Has anyone done a 4x4 dana 44 front axle coilover conversion? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CdM · 03-17-2015, 02:46 PM

More specific i'm curious about using coil overs and a three link setup. From what i have seen so far is all the rock crawling kits that cost $3,000 +....( not what im looking to spend) My truck currently has leaf spring's up front, which ride like a fat chick on a donkey. So if anyone has and pics or knowledge I would be stoked. I have the tools and know how. Just need some ideas. Thanks as always!!!1

patrickk1 · 03-17-2015, 03:46 PM

I built a custom 3 link suspension for my 75 Bronco. While I didn't use coilovers, the only difference is that I used aftermarket coil buckets and lifted them 2" so I could get a 5.5" lift coil on a 3.5" lift. This enables more down travel (I built it for rock crawling). Over on Pirate4x4 you can find a 3 link calculator. It is a spreadsheet that you can put all your mount locations in and it will give you the suspension angles. To figure out what your suspension angles need to be takes a little bit of research. And where you mount your links may be limited by how your frame is setup. The only slight issue (only because I have never dealt with it), is that you don't have a boxed frame. The Bronco had a boxed factory frame. I've never built a link suspension on a channel frame but I would expect you would just brace the area of he frame where the mount is, or build a crossmember across the frame that the links mount to.

My plan on my 64 GMC is to mount the body on a 2003 Ram 2500 frame since I already have a frame and lift parts for the frame. I will be building new suspension links for it though. The Bronco ended up riding amazing on the highway and offroad. Drives down the highway at 70 with 37" tires like a dream. Instead of a shock mount, you would just build coilover mounts. You would determine the length of the coilover based on where you can package he mount on the axle and frame, and also based on how much your suspension can flex. I didn't make my shock mounts and pick the lengths until I had the rest of the suspension built and then I could flex out the suspension.

CdM · 03-18-2015, 10:44 AM

Makes sense on the frame boxing. That is a easy step to achieve. Ill go look for that calculator. thanks for the info!

03-17-2015, 02:46 PM	#1
CdM Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oceano,CA Posts: 157	Has anyone done a 4x4 dana 44 front axle coilover conversion? More specific i'm curious about using coil overs and a three link setup. From what i have seen so far is all the rock crawling kits that cost $3,000 +....( not what im looking to spend) My truck currently has leaf spring's up front, which ride like a fat chick on a donkey. So if anyone has and pics or knowledge I would be stoked. I have the tools and know how. Just need some ideas. Thanks as always!!!1 __________________ Build Thread 66 custom cab lwb http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=465726 66 fleet lwb- In process 64 k10 10inch lift 38.5's- In process 92k1500 400hp on 38.5-parts truck now 8(

03-17-2015, 03:46 PM	#2
patrickk1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Billerica, Ma Posts: 197	Re: Has anyone done a 4x4 dana 44 front axle coilover conversion? I built a custom 3 link suspension for my 75 Bronco. While I didn't use coilovers, the only difference is that I used aftermarket coil buckets and lifted them 2" so I could get a 5.5" lift coil on a 3.5" lift. This enables more down travel (I built it for rock crawling). Over on Pirate4x4 you can find a 3 link calculator. It is a spreadsheet that you can put all your mount locations in and it will give you the suspension angles. To figure out what your suspension angles need to be takes a little bit of research. And where you mount your links may be limited by how your frame is setup. The only slight issue (only because I have never dealt with it), is that you don't have a boxed frame. The Bronco had a boxed factory frame. I've never built a link suspension on a channel frame but I would expect you would just brace the area of he frame where the mount is, or build a crossmember across the frame that the links mount to. My plan on my 64 GMC is to mount the body on a 2003 Ram 2500 frame since I already have a frame and lift parts for the frame. I will be building new suspension links for it though. The Bronco ended up riding amazing on the highway and offroad. Drives down the highway at 70 with 37" tires like a dream. Instead of a shock mount, you would just build coilover mounts. You would determine the length of the coilover based on where you can package he mount on the axle and frame, and also based on how much your suspension can flex. I didn't make my shock mounts and pick the lengths until I had the rest of the suspension built and then I could flex out the suspension. __________________ - Patrick 1964 GMC pickup lwb ~ My newest build! 1937 Ford Coupe ~ Custom frame, LS1, quickchange 1950 Chevrolet 3100 ~ Bagged (Sold) 1931 Chrysler Roadster ~'32 Ford Frame, Channeled 8" (Originally a 60's show car) 1967 Chevelle ~ 454 Triple Black (Sold) 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS (Sold)

03-18-2015, 10:44 AM	#3
CdM Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oceano,CA Posts: 157	Re: Has anyone done a 4x4 dana 44 front axle coilover conversion? Makes sense on the frame boxing. That is a easy step to achieve. Ill go look for that calculator. thanks for the info! __________________ Build Thread 66 custom cab lwb http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=465726 66 fleet lwb- In process 64 k10 10inch lift 38.5's- In process 92k1500 400hp on 38.5-parts truck now 8(



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