I figure I should go ahead and start a thread of this since I might could use some help and input along the way. I am going to convert my 1981 ford courier to 4wd using a dana 44 out of a wagoneer and a divorced transfer case out of a 82 datsun. I am also using the rearend out of the datsun. I am also having to swap the motor out in it too I think I slung a bearing. Iam also trying to firgure out a way to do the sterering because the stock steering box is right and the firewall of the truck and all the steering on the axle is on the front of the axle. I am thinking about trying to get a toyota steering box and using it but not sure if it will work or not. heres what I am starting with



axles and transfer case



the truck



the pics that are motivating me even though it will not be this big

 

right on Josh!

Call me if you need help with anything..I have full access to a machine shop and can pretty much fab up anything...

 

I will keep you in mind how are you coming along on your truck?

 

not much progress when I talked to you last I was up in Pittsburgh..been traveling a LOT.. Im still collecting parts..got my transfer case in a few weeks ago..ordered my joints from ballistic that was a big price tag..DOM in a few weeks thats when the fun will start..

 

badass. How much lift are you shooting for? what tires are you running?

 

not sure right now the springs I am using for the front are 2in full size chevy springs but I am not sure how much lift they will give me I am doing a axle flip in the rear and probally adding a 2in block and then when I get the front finished try to level out the rear depending on how high the front is. for tires I have a set of 33s that I am planning on using but I can also get a set of 35s probaly so I really waiting to see what the final stance is going to be before I pick the tires. I don't want to go to big because i am wanting it to still be a DD

 

I got the rear done still have a little bit to do I think I am going to have to move the spring perches but heres a pic sitting on 35s sorry about the crappy pic all I have is my camera phone

 

so more pics with better lighting

 

this is gonna be a sweet build. good luck.

 

I got the front suspension pulled out friday night b4 I got called out to work because of the snow. now all i have to do is cut the coil buckets off and start putting the new axle under it. I also went today and got me a set of 36in tsl for it.
heres a pic of the tires



heres a pic of it with the front suspension gone and 35s front and rear

 

looks good Josh!

kinda off topic but -- you ever hear from Brice lately?

 

I haven't talked to him in awhile I need to call him and meet up again though do you need to get in touch with him I can call him and get hiim to give you call

 

oh not at all -- was just thinking I havent heard from him lately..and didnt know if you did

 

yeah I don't think he comes around on the forums to much anymore

 

got my drivetrain fuel injected 2.3 tranny and transfer case out of a 85 ranger

 

You sure thats not a 2.0?

 

i missed it, what engine are you gonna run?

 

no its a 2.3

 

efi 2.3

 

went to pullapart yesterday and picked up some more parts for the truck i got a drivers side drop dana 44 out of a 80 wagonner and a I also found a stock 2.3 header off of a 94 ranger for my 2.3

 

I got some work done today. I went to pullapart and got me a drivers door friday and put it on I also pulled the axle under the truck and put the springs on the axle to start figuring what i needed to do as far as fabbing springhangers

heres the pics

 

thats gonna be a pretty big girl, looks great!