear springs it depends on the vehicle you got them off of. i believe the explorer 4x4 springs give you a lift how much i have no idea. if you get the explorer axle though you have to move the spring perches to the top of the housing. if your not looking for allot of lift they make 2.5-3 inch add-a-leafs to give you some to your existing springs for only like $60. and then there is blocks to give you a couple more inches. rear lift springs run around $425 so it depends on what you budget allows. also if you get some off something in a wrecking yard make sure they are 2.5 inches wide. full size 4x4's run 3" wide springs.

[stevenf]

ok, So with the rear axle, the most work that I will have to do is suspension(relocate spring perches, mabey leaf brackets)
Will the SAS of a D30 or D44 for the front be the same amount of work? Just relocating or replaceing coil buckets and/or making leafsping buckets?

[vabronconut]

the rear axle should be very easy, if you get a ranger 8.8 it will bolt right up. explorer is just moving the spring perches, if you use the 2.5" wide springs no hanger change or relocation needed.

the dana 30 is a faily week axle and for me i would not use it. running 35" tires would put a large strain on it, but if you do just light weeling you will be ok with it. also the 44 is more common, parts are more readily available, and cheaper. to do the front axle swap it is allot more work, i am finishing mine now and there is some fabrication needed. i would read the article NOBODY has on the this website very carefully before digging in to it so you know what your up against. im not trying to deter you but reading up on it will save you allot of headaches

[stevenf]

The D44 is a Jeep axle, correct? If I go to a salvage yard to get one, what vehicles should I look for? What markings on the axle should I look for? Also, this guy I know has a few that he claims are D44's and wants to sell one for $200.00. What do you think about that price?

[vabronconut]

you can use one from a jeep and i believe those are leaf sprung . or most people get the ones from a 1966-1977 bronco. they are very common on ebay or on classicbroncos.com price for a 44 front drum brake should be between $50 to $300 and disc brake axle between $200 and $600. you can tell the differnce between a dana 30 and 44 by the knuckles. a 30 uses a king pin type knuckle, the 44 uses ball joints. make sure you get the front and rear axles in the same gear ratio otherwise you will have to replace one of the ring and pinions which adds allot of money.

[stevenf]

One last question. Is it possible to keep these broncos looking stock with a 302 and axle swaps? I want this to be a mud/crawling rig but I plan on keeping it to restore later on in life, I dont want to do a whole lot of almost un-repairable cutting.
With a 5-6"lift, would I get full flex out of 35's without fender trimming?

[vabronconut]

look at the topic " 93 5.0 electrical drain problem" something like that. there are pics in there of a truck that is built like i think you want.

[stevenf]

A friend of mine wants to give me a GM 12 bolt rear. I think the gearing is 3.73 and it has 30 spline axles with drum brakes.
Would you guys do this swap for the rear? Ive read a few bad things about these.

[vabronconut]

there is no "right" set up that would make everone happy. so give it a shot you might really like it. make sure the front and rear axles are roughly the same width though, within 3" total width difference between front and rear is all you really want. the only things i can think might give you problems with putting in a chevy rear in is-
the pinion yoke size, make sure it fits your drive shaft u joint or just swap to larger u joints. this would take a little research but nothing major.
brake line fittings might be different sizes, agin not a big deal just have to get correct fittings
leaf spring perches might be narrower or wider than you currect set up so they might need adjusting.

doing uncommon things is not bad if you are pretty good with wrenches and can improvise. if you havn't done allot of modifying to a vehicle before you might want to stay with the more common conversions so that you can get advice, pictures, or dimensions from others.

when in doubt go for it !!!!

[greenmachine89]

For sure! I went crazy one day and took out my dana 35 ttb, cut and grinded a bit and so far (I'm still not done) I have myself a dana 30 jeep front axle with coils.

[stevenf]

Ok, I will be going with the Chevy 12 bolt. It seems like it will hole up to some 33's pushing it(+ its free...).
I do have one more question though. Instead of spending money on lockers, Welding came to mind. I ask a mechanic friend of mine and he said that quote "Thoughs welds ALWAYS,GUARANTEED, break!"
Is this true? I know a certified welder who can get the job done. Man knows what hes doing with metal....