Front axle swap (SOA)

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  • JeepinMatt
    232 I6
    • Dec 27, 2003
    • 105

    Front axle swap (SOA)

    I don't have anyone with decent welding skills, but want to do a SOA for the lift. So I was thinking of getting an axle from another truck to bolt in.
    My questions are:
    1. What trucks can i get an axle from that will bolt in(driver drop)?
    2. What is a normal price for an axle?
    3. Is there anything i should know about swapping in a different axle?
    4. How hard is it to swap to an 8 bolt hub, front and rear?
    5. What parts from what vehicles would i need to do so?

    thanks!

    BTW: Its for an '83 Wagoneer.
  • jode
    JB Welder
    • Apr 08, 2002
    • 6376

    #2
    1. Not sure if there are any that are EXACT bolt-ins
    2. Dana 60 front - $400-1000 for a junkyard rebuilder?
    Dana44 front $100-$400 for a junkyard rebuilder
    3. Yeah - make sure the gear ratios are the same (or plan on a swap), watch out for axles that are too wide, measure the perch widths to see what fits, look for flat-top knuckles to save yourself some time (you need them for crossover steering for the SOA), avoid closed knuckles, make sure the U-joint girdle pinion thingy (brain fart) matches your u-joints (or plan for modifications)
    4. Don't know of any kits to swap your rear 20 or 44 to 8 lug...but there may be some
    5. Uhh...the axle?

    PS - do a search on SOA in this forum (the search function is at the top of this screen) and read up...SOA has been discussed many many times and there is good info here - but nobody want to explain it all again for the hundredth time. However, if you come up on any specific questions that you can't seem to find the answer to, feel free to ask.
    No FSJs for the time being - "I'm working on it, I'm working on it" (think Mike Meyers' SNL skit about the gut)

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    • Jake_S
      327 Rambler
      • Sep 08, 2000
      • 677

      #3
      If you want to keep the stock tcase, use a late 70's F2/350 front axle and swap out the rear for a Dodge or Chevy 1 ton.
      Jake

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      • JeepinMatt
        232 I6
        • Dec 27, 2003
        • 105

        #4
        so the f2/350 fronts are driver drop?
        do i need to swap out the rear if i swap the front?

        thanks

        Comment

        • jode
          JB Welder
          • Apr 08, 2002
          • 6376

          #5
          only if you want the same width and the gear ratios to be the same.
          No FSJs for the time being - "I'm working on it, I'm working on it" (think Mike Meyers' SNL skit about the gut)

          Comment

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