officially looking into a 4WD conversion!

[LONO100]

thanks for the link, ill be sure to bookmark this myself

 

[01STrunner]

No problem man. I know how bookmarks can help when you're trying to find something later on haha. Looking forward to watch this conversion whichever way you decide to go.

 

[LONO100]

yup, im getting pretty excited about this project. it will be my biggest, most involved one to date. im hoping to find some good info on how to get the steering done. ive read abotu how some guys have dont hybrid set ups between gen 1 and 2's, but i wouldnt have the first clue on figuring out how to do that at this point.

 

[01STrunner]

I've finally decided on going with a steering box from a super duty. It'll be a lot stronger and a lot easier to find parts for down the road. The plan is to retrofit the lines from my current pump and when that dies, I'll upgrade to the SD pump.

 

[Newfy Trac]

if you or someone does do coilovers, i might be willing to sell my old brackets from rcd. MAYBE.

If nobody else wants them, I'd be interested in your brackets if your willing to sell them.

 

[LONO100]

So what I gather from Chad and rebel, if I go sad, wagonerr leaf packs are the way to go, but waggys are few and far between in my neck of the woods. Does anyone else have any info or suggestions on where I can source a set of leaf springs if I can't find a waggy?

 

[01STrunner]

A long set would be better than a short pack to lessen axle wrap. Plus you'll get more travel. If say something in the 54-58" range would be good. When I get back to my computer tonight I can post up a leaf chart for all kinds of vehicles.

 

[LONO100]

awesome ,thanks runner. i think the fact that you and rebel are also looking into a swap will help my quest for a conversion greatly.

 

[mounty71]

How would a longer spring pack lessen axle wrap? It's not something I would really worry about in this case if it were me, but I'm just curious, because I don't think that's correct.

 

[LONO100]

So what's spring wrap? This terminology is new to me.

 

[01STrunner]

Here's the link to the chart: http://littlekeylime.com/MrN/mrnimages/leaf_springs.png

Mounty, I heard somewhere it helps by not having really short springs. It's possible it was incorrect info

Edit: Okay so I was definitely wrong. Being a mech. engineer I shouldve known. Longer springs actually add to the possibility of axle wrap. However, if you get heavier duty springs, like a waggy or an 80s F150, the leaves are a little thicker and stronger.

The plus side to longer springs is that they will flex more and ride a little softer.
For mine, I decided to go SOA in front and rear to increase the amount of flex. This is because I can use longer, flatter springs that will give me the same lift as really arched lift springs.

 

[01STrunner]

Lono, axle wrap is when the axle tube rotates and basically wraps itself into the springs. It will really shorten the life of the U bolts and Ive seen U bolts snap under the pressure which is really bad for obvious reasons. Also, it causes stress on other driveline components like the Ujoints and driveshaft. Here's a quick image

 

[mounty71]

Ya, I was thinking axle wrap would be increased with longer springs too. And axle wrap will kill your leaf springs, but I wouldn't be so concerned about it with what you intend to use your truck for, especially on the front. I still say go IFS 4x4 though!

 

[LONO100]

Great knowledge fellas, thank you. The more I dig into this the more and more I can't decide which way to go. I just hope this build will help others in the future.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

No need to worry about axle rap on our truck unless you put a torque monster motor in it and try to floor it all the time. I've had axle rap before on my old '70 Nova drag car but it had 435hp and 510 ft lbs of torque.

 

[01STrunner]

Lono you could pick up another ST and do both lol

 

[LONO100]

yeah, in my dreams. hoping to get my chilton manual in so i can get some specifics on some stuff.

 

[shooterdude199]

wiles, a buddy of mine with a yj, (older wrangler with leafs) had axle wrap on his dana 30 for the longest time before he recently replaced it with the dana 44. he broke his trac bar mount so that was one of the main reasons why. he also had the soa for the front and rear. surprisingly the 44 doesnt "wrap" like the 30 did. probably because of the weight of that freaking thing!

 

[01STrunner]

It's more because of the heavier duty springs.

 

[LONO100]

I'm pretty that if I end up going SAS I will be going soa in the rear. I'm hoping to find some info on driveshafts. Will I not be able to use a rear driveshaft from a second Gen explorer on my trac to mate with the t case I will also need to source?