Project: SAS the FM

[redneck23ms [Veteran Member]]

the stock style bushings suck. would be better if you could get a johnny joint/hiem on the end of the radius arms. but the only way i know to do that is to hack up the stock arms and splice in some tube. but the stock radius arm bushings will work and will give you some flex and will definitely work they are a limiting factor.

[Rangertoy [Veteran Member]]

the easiest way I have seen is to grind the stock radius arm down a little and about 6-7" long and sleeve it with DOM then you can weld your tubing bung to the other end and screw your new Johnny joint in,

[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

I was under the impression that the limiting factor was the axle end. I figure a wristed setup that can be pinned for the road would do the trick. I guess I have some research to do on the bushings.

Then again, I can set it up the simplest way posible to get this thing in place because time is becoming a critical factor. Then I can upgrade in stages. I don't want to get bogged down in an overwhelming job. I need this to got to work.

Another consideration is cost. I have to do this swap for almost no money. Heck, it won't even be 4wd right away.

[mike327 [Veteran Member]]

OEM setup is not bad, its just not the ultimate flex, should be the cheapest and quickest way to go.

[redneck23ms [Veteran Member]]

the axle end is the biggest limiting factor due to the inherent bind that radius arms have. a wristed arm will help cure that. the frame side bushing also limit it some but it isn't terrible. the stock setup will definitely be the cheapest way to go. you can always change it later if you chose.

[Rangertoy [Veteran Member]]

I researched for about a year before I did my SAS and it seems that everything I have learned is wrong so I will just shut up now, good bye

[redneck23ms [Veteran Member]]

haha what did you learn that is wrong?

[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

Allow me to clarify:
My front end is in the process of wearing out again. I took Will up on a great deal on this axle and committed to doing an SAS instead of fixing my IFS again.

I listened to advise from trusted sources such as RangerToy, Mike327 and Datz510. Datz510 did this swap into a Nissan Pathfinder, which is identical to what I am working with. His axle was an early bronco housing with Chevy outers. Ford radius arms, which he later wristed on one side. His "Pirate Ship" is a very successful and durable and well documented build, so I decided to emulate that quite a bit. He also happens to be a good friend, just like Will and Mike.

Since the FM is my DD, the only way I can SAS it is to have all the parts ready, take vacation time from work, and go for it. Because of the rate at which my front end is getting sloppy, my best option is to take off the week between Christmas and New Years. That leaves me scrambling to gather what I need with basically no budget.

My immediate goal is to get the axle built enough to steer and stop, then do the swap on schedule and make sure it is safe.

Once I get it in place, I can plan the upgrades that have been discussed, and do them incrementally as weekend projects.

So please, I am not ignoring anyone's advice. I am just doing this swap the only way I know how, because if I don't "just do it", I will have to replace parts on the IFS and this SAS will get sidelined. Y'all just have to trust me and bear with me on this.

Thanks,
Mark

[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

I only managed to get one side of the waggy axle torn down today. This axle was very rusted and needed some carefully applied TLC.

I am making good progress, all things considered. This is my first experience with a D44 so there is that learning curve as well.

[Antichrysler [Veteran Member]]

I have some shocks over at the house you may need to run that frontend ill look out in the pile and see.

If you need a hand over the holidays ill be more than happy to come help.

As long as im not working the fire works stand.