how hard is it to do a axel flip?????????????? an what do i need to do

 

This thread would be good as a stickey. I am seriously thinking about makingmy own first generation specific website. Since I'll be doing a LOT of work on mine, I could document everything with good howto's as I go along.

 

Not hard; http://ramchargercentral.com/boards/...owtoshow;id=17
Basically you remove the u-bolts, and the spring shackle bolts, and drop the springs enough to get the brake drums/backing plates through between the spring and frame. Put the shackle bolts back in, and install the new spring saddle under the axle, new u-bolts, and check pinion angle. Tack the saddles in place tighten the u-bolts and go for a ride. You will need a new lower shock mount too. Thats the simplified version.

 

I should be getting my drop spindles Friday, I should be able to tear my truck apart pretty soon although I might wait until it warms up alittle I am planning on documenting every step of the process so if you do make this a sticky or need it to start another website than you would be more than welcome to it. My truck is also a 83 model so I will even have to deal with machining the spindles I will also doc. that as well. I think that when all of us here get our trucks done and doc. then the next time that someone comes on needing lowering info then it will be their making it a no brainer

 

I thought the '81-'83 didn't need the spindle's machined.
You may be able to get the right bearing if you go to a bearing shop (locally we have Bearings inc., and Erie Bearings) they may be able to match up your bearings with the new spindle. They have catalogues and computers with all the size info.
Might also be able to use the Dak hub and bearings with the spindle,if the bolt pattern matches up.

 

I could be wrong I have reading abou this on Ram Charger Central and I took it that it was pre 84 that had the smaller bearings.

 

Had a small problem with my Greendot card. Apparently the wifewanted some makeup.Can't live with 'em, can't just shoot 'em. Had to reorder my spindles. On the brgs, checked O reilly's/NAPAs/Auto Zonesweb sites. '82- '83 #s A-16 outer, A-17 inner. '84-'85 A-16 outer, A-18 inner. '87-'90 Dakota A-16, A-18.Seems '84 is one year only, big brg, 4 1/2' bolt pattern.Went to 5 1/2 bc in '85.[?]

 

At least now you won't need the spindle machining.

 

Wanna say it's good to meet you guys. [More or less meet anyhow] Was beginning to think I was the only one on the planet that had a modified 1st gen. It's the only one I've seen within 350 mi of here anyway. I get alot of 'I've never seen one of these fixed up before'. Well yeah, that's kinda the whole point. To bad we live so far apart, I'd like to do a little bench racin' with you guys. There's a fewMopar fans here,my neighbor across the road has three Hemi cars,and various other makes,but he's more of the rub it with a diaper kinda guy. Doesn't do much of his own work. Anyhow he's richer than three feet up a bulls ***, and my low buck approach doesn't impress him much. It's good to swap info with guys that have a little grease under their nails, do their own bodywork etc.
T.D.P., a web site would be pretty cool. Can we not post pics etc. here, in the how to section?

 

Yeah it is great to hang out with like minded guys. The only good/bad part is now there seems to be more people interested in 1st gens. In some cases the prices for stuff is going up, but also, companies are willing to make parts now.