Solid Axle Swap

[07HDClassic]

Thats a good start. Keep the pictures of the progress coming

 

[merlin5577]

Looking good so far. Thanks for the update.

 

[BigBlueChevy]

Update Guys! I apologize for not being able to completely keep up with pictures. Between the axle swap in itself, running into little problems here and there, and work, it makes it a little difficult for me to try and remember to snap pictures here and there.

Good news is that the truck is sitting on its own suspension once again. I'm just leveling out the rear suspension right now as the front is done.(yes the axle swap is done):h):h) I just need to bleed the brakes and grind away a little material on the frame crossover up front as the steering arm is rubbing against it.

I'll try and get pics up of how it looks right now as soon as I can guys.:thumbsup: Let me know if there are any specific pictures ya'll want me to take for those that might be interested in doing something similar.

 

[merlin5577]

Very Cool! Thanks for the update.

 

[dieseljunkie]

LOOOKIN GOOD! I Love SFA Swaps!
Scott

 

[BigBlueChevy]

Thanks for the comments guys. I appreciate them :thumbsup: You'll all be happy to know then that I drove the truck for the first time in a month this weekend. Aside from the obvious height difference, Holy Crap! What a difference. The truck is a whole nother monster! The suspension flexes and responds better than I ever imagined. And completely kicks the old IFS out the door! No shocks right now so it was... a little bouncy But I'm in love with it right now

I decided not to take the truck to work this week as I ran out of time Sunday to do an upgrade on the Front axles rear shackle. It seems that I forgot to compensate for the suspension sinking a little after being on its own weight for a while and the shackles where at full lock by Sunday afternoon with a little driving.

 

[Joey D]

Take some pics of the shackle hangers

 

[6.2 turbo]

I used an axle out of a ford like yours exept it was 5 lug I converted it to 6 lug.

 

[Golddigger]

Looks great!:thumbsup:

 

[Anubis]

now I am trying to figure out what would be easier to find...... and 8 lug Ford D44 HD...... or an 8 lug corp 10b and a T-case from a 91 V series......

 

[07HDClassic]

the corp 10b and NP 241 from the v series would be easier... easier to find at least. Thats what Dave, 88gmctruck, did

 

[BigBlueChevy]

I'll try and get pics up tomorrow. Front axle is, i would say, 95% done. Just ordered new shocks to replace the old dual steering stabilizers. The I'll add one final coat of gloss black to the axle, suspension, and frame to clean up some beat up spots during install and factory "colorless" to make it look a little nicer.

Going to speak with Alcan springs tomorrow to see what they may be able to do in making me some custom rear springs. even with the shackle flip... it didn't help much lol. I was thinking of just doing blocks but If I went this far in doing the front I minus well finish the back as well. :thumbsup:

And with tax returns just around the corner, I can have the new wheels and tires I wanted done soon

 

[BigBlueChevy]

Well here is the "tomorrow" update I promised lol. Things are a bit hectic now that big Blue is road worthy again. The pics are self explanatory. The truck sits exactly where I want it to in height. For the front at least lol. The back still needs to be leveled out.

Speaking of leveling out, I spoke with Jason at Alcan Springs today. They are going to build me the rear springs. Originally, I had planned on just throwing blocks on and saying to hell with it. But we all know how friends love to help you open up your wallet. Money isn't an issue, so I decided to do it right... the first time. Alcan will starting building my springs in about a week as they are a bit backed up right now. I should expect to see them at the end of February at my front door. The customer service was outstanding and these guys really know what there doing. Lets see if there springs are as impressive as there customer service as everytone seems to say. :thumbsup:

 

[BigBlueChevy]

I also want to add another picture for reference as to just how low everything sat BEFORE this all happened. All I can really say is that the two pictures compared against eachother make big blue look like a mexican low rider back then!

I might also add, that other people getting into my truck provides excellent entertainment! My middle brother doesn't bother trying to "climb in" He takes a few steps back and dives across the seats. I've gotten a few "WTF" looks from people in parking lots as he climbs in. My youngest brother... well, he's the funniest. He's to shortest. My mother. Use your imagination lol.

Oh and the truck doesn't actually sit cockeyed like that. Just uneven ground. Promise :thumbsup:

 

[ak diesel driver]

Time for some new rubber. Looks like a gangly kid that hasn't finished growing up. Good job though

 

[jamierayo]

Good job on the swap.
It sure doesn't look like a USAF rig anymore.:smile5:
AK is right, you definitely need new rubber now -looks like a mulligan.):h

 

[Clark20ry]

I want to do that to my 2WD 02.... someday....

 

[BigBlueChevy]

hahaha thanks guys. Yeah shes in need of some new rubber alright. But I gotta level out the rear first, that way it doesn't look stupider. Just waiting on Alcan really, by then Tax Returns should be in and done and hello lifted Chevy with wheels and tires!

Hey Clarky so you know ORD makes a bolt on swap kit for the 02 trucks. Its expensive($1000), but IMHO its worth it. Biggest pain was ligning everything up and figguring out how I was going to do things. As is I'm going to end up redoing the front leaf spring mounts and making a bracket/brace to go in place VS the tongues I just welded to the frame. If I did it again, I'd probably go with the ORD kit, its very nice

 

[Joey D]

I was just looking in your garage. What is a top secret under hood vent?

 

[BigBlueChevy]

I was just looking in your garage. What is a top secret under hood vent?

Well now it wouldn't be very top secret If I told you now would it? Keep your eyes peeled for a thread in early spring involving the intake and exhaust section...