Re: Re:Gary's two wheel drive Grand; WAS/ 727 to 518 swap...

["Jim Blair" <carnuck@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

A: If you like IFS, I have just the thing! Twin Traction Beam (complete with 
the frame mounts and front 1/2 of the frame) from an '84 Bronco full size. 
It's high pinion Dana 44 with disc brakes and locking hubs with 3.54 ratio. 
Easily gutted to make a floater front (2 bearings on each side) with 5 on 5 
1/2" pattern.
   The axle tube combined with the spring pack, then sag from the springs on 
top instead of underneath adds up to 7" or so of lift.


From: farna@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Re:Gary's two wheel drive Grand; WAS/ 727 to 518 swap...
To: mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Message-ID: <ADVANCES62idcDjoYAP0000452e@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Still shooting AROUND me Jim! Gary had mentioned possibly using a Pacer 
front suspension. When I mentioned using a Chevy truck front end instead, I 
meant the later model IFS, NOT solid axle. Would support the weight better 
and should drop the front 3-4" -- but the crossmember can be mounted with 
spacers between it and the frame to get height back. Just stay away from 
anything like a Mustang II front suspension unless you "roll your own" and 
make it stronger. Now an older Ranger twin I-beam would be nice, but I think 
a real double arm IFS would get the ride Gary wants.

In your defense, solid axle is the obvious solution though. From what you're 
saying even mounting the Chevy axle in reverse (like the FSJ -- SUA) would 
still raise the FSJ an inch or two (the spring pack can't be more than 4" 
thick, can it? + thickness of axle).

On July 20, 2005 Jim B wrote:

> A: The solid front axles used in Suburbans and Jimmys (not a lot of them 
> got
> it) Chev axles are SOA (spring on axle) whereas the FSJ axle is SUA. (and
> almost 7" lower. I use a '76ish Chev D44 front in '74 to '79 FSJs and 
> '77ish
> Ford solid axle in '80 up FSJs for a 7" "instant" lift. Then add high 
> steer

> arms to the knuckles after machining them and stock steering bolts up)