using late model front axles on 67-72?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**John Fabris** · 02-06-2010, 01:42 AM

I am researching options on converting my 3/4 68 panel to 4x4.
I am planning on converting front to leaf spring with d44 axle with 402/t400/np205, and swappinjg rear d44 to under the trailingt arms.

A friend of mine is trying to talk me into using a last model front axle (independant suspension front axle) and not flip the rear axle and then run air bags. that way, I have a 4x4 that can be lowered or raised as I need it.

Is there something to what this guy is saying or or has too many beers and cigars affect my friend's sense of reality?

He is against my idea of raising the panel 6 inches as he is an old timer, and tells me as I get older, I will not want to climb up each time to get in....

Mudder · 02-06-2010, 01:01 PM

If I was doing it. I would look for a newer, 74-87, 3/4 ton 4x4 Burb frame and running gear. Swap all your body onto that. I said if I was doing it.

Blue_71 · 02-07-2010, 03:20 AM

i personally wouldnt recomend IFS, and i own one... makes for way to much moving stuff on a 4x4 to be reliable

wildwilly4x4 · 02-07-2010, 09:19 AM

IFS stuff would be cool, but if you want to be able to lower and raise it, IFS is not your answer. If IFS isnt run at a constant ride hieght, you will be going to the alignment shop alot. IFS toe changes as the suspension moves through is travel. IMHO if you built a 2 link solid axle w/panhard, you could set that up on air bags. My buddy runs a rock buggy on air bags that he can raise and lower as needed.

msgross · 02-07-2010, 11:27 AM

You can mount any 73-87ish solid front axle under your truck. diy4x.com has front hangers and rear shackles that will make it easy...

or use a donar like mudder mentioned

skchevota · 02-08-2010, 10:53 PM

The front of the early frames is nowhere near campatable with late IFS 4x4 stuff. Could it be done, sure, but you better have some serious fab skills, knowlage of suspention geometry and a fat wallet. If you want late model IFS that bad, you would be better off finding a wrecked late model truck and put you body on its frame. If that sounds like a lot of work, it is far less than installing IFS on you old frame.

**John Fabris** · 02-08-2010, 11:45 PM

Yea, that is what I was thinking. So, if you all read my post, I am sticking with my original plan and my friend indeed has some disconnected wires. Thanks everyone!!

02-06-2010, 01:42 AM	#1
John Fabris TOTY 2006 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Magalia CA USA Posts: 2,270	using late model front axles on 67-72?? I am researching options on converting my 3/4 68 panel to 4x4. I am planning on converting front to leaf spring with d44 axle with 402/t400/np205, and swappinjg rear d44 to under the trailingt arms. A friend of mine is trying to talk me into using a last model front axle (independant suspension front axle) and not flip the rear axle and then run air bags. that way, I have a 4x4 that can be lowered or raised as I need it. Is there something to what this guy is saying or or has too many beers and cigars affect my friend's sense of reality? He is against my idea of raising the panel 6 inches as he is an old timer, and tells me as I get older, I will not want to climb up each time to get in.... __________________ John Fabris 67 C10 SWB Last edited by John Fabris; 02-06-2010 at 01:46 AM.

02-06-2010, 01:01 PM	#2
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: using late model front axles on 67-72?? If I was doing it. I would look for a newer, 74-87, 3/4 ton 4x4 Burb frame and running gear. Swap all your body onto that. I said if I was doing it.

02-07-2010, 09:19 AM	#4
wildwilly4x4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sunray,TX Posts: 251	Re: using late model front axles on 67-72?? IFS stuff would be cool, but if you want to be able to lower and raise it, IFS is not your answer. If IFS isnt run at a constant ride hieght, you will be going to the alignment shop alot. IFS toe changes as the suspension moves through is travel. IMHO if you built a 2 link solid axle w/panhard, you could set that up on air bags. My buddy runs a rock buggy on air bags that he can raise and lower as needed.

02-07-2010, 11:27 AM	#5
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: using late model front axles on 67-72?? You can mount any 73-87ish solid front axle under your truck. diy4x.com has front hangers and rear shackles that will make it easy... or use a donar like mudder mentioned __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

02-08-2010, 10:53 PM	#6
skchevota Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Evans, Colorado Posts: 530	Re: using late model front axles on 67-72?? The front of the early frames is nowhere near campatable with late IFS 4x4 stuff. Could it be done, sure, but you better have some serious fab skills, knowlage of suspention geometry and a fat wallet. If you want late model IFS that bad, you would be better off finding a wrecked late model truck and put you body on its frame. If that sounds like a lot of work, it is far less than installing IFS on you old frame.

02-08-2010, 11:45 PM	#7
John Fabris TOTY 2006 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Magalia CA USA Posts: 2,270	Re: using late model front axles on 67-72?? Yea, that is what I was thinking. So, if you all read my post, I am sticking with my original plan and my friend indeed has some disconnected wires. Thanks everyone!! __________________ John Fabris 67 C10 SWB



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.