rears up front?

[superyota]

just ordered the hi steer and drop box for my 85. i've got 3 1/2in nwor springs in the rear and i've been reading up on moving the rears to the front and how it moves the axle forward and everyhthing and i was just wondering how these leafs would work if i moved them to the front.  also, the drop box is going to move the axle forward an inch or two and with the rears moving it forward even more, will it affect the hi steer at all(with the ps box to where only the back hole lines up and i have to drill two more)? is this where to mount the box, or do you drill 3 new holes? planning on putting 56in. stock wagoneer leafs in the rear.  do they just bolt right up and the shackle fold back? 
thanks

[Gittinit]

I moved my box, and axle as far foward as I could. I even cut the core supportand trimmed the body mount. All the info you will ever need is here.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=459180
Pics of my truck here
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=27490.0

[superyota]

good lookin truck.  did you cut out part of your core suport to fit the box?  i just noticed all those trucks had done that.  it didn't answer my question on moving "lift rear springs" to the front.  and what would happen if i didn't move the mount on the rear and just moved the shackles back? lenthened wheel base i'm guessing?  thanks for the reply

[Gittinit]

good lookin truck.  did you cut out part of your core suport to fit the box?  i just noticed all those trucks had done that.  it didn't answer my question on moving "lift rear springs" to the front.  and what would happen if i didn't move the mount on the rear and just moved the shackles back? lenthened wheel base i'm guessing?  thanks for the reply

I did cut the core support but not becouse I had too, but becouse I wanted my box far enough foward so that I wouldn't have to move it again ,if I wanted to go further foward later on. I mounted my box so that I have plenty of clearance to move my axle 1'' to 2'' further if need be. I did not use lift springs, I used stock 85 top 3 leaves with a coulpe s10 rear leaves added to the bottom for support. I would guess that lift springs without some extra support would flatten out a bit like carring a motor and trans in the bed of your truck. Be shure and beef the frame where you place the power steering mount (ask big mike) or your frame may implode. My axle is currently about 3'' foward and my custom spring hanger is about 3/4 foward from stock.

[Gittinit]

I can't forget this>

[RRMike]

As for your springs get off your butt and go measure them   Why are you asking here how long they are??  They're your springs

Here's where you want the box:

[superyota]

got the front drop box and leafs up today.  i'm definitley going to have to move the box forward more.  thanks for the pics.  i think thats exactley how i'll do it.  i might have to cut a bit more out.  the lift springs gave me big lift up front, and with adding the drop box, it's a lot bigger than i exepected.  i like it though.  i'm sure the front springs will eventually sag a bit.  i got the box mount with the support plates also so hopefully that will be enough support for the frame.  i should have the 63's(decided to go with 63's and not 56's) in as soon as a get the front squared away.  i'll get some pics on here of the project.  thanks again.

[RRMike]

Using the brace kit like mine you will have to cut quite a bit off of the front of the outside brace and maybe some off of the inside one (can't remember) to get the box that far forward.  Try to cut it at a bit of an angle like it comes so it doesn't crack right there.

[superyota]

finished it up this morning. shaved the front housing sown, installed drop box that moved axle forward 3in., moved rear springs to front, installed hi steer, and installed 63's in the rear and moved rear axle back a couple of inches. total wheelbase came out to 111 in. when finished.  i was aiming for 110-112 so it worked out perfect.  got a few things here and there to finish up, but for the most part, its done.  lets see if i can figure out how to put pics on here

[MiniSimp]

Is there any way you could make your pictures smaller?

Your pitman arm will hit your springs on compression.

[superyota]

yea, i was thinking that too.  havn't had a chance to try it out yet, drivlines too short.  i was looking at the flat pitman arm.  might have to go that way.

[milla85]

Is the a way to do it so you dont have to use a flat pitman arm?

[MiniSimp]

Yes, rotate the box forward.

[mwmx54]

rears up front rock###

[superyota]

i was wondering, i know that dual cases call for a shorter rear driveline.  i don't have dual's right now but am planning on doing it soon.  should i bother having my driveline lengthened or is going to work with the dual cases? 

[superyota]

i didn't want to cut out too much of my core support in order to rotate the box.  shorter pitman arm will save the support

[kneedownnate]

Find a 2wd p/s pitman arm, it's a lot flatter.  I wouldn't touch your drivelines until you get your duals, it'd be a waste of money

[jimbo74]

would the pitman from a 4x2 with manual steering work? if so, i got one for cheap

[MiniSimp]

i was wondering, i know that dual cases call for a shorter rear driveline.  i don't have dual's right now but am planning on doing it soon.  should i bother having my driveline lengthened or is going to work with the dual cases? 

Yes, you will need to either shorten your rear driveline, or move your axle back 6.5" (what I would have done the 2nd time), and you will also need a long travel front driveline, either square, or long spline.

[superyota]

already made the square front.  stretched the back when i did the 63in. chevy's about 4 1/2 inches. maybe i should have gone more.  oh well.  i'll fix it when i put the dual cases in. 

[superyota]

whats up nate.  yea, i looked intot he 2wd pitman arm and i guess some will work and some won't.  from what i here, they have different diamters than the 4wd pitman arms.  got the doors on my truck and sprayed them black.  look great.  thanks.