Alright, after thinking about it all afternoon, I've finally come up with a plan B, since plan A failed miserably.

I'm starting with the rear axle. I'm currently working on building a custom set of shackle hangers. I'm going to finish building them and order a pair of 6 inch shackles. When the shackles get here, I'm going to put my hangers and the new shackles on the truck, but swinging the spring that far down is going to push the back tire forward so it won't be centered in the wheel well. So once I get the spring mouted with the new hangers and shackles, I'm going to use a plumb bob to locate where the axle should be in relation to the center of the wheel well. Then I'm going to measure the spring eye to eye and front eye to the plumb bob and head to the junkyard with a tape measure and find a whole new spring that fits those measurements as close as I can find. Then I'll take the new springs and mount them on the truck and swap in the 14 bolt on the new spring. With this plan, when I go to install the 14 bolt, the spring will be hung in its final location (I won't change it after that), so I can set the pinion angle on the 14 bolt and hang it. Then if i need more lift, I'll get blocks (hopefully that won't happen). But blocks don't change pinion angle, so I'd only have to set the axle up once and be done.

Then when the rear axle is in place, I'm going to take the radius arms off the front axle and cut the wedges off the axle tube. Then I'm going to order some DOM tube and johnny joints and make a custom 3 link for the front. I'm still going to use the same coils that I have now.

So I'm going to change my current write up on the other thread to reflect the changes as I make them happen. So expect to start seeing the write up for the rear axle in the next few days.

 

I think a 3 link is a better deal than radius arms anyways, just more time consuming to build. Those look like Ruff-Stuff perches and spring plates, used the same perches for my 8.8 swap in my B2..

 

Yeah, I agree. I only liked the idea of radius arms because it was cheap and easy, a 3 link will definately offer better performance.

Ruff Stuff Specialties is a great site!! I ordered all my 14 bolt hardware from them and I plan on using their 3 link brackets and ordering Currie Johnny Joints.

 

Any progress? Also YOU BETTER offroad that monster when you get it done!! Tons of pics and videos! Don't be scared to get the paint scratched!

 

None today. I had to take a break from it to step back and think. I'll pick back up with it again tomorrow to continue with the rear axle

I did decide on a new design for the front based on another build I was given the link to a few months ago. Its a simple 3 link with DOM tubing and Johnny Joints. Here is a picture...



Here is the link to the thread...

http://www.pioneer4wheelers.org/foru...-the-trail-rig!

And don't worry Crazy, I will abuse the hell out of it offroad! I'm not building it to be a road queen. If I can get it done by April 17th, the DodgeForum NC Members Club is going to Uwharrie Natl Park for a meet and to go 4 wheeling.

 

Got my new shackles today!! This ought to give me some lift...

 

I got the 9.25" out from under my truck today and rolled the 14 bolt in place. Here are some teaser pics of the 14 bolt under the truck...











I have yet to make a set of hangers that I'm happy with, but as soon as I get them done I can get the 14 bolt installed with the F150 leaf springs.

 

Cool!

 

My 3 link materials started coming in today. Hopefully the rest of it will show up tomorrow.

Here's a couple pictures of the johnny joints. I think they ought to get the job done!!

 

Those don't look HD at all. Maybe you should get smaller! JK