New Guy New Waggy

[BlackOpsOutdoors]

Hello, new Guy here from TN. I am picking up an 86 wagoneer and just have a few questions. What front one ton axles will fit while keeping the leaf springs? I know I will have to clean the housings up and install new perches, shock mounts etc.. I'm just looking for advice on fitment. On my YJ I had to look for a kingpin. I have access to super duty axles all day if they will fit. I prefer not to outbound the hangers if I don't have to. Thanks.

[will e]

Welcome! A lot of one ton axles will be a bit wide for your waggy. If you want a real 'bolt in' look for the Ford 78 F250 'Snofighter'. The axle purches are in the correct place although they are SOA so instant 6 or 7" lift. Which I am guessing you might be looking to do.

[Stuka]

As you are driver drop, 78-79 Ford axles are the only true "bolt in" options. Other years can be made to work. But they require either moving/adding the spring perches, or partially outboarding the front springs as Ford moved to a wider frame in I think '87. Which remained up through the end of leaf spring super dutys.

Late model super duty axles use coils, so you have to cut all that off and add spring perches if you want to use leafs.

The other option is if you are switching out the drive train, you can go passenger drop and then GM and Dodge front axles will work.

EDIT: 77 and older Ford axles can work, they just aren't desirable as they are low pinion. But the spring perch width should be the same as 78-79. Which means they match our Jeeps.

And do note all these options are spring over, instead of spring under. There is a shackle flip kit for the rear to make it match the front SOA.

[BlackOpsOutdoors]

Welcome! A lot of one ton axles will be a bit wide for your waggy. If you want a real 'bolt in' look for the Ford 78 F250 'Snofighter'. The axle purches are in the correct place although they are SOA so instant 6 or 7" lift. Which I am guessing you might be looking to do.

I appreciate the info, gave me some really good ideas. I am looking to go really wide though, I', looking to fit 40 - 42" tires.

[BlackOpsOutdoors]

As you are driver drop, 78-79 Ford axles are the only true "bolt in" options. Other years can be made to work. But they require either moving/adding the spring perches, or partially outboarding the front springs as Ford moved to a wider frame in I think '87. Which remained up through the end of leaf spring super dutys.

Late model super duty axles use coils, so you have to cut all that off and add spring perches if you want to use leafs.

The other option is if you are switching out the drive train, you can go passenger drop and then GM and Dodge front axles will work.

EDIT: 77 and older Ford axles can work, they just aren't desirable as they are low pinion. But the spring perch width should be the same as 78-79. Which means they match our Jeeps.

And do note all these options are spring over, instead of spring under. There is a shackle flip kit for the rear to make it match the front SOA.

Excellent info! I am not opposed to going passenger drop as long as the D60 was an hp design, that would let me run a twin stick'd dana 300. I can also stay on the passenger side and go to a twin stick'd ford 205. A lot to think on.

[Yeller]

All of the passenger drop 60’s are low pinion. All of the drivers drop units are high pinion. It is possible to rework a drivers drop into a passenger drop and use off the shelf shafts. It’s all in what you want to do.

[BlackOpsOutdoors]

All of the passenger drop 60’s are low pinion. All of the drivers drop units are high pinion. It is possible to rework a drivers drop into a passenger drop and use off the shelf shafts. It’s all in what you want to do.

I will stay with a ford 60 then. Does anyone know for sure if I can do a 99-2005 front dana 60 without outboarding the spring hangers? Thanks

[Stuka]

All of the passenger drop 60’s are low pinion. All of the drivers drop units are high pinion. It is possible to rework a drivers drop into a passenger drop and use off the shelf shafts. It’s all in what you want to do.

I will stay with a ford 60 then. Does anyone know for sure if I can do a 99-2005 front dana 60 without outboarding the spring hangers? Thanks

As I mentioned in my post above, 87(ish) and newer all require a partial outboarding of the springs. You end up with the spring roughly half under/half outside the frame.

[BlackOpsOutdoors]

All of the passenger drop 60’s are low pinion. All of the drivers drop units are high pinion. It is possible to rework a drivers drop into a passenger drop and use off the shelf shafts. It’s all in what you want to do.

I will stay with a ford 60 then. Does anyone know for sure if I can do a 99-2005 front dana 60 without outboarding the spring hangers? Thanks

As I mentioned in my post above, 87(ish) and newer all require a partial outboarding of the springs. You end up with the spring roughly half under/half outside the frame.

Right on, I can live with that. Thanks for your info.

[Yeller]

If going to the work of outboarding springs why not do coils? It will ride and perform in all conditions so much better.

[BlackOpsOutdoors]

If going to the work of outboarding springs why not do coils? It will ride and perform in all conditions so much better.

I'm not opposed to doing a 3 link up front, but this will be my daily for a little while and I can't justify having it down for a week and knowing me maybe longer lol. When I get a little car to drive back and forth to work I will heavily consider it. Do you know of a write up on a cool spring conversion on the front?

[Yeller]

I’m in process of one but will probably be Christmas before I’m finished. However when I actually can get it in the shop it will be a weekend conversion. Parts all premade and ready to install.