HP D44 & 9" axles ???

[TNT]

I stopped by a local junk yard and picked up a '77 HP D44 front and a '79 9" rear axle. The price was right I couldn't pass it up.

 

The front axle has 1/2" tubes , the welded on mounts and discs brakes. It also came with the radius arms and mounts.

 

I thinking about building a 3 link with a track bar, but I could always just stick with radius arms. I could also build it with the stock set-up but the mounts raised about 2.5". What do you think???

 

For steering I'll be going OTK and using a Grand Waggy pitman arm.

 

The rear axle is missing the drums, brakes and hardware. :roll:

 

So whats a good disk swap? I think there is a bolt on Explorer type available but I can't find it.

 

My plan is 5.13 gears, lockers and at some point alloy axles. :brows:

 

My max tire size will be QR78-15 Swampers. :chillin:

 

I just didn't want the weight and poor ride from the 1 ton axles. :nuts:

 

I have a '86 kingpin HP D60 held for me at a great prices so if anyone is interested let me know. :cheers:

[DirtyComanche]

I don't think anything but that you should get some chevy knuckles and do real high-steer.

 

 

Waggy pitman arm? The flat one? Hmm..

[TNT]

I don't think anything but that you should get some chevy knuckles and do real high-steer.

 

 

Waggy pitman arm? The flat one? Hmm..

 

I was going to use a drop one. I'll be checking to see if a true high steer will clear. I've cutting my fenders for max suspension up-travel and I think there might be some clearance issues with the oil pan. A true high steer is also harder on the balljoints. My lift will be 6" maximum.

[DirtyComanche]

You'll have clearance issues between the TR ad DL before you do with the oil pan. At least, that's how my memory works. I've got a waggy drop arm and I hammer the DL at the pitman arm into the TR. I'd probably suggest running the high-steer under the arms before trying to run low steering over the arms. That's how my waggy axle was stock, and it didn't work so hot.

 

I don't think the extra stress on the ball-joints is going to be a huge issue, but that's up to you.

 

 

But, I might have to look at that again to get you a clearer answer. I have to look at mine again because it's screwed up.

[Pete M]

Take the opportunity to do disks in the rear.

If you haven't seen them yet, here's a couple links for ideas:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229934

http://fordfuelinjection.com/bronco/brakes.html