PDA

View Full Version : Finally getting started



Mtn WJ
08-01-2005, 01:23 PM
I am getting started this week with my axle swap.

Here's the plan going with a 9 inch out of an 1979 F150, that believe it or not is a 63 inch wide axle WMS to WMS. I will convert it to discs using a kit then re-gear to 4.10's. It will be a 31 spline and will have a full re-build including bearings and seals. I plan to put in an aussie locker. Then I will get new spacers made to change the wheel pattern from 5.5 on 5 to 5 on 5. Someday I can have the axles and discs re-drilled but not now.

The tone rings will be machined to fit the very outer edge of the axle with just enough room but should fit. The disc conversion kit uses weld on brackets which will allow me to have room for the senors to fit by making a little mount bracket.

Bad thing is it will cost a lot more than I planned but I will be getting what I really want.

Hoepfully in 2-3 weeks I will be wheeling again.

Thanks for all your patience and feedback.

Keith

BigDaveZJ
08-01-2005, 01:26 PM
Sweet Keith!! Let me know if you need any help with any of it.

JohnBoulderCO
08-01-2005, 01:33 PM
Keith, so this works out to be easier then the 8.8? Curious why you went this route then the 8.8, understanding that the 9" is a tad stronger.

Sounds like it will cost more (bummer).

BTW, mini-spools for 9" are like $30-$50, cheaper then anything else out there. You could put it in for wheeling weather, take it out in the winter. Just another idea.

Mtn WJ
08-01-2005, 02:00 PM
The 9 inch is stronger and much easier to weld on the upper a-arm bracket. They also come in widths closer to a WJ than the 8.8 but you have to look around a lot to find one. The tone rings may be a little easier too but that depends on the actual 9 inch you get and what type of rear disc set up you go with. Nine inch Fords came in more varieties than the 8.8 which is good and bad at the same time.

I will be spending over a grand on the axle not including the welding of the suspension mounts. But this is for basically a new axle that fits with very little compromise.

I may get it trussed up at the same time for just a little bit more but not sure yet on that.

After I get it all done I will post more data about how it is being done and who is doing the work. This should make it easier down the road for others.

By the way Currie wanted 3x the amount but would have matched the width and pattern exactly with an 8.8 but no susupension set up either.

Keith

FinlayZJ
08-01-2005, 03:24 PM
Check this out:

http://www.musclemotorsports.com/1506754850.html

complete 3rd member w/ a detroit (used) and gear ratio of choice for $550. I was going to buy one, but ended up selling the ZJ and axles.

phillyzj
08-01-2005, 04:01 PM
a grand isn't that bad....

I have about 700 in my 8.8 and that's w/ an open diff... that doesn't include any of the suspension setup and i didn't have to deal with abs sensors...

good luck, it seems better to spend a little more and get what you want, then have to deal with upgrading later...

Kraqa
08-01-2005, 04:15 PM
what generation of housing are you using?


and you can swap to disck breaks for less then 100 using zuk rotors and nissan calipers (ebrake included) and i have a template for the caliper brakets. they are weld on not bolt.


if yoru interested let me know.

Mtn WJ
08-01-2005, 05:19 PM
Thanks for all the tips.

The disc brake kit I am using is based on a caddy set up. It is 275 for all new parts with brackets and ebrake.

Kraqa
08-01-2005, 06:36 PM
thats not bad. you do realize that the caddy e-brake is crap tho right. It will pass a vehicle inspection but wont hold the vehicle for long. you need to constantly adjust it.


here is some pics of my first setup. disregard the center section lol


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/Kraqa/ford%209/Kraq-RockFord9029.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/Kraqa/ford%209/Kraq-RockFord9015.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/Kraqa/ford%209/Kraq-RockFord9017.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/Kraqa/ford%209/Kraq-RockFord9020.jpg

total setup cost me abotu 1 hour of my time and about 90$

BigDaveZJ
08-01-2005, 06:37 PM
Keith,
Is it 28 or 31 spline?

bburgi
08-01-2005, 08:20 PM
It will be a 31 spline...