I have a 90 RC and will be swapping in a 2nd gen CTD
my question and dilima is this will only be used as a street truck and I have no plans on 4wheeling it or towing anything more than my boat.

I know I will need to change the front springs to handle the weight of the CTD



Now I know we all want to say the D60 would be better and I know that, but there is quite a bit of added cost for the axle and regearing.

I want to run 3.55 gears

There is also alot of added weight from the D60 and D70 rear.

I was thinking of using the stock axles. with the hope of better MPG.


My question is will the D44 handle the added weight.

 

While I am sure the 44 would handle the weight as they are used in many 3/4 tons and and many have seen duty under the strain of a snow plow, I believe the ball joints are larger on a 3/4 model. Also I have been told that the castings on the larger axles were even heavier yet in the CTD models, however I'm not positive of this. My major concern would be if the half ton ball joints would hold up under the punishment, and also the smaller diameter brakes as your adding significant weight in the motor alone. Personnally I think I would trade up to the heavier axles. Piticularily as they never offered the CTD in a half ton model to my knowledge.