Sweptline.ORG

Can anybody give me a link to any threads on swapping my 71 2wd front axle to a 80 4wd Ramcharger axle to get front disc or is this a possibility? I may swap to 4x4 in the future but for now just wanted to get discs. Thanx guys

Your truck will appear to be going "uphill" as the 4x4 axle is straight, the 2wd axle spindles aren't in straight line with that axle's centerline.

Bucky

So then its a doable swap? Seems like a lift in the rear may fix that then.

Yes its doable if you get all the pieces needed to hook the steering up. 71 has steering box behind axle, 80 was in front of axle.
Keep in mind that switching from drum/drum to disc/drum may necessitate a change in master cylinder or proportioning valve.
On the rear just use lift blocks from 4x4, that's what the factory did.
Bucky

Thanx for your reply. Yeah ive done disc/drum converts so I know whats up with that. Everything I find on a swap is all for 61-71 4wd axles. Just was hoping to get disc brakes with this convert but I noticed the gearbox difference so just thought Id ask. Thanx again 712

Keep us updated if you do this swap. I'm in the same boat. I want to upgrade to discs and do a 4wd swap..

slick wrote:Keep us updated if you do this swap. I'm in the same boat. I want to upgrade to discs and do a 4wd swap..

I will. Im actively looking for a good deal on a complete truck. It's harder than I thought to find info on that particular swap. But Ive found enough info bits to feel more confident about trying it.

I converted a 69 4x2 to 4x4 using a 1985 Donor truck. Hardest part was the shock mounts on the front axle, rear driveshaft (I am pretty sure I used the front driveshaft from the '85 too), and drilling holes in the frame for the transmission cross member (i used a 4 speed). I used both axles, transfer case and transmission w/cross member, and front driveshaft from the '85. I already had a 413 and bell housing laying around. It was a very easy swap.

I even used the stock drag link but if i did it again, i would spend the $$$ for an adjustable drag link as the 69 pit man arm seemed like it was a little bit smaller that the '85 and i really had to suck the ball joint cone down to get it to tighten up on the '85 pitman arm.

Another thing to be mindful of is the center pin on the rear springs if you replace the rear spring with lift kit rear springs. '71 and earlier, the center pin is in the middle (or centered if you will) of the spring pack and '72 and later the center pin is offset (i cant remember how much) and your rear axle will move forward if you use the '72 and later rear springs and will look weird. I have not found a rear spring lift kit (Not blocks) that has the correct center pin spacing in the leaf spring except for high dollar custom springs.

Here are some links:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=24709
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=24710
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=24708

I feel your pain. I've been keeping my eye out for and 8 lug axle. Harder than I thought

Thanx bro!! Most helpful!! I found a 77 Power wagon 3/4 for a donor. I posted a pic on the susp/brake area which is where I shouldve posted this post lol viewtopic.php?f=20&t=39998 I measured the springs but didnt even think about measuring spring centers. Good looking out on that one. Still on the fence whether Ill do it to my 67 or 71. Leaning toward the 71 now. Thanx again

I did something similar on my '66 Town Wagon. I found axles from an '81 W-150 and am in the middle of the 4x4 conversion. I rebuilt both axles and then added a dual pot master cylinder and a booster to aid the brakes. I had to swap the shock mounts to the front of the axle on the front end and also added new springs front and rear that I purchased from General Spring. I wound up needing a 4" lift block in the rear to remedy the sag that resulted from adding the solid axle in the front.

I need to build the bracket for the transfer case and source a front drive shaft but right now I'm happy that I have power disc brakes!!!

Are you guys using your factory steering box?

slick wrote:Are you guys using your factory steering box?

I am using the factory steering box as I did not have to modify the steering. I did however add new drag link, ends, etc as most of those parts were worn.

very cool, thanks