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Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 5:34 pm
by OffroadBEAR
Thanks Nobody. I am just planning for the D35/8.8 if I can't find the solid front, which looks less possible, but maybe my yard will have something come this summer. If I can find a solid front for the right price, I will swap it in, and it will stay a full width, not cut down, I want the extra width for stability. Either way, I really want bigger running gear now, and I am less afraid to tear the truck up seeing this is my first time to really do any major work on this truck (its that reliable). I just don't want to cut corners now and it hurt me later. I didn't think the SAS would be unreliable or unsafe, just thought the TTB might be a little more comfy on the highway, but if it'll make road trips just fine, that good for me. The search is on, and so is the tranny job. Thanks for the help!
Paul
Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 5:54 pm
by Nobody
Straight axles are comfy on the street...in fact since the ford radius arm setup is basically one big sway bar, I think you'll find that it actually feels more stable than TTB. TTB is really only good for bombing throught the desert.
Don't limit your search to junkyards. Check the local 4wd club forums, news papers/classifieds.......watch for dead trucks the fields. If you can't find a fullsize axle, you aren't looking very hard.
Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 6:28 pm
by Phillippi
When I did my search for a fullsized hp d44, I found tons. I then had to sift through them all to get the best price. After that, I cut mine down to EB length which was easy, but time consuming. Look for a early big bronco 79-80 or f-150 d44. They are everywhere...
Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:19 pm
by OffroadBEAR
I got the tranny and t-case out tonight. It took me about 5 hours of straight nonstop work to get the tranny out of the truck. Holy shit that thing was heavy and awkward. I pulled out the trans and transfer as one unit, but they are going back in separately since I have to replace the transmission anyway, screw that. Anyway, I just got an OEM replacement since I am a little short of cash right now and its better than what is in there now (clutch job about 2 years ago, pressure place was not replaced). Here goes, I hope this works.
Paul