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View Full Version : Rate the level of difficulty


XJ4IV
02-22-2012, 10:18 PM
I was PONDERING the thought of doing a solid axle swap on my Durango... and after talking about the basics of it every single part I sated also added two or three more parts... so for a master fabricator what would you rate the level of difficulty in going from independent front suspension over to a solid front axle ... and NO Im NOT the master fabricator... just the gopher!
4.3LXJ
02-22-2012, 10:49 PM
Scott, I would need to see it. The thing that would concern me is the front cross member. How it is shaped and location. That would make all the difference, as well as how much lift would be required. It is a given it would have to be lifted, just how much.
bigjim350
02-22-2012, 10:50 PM
If ya swap the front to leafs is really easy. Coils and links not so easy.
4.3LXJ
02-22-2012, 10:51 PM
Good point. I didn't think of that
KH96XJ
02-22-2012, 11:04 PM
I know of a durango in Terrell that has done the swap. If I make it through there this weekend I'll try and get a few pics of how he did it.
bigjim350
02-22-2012, 11:18 PM
Most all the sas dakota's ive seen (same as durango in front) have all used leaf springs. All ya gotta do is weld hanger mounts, and shackle mounts onto the frame. Cut off all existing ifs brackets that are in the way. Rig up some steering, most use stock box.
bluedragon436
02-23-2012, 08:13 AM
Here you go Scott!! This guy is from Myrtle Beach, SC and when I was looking into doing the SAS on my wife's Durango before I picked up my XJ, he was quite helpful with information and advice... Not to mention has a sexy looking Dingo!!

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii198/myrtlebeachbst/today012.jpg (http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51715)
Mudderoy
02-23-2012, 09:06 AM
Here you go Scott!! This guy is from Myrtle Beach, SC and when I was looking into doing the SAS on my wife's Durango before I picked up my XJ, he was quite helpful with information and advice... Not to mention has a sexy looking Dingo!!

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii198/myrtlebeachbst/today012.jpg (http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51715)

I know tires are expensive, so maybe these were purchased two at a time, but if not it appears there are some issues with that front end set up.

Ok I just noticed they are different tread patterns. The coffee is starting to kick in...
4.3LXJ
02-23-2012, 09:46 AM
It is red and shiny Tony. Just enjoy
cantab27
02-23-2012, 10:30 AM
why scotters,,,,, are you gonna wheel it,,, haven't ya got a xj to finish first......welding would have to be spot on,, common here to sas yotas ...good luck if ya do and pics ....
prerunner1982
02-23-2012, 11:12 AM
Something like this? :thumbsup:
It has a Viper V12 in it too..

"Heavy Metal Mudder"
http://image.4wheeloffroad.com/f/18176101+w750+st0/131_0907_01_z+1999_dodge_durango+front_view_rocks. jpg

http://image.4wheeloffroad.com/f/28853629+w750+st0/131_1006_08+1999_dodge_durango_mudding+water_hole. jpg
XJ4IV
02-23-2012, 07:48 PM
holy crap those are cool!
TeXJ
03-03-2012, 01:19 PM
scott focus on the xj first! haha
XJ4IV
03-04-2012, 09:54 AM
lol I know
KH96XJ
03-04-2012, 12:30 PM
Was finally able to make it over and grab some pics.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/KH01GTP/Random/IMAG0590.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/KH01GTP/Random/IMAG0589.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/KH01GTP/Random/IMAG0588.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/KH01GTP/Random/IMAG0587.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/KH01GTP/Random/IMAG0586.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/KH01GTP/Random/IMAG0585.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/KH01GTP/Random/IMAG0584.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/KH01GTP/Random/IMAG0583.jpg