1988 Nissan hardbody want to do a front conversion?
1988 Nissan hardbody want to do a front conversion?
Hi my name is Kimo . I am from Honolulu, Hawaii and I've always been a nissan/datsun man. I have a 1988 nissan hardbody se model with a vg30 in it. I would like to convert that IFS to a solid axel but not shure wich axels to use. Please help Thanks Kimo
Re: 1988 Nissan hardbody want to do a front conversion? (big mo)
Welcome to NICO Big Mo!
First we need to know what differential you have in the rear of your pickup.
CLICK AND READ THIS zerothread/233955
Your options are as follows:
Have a custom Toyota Birfield diff made to fit your hardbody. A stock one will not work because a stock toyota diff is not as wide as your IFS.
6 bolt, Jeep Wagoneer, Dana 44 is also a good candidate because they are very close the same width as your rear differential, but matching the gearing in the Dana 44 to your stock diff may be a problem.
you don't need anything bigger than a Dana 44. It's more than stong enough to handle your Nissan's engine.
You could just take both diffs from the Jeep Wagoneer and swap both stock units out. The rear swap would be fairly simple.
First we need to know what differential you have in the rear of your pickup.
CLICK AND READ THIS zerothread/233955
Your options are as follows:
Have a custom Toyota Birfield diff made to fit your hardbody. A stock one will not work because a stock toyota diff is not as wide as your IFS.
6 bolt, Jeep Wagoneer, Dana 44 is also a good candidate because they are very close the same width as your rear differential, but matching the gearing in the Dana 44 to your stock diff may be a problem.
you don't need anything bigger than a Dana 44. It's more than stong enough to handle your Nissan's engine.
You could just take both diffs from the Jeep Wagoneer and swap both stock units out. The rear swap would be fairly simple.
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Re: 1988 Nissan hardbody want to do a front conversion? (Big-Bird)
If you're keeping the Nissan xfer case, forget the Toyota axle. The diff is on the wrong side and a flipped axle is expensive. You want an 80-91 Jeep Dana 44 from a full size wagonneer. This axle is 60.5" WMS to WMS and is the best fit. Make sure you get a NON-vacuum disconnect axle. The vacuum axles were optional from 82-86 and are as useful as boat anchors.
You'll also need to determine your rear axle (see the sticky at the top of the forum - what axle do I have). The Dana axle will need a replacement carrier to accept 3.92:1 and deeper gears (or a locker that replaces the carrier).
There's been dozens of guys who have done the swap you suggest and there are other websites that could also serve you well.
The Jeep axle I mentioned has perches on the bottom of the axle and is configured for a spring under axle. A spring over conversion would require new perches. You'll also need a custom driveshaft and to decide on your suspension configuration.
If you're going coils, a 73-77 bronco axle might be a better choice, but you'll need to convert it to Chevy 6 lug outers, and you can use the radius amrs and coil buckets from a donor bronco, along with custom track bar mounts.
You'll also need to determine your rear axle (see the sticky at the top of the forum - what axle do I have). The Dana axle will need a replacement carrier to accept 3.92:1 and deeper gears (or a locker that replaces the carrier).
There's been dozens of guys who have done the swap you suggest and there are other websites that could also serve you well.
The Jeep axle I mentioned has perches on the bottom of the axle and is configured for a spring under axle. A spring over conversion would require new perches. You'll also need a custom driveshaft and to decide on your suspension configuration.
If you're going coils, a 73-77 bronco axle might be a better choice, but you'll need to convert it to Chevy 6 lug outers, and you can use the radius amrs and coil buckets from a donor bronco, along with custom track bar mounts.
Re: 1988 Nissan hardbody want to do a front conversion? (big mo)
Thanks guys. I am going to just switch back and front axels in the truck. Thanks for the info much appreciated. Aloha Kimo