I’ve planned to "Spring Over Axle" (SOA) my trucks rear ever since the SAS (a few years now). I bought a
Ruff Stuff R1029 Perch Kit back when I figured this was my path and they had a sale. Besides providing a "perch" for the spring pack this kit will allow me to move the axle if the need arises (37's?).
To complete the SOA properly I need to replace the OEM slip yoke/one piece drive shaft with a Bandit4x4 TX-10 Slip Yoke Eliminator ("SYE" converts your rear slip yoke to a "Companion Flange") and two piece drive shaft. Through
Dave/Bandit4x4 I had a double-cardan 1330 custom drive shaft built by
Mr Driveshaft in Farmingdale, NJ (same that built my front DS).
I also needed new
shock mounts since my slightly modified "Darlington U B Skidderz" will not work with the flip.
This is not an easy or inexpensive task, lucky for me I've got help and guidance (
Dave/Bandit4x4) and the $ saved up.
The TX-10 SYE Flange requires cutting or grinding off the case hardening of the transfer case rear output shaft, drilling and tapping it. This is accomplished by removing the OEM driveshaft, unlocking you manual front hubs (doesn't work with the OEM auto hubs), putting the truck in the lowest gear (4low for me), cutting/grinding/drilling as the output shafts turns so that everything is even and centered. Then ya "tap" it and you're good! Lots o fun!
The silliness continues because after piecing together a 63" Chevy 1/2-ton spring swap Dave decided to “Link” a 14 bolt under his truck and convince me to buy what he was going to use and he'd do the install.
Why the F swap the spring pack? It's a common swap among Toyota guys that comes right up when you Google search "63" Chevy 1/2-ton spring swap". Basically way more flexi than my built-up pack with a softer ride and durable as f.
Anyways, the springs cost $150 plus $250 to get rebuilt. With around $200 for a
R1064 swap kit that includes “Frenched” Hangers figure $600 more than I was planning to spend.
Tears in a bucket, mother F it. Why do I keep throwing money at this thing? I cannot explain it….
Anyways, swapping the springs requires dropping the gas tank, cutting the OEM hangers, "frenching" in the new front ones. lining up the rear axle in the new pack, figuring out the rear shackles, welding it all in. Holy F!
That's my story, I'll post more pics when it's all in, cleaned up and painted.