getting ready to take the plunge

[bartmantom]

so I've got myself an 1987 B2 that a friend blew the motor on and then just gave it to me. I then proceeded to start checking on a new engine and figured what the heck, I'm makine me a toy so I got a set of axles out of a 1978 F250, Dana 44 leaf spring front and a Dana 60 rear, both with 4.56 gears, a 1973 302 and C4 tranny (have to get the output shaft changed), a Dana 20 transfer case and adapter for the C4. Well I got out the tape measure the other day and proceeded to get myself all confused. my preliminary measurements on the Dana 44 front axle spring perches show that it will line up with the B2 frame. everything I've read told me I would have to either fab some brackets or shorten the long tube on the Dana 44. Do I need to get some glasses and take a class on reading a tape measure or is that right? I'd also like some info on which leaf springs to use, front and rear, since I want a softer suspention than the 3/4 leafs will provide. also would like to be pointed in the right direction to finding some exhaust headers.

[ranger5.0]

The fullsize axles are wider than the stock ones. The half ton axles that I used needed the spring perches to be moved in 2 1/2 inches on both sides. I would assume that the 3/4 ton frame is just as wide if not wider than the half ton. If you cut the tubes down you will still have to move the spring perches in to align the leaf springs. I used the stock leafs for a ranger in the rear. My application uses coils in the front. You may want to find lighter front springs off of something lighter duty. Wrangler springs are popular to use cause of their length.