2000 Mountaineer Expedition Build FW D44/9" SAS

[nobodyspecial]

Oh, and I also got the links fixed for most of the other pictures in this thread.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Has anybody had any luck reusing the steering box from the Bronco of F150 they got their axles from? Am I going to have to find a first gen explorer box?

 

[turboexplorer]

I used a 1995 F-150 steering box. Love it. From what I have found it has a steeper ratio than the first gen X boxes. On my truck I can go from center to full lock in 1 direction with 1 3/4 turns is all. Feels great on the freeway and my 5.0L PS pump boosts it great. Super easy to turn even twisted out on rocks with 37" tires.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Hmm... Interesting. I will have to search and find if the newer F150 pumps are set up the same as the old ones. I just don't know what they look like off the top of my head.

 

[nobodyspecial]

So, I have been reading that Toyota IFS boxes work well. Are there other good options besides the explorer or F150 box? I would prefer to keep it all Ford.

If not, it sounds like the newer F150 box might be the way to go.

Also, who here has done disc conversions on their 9"? I am looking at a few different set ups, but would like to hear some personal experience.

Oh, and does anyone have any preferred rebuild kit brands for the 9" and D44? what is your preferred bearing?

 

[turboexplorer]

Problem with the Toyota boxes are they mount on the outside of the frame. This means your intermediate shaft has to cross over the frame so adds unneeded angles on that shaft. And on my specific build it wouldn't have worked since where it would have to be is where my trac bar mount is. I feel there would have been some interference issues there. Also personal preference but fun to keep it all Ford.

9" brakes there should be tons and tons of kits to convert them.

And I run Timken bearings all the way. Never had any issues for failing or fitment. And it's OEM for almost all Ford stuff.

 

[MattysTA00]

Nice..

 

[WormsExplorer]

Just wondering if anything new on this build?