Anyone here ever do a solid axle swap?
 

Looking into one for my durrrtymax, and wanted to know where I can get leaf springs, shackles, and leaf mounts on the cheap....


Trying to see if I can get this swap done for $2k or less.

I did it with a Durango...and spent about $3k and about 6 months of weekends and such getting it done. In the end, it wasn't worth the trouble I went through.

Best place for springs and such are junk yards. You'll need to do your research to find what will work best. It's not a simple job to do, and will run you about $8k to have someone do the job for you. It's not a weekend job, it will take you a few months to get it right.

If you're wanting a solid axle truck, it's cheaper to find one in the JY with everything you want, then swap the cab and bed.

Check out the guys over at Pirate...

To give you an idea of what's involved...new axle, geared to match the rear, weld on new perches to the frame and axle tube, finding a brake system that can be adapted to the axle, weld new shock perches, etc.

It's not an easy job...

why?

I agree it isn't easy, but it isn't impossible! A friend did a SAS on his S10 in 2 weeks time, but had all of the parts ordered up front.


They 2003 and up Dodge AAM Front axle is the correct width, has the right gearing, and has the differential on the correct side! Also uses the same size ABS sensor as my GMC, and the same tooth count, so I can keep my ABS. The brakes should work on that axle should work with my truck, as should the pitman arm - but would need to adapt it to my steering box, and make a swaybar. Found one of these locally for $750 as well!

That's not too hateful. Make sure when you do the perches that you get them done right. I've seen what happens when some of the swaps fall apart on the trail...it's not pretty.

Both of our trucks are factory solid axle Fords...I wouldn't have it any other way. I've had IFS...while it's good for a city/suburban warrior truck, it's not good for what we like to do, which is off the beaten path.

My wife's Tahoe is the only truck we own with IFS, and I'd never take it off road...it's not built to handle it.

We have go to find you a woman!!!

No... but since I stopped drinking I can do a SOLID turd. :D

x2. why?
what advantage does this bring you?

Better articulation over obstacles.
Better off road reliability
Parts are easier to obtain and for a cheaper price
Solid axle is much stronger
Better suspension options.

Bear in mind, when I say off road, I mean uneven terrain covered with logs, stumps, rocks, small children, etc...

If the sand is more your gig, then a pre-runner design is more suited to those needs.

Just buy a Dodge and be done with it, and get the Cummins engine as a bargain. You'll end up with an altered vehicle that has virtually no resale value.

Ehhh, pass. Dodge makes a decent looking truck, and has a great engine, but the rest of the truck is poopoo.


Don't care about resale value on my truck - bought this one with the intention of driving it into the ground... :eek:

Seems like a lot of trouble to go through. And then in the future if anything goes wrong you'll have to remember which parts are GMC and which are Dodge.

For all the vehicles you go through I would just keep the GMC as a tow truck/working vehicle and find yourself a Pinzgauer ;)

Sounds like the axle is pretty good... so not all of the rest of the truck is poooo ;)

Been trying - no luck!


So, been buying a bunch of random crap, and doing a bunch of random stuff to keep me occupied!