ookee. so i'm plannin on ditchin the IFS on my 1500 cause i can only go so high without major fabbing involved. granted a lot of you are thinking that throwing an axle up there is going to be just as hard, BUT it's actually much simpler

what i do need to know (if anyone can help) is what gears i have out back already (those will eventually get changed regardless), what type of axle for the front to use (dana 60?), possibly changing rear axle also, and last but not least any info on company's that make larger(MUCH larger) leaf springs.

2006 ram 1500 crew cab, big horn.

i figure that if i can locate and purchase everything that i need, i can prep everything and preassemble the majority of the parts ahead of time, and knock out the swap in a single day. i'd have to locate a driveshaft from a junkyard and prelengthen it

again, any help is appreciated. i currently have an 8" suspension lift and 3" body and am looking for at least 8" more suspension on top of that. and don't worry. fabbing is the easy part for me. time constraints are what make this all a PITA otherwise i would run dual triangulated 4links in front and rear. (always a future option)

 

UP...


any does anyone know if the 2nd gen ram 1500 4x4 straight axle is the same bolt pattern and width as my truck? that'd make life a lot easier.

 

a high pinion Dana 44 from a Ford F-150 has teh same bolt pattern as the stock rear so your wheels will work. It is approx 4" narrower than the rear so you will have to run spacers. Good luck with the one day swap over, dont think that can happen. Took me several days.

 

might also look at your transfer case... might have to chabge that out as well.. i was researching this.. something if the tcase has a shaft style output, the stress on the bearing wont last.. i was looking at swapping to a 2500 tcase.
just letting you know to check it out