Picked up a '79 front end

[reamer]

Gonna get rid of the front drum set-up, found a '79 D-44 Front set-up, could not pass it up...(I didn't know the radius arms are the same as the '66-'77).

 

[1sicbronconut]

They are the same but they aren't the same the spacing on the bolts that hold the coil spring mounts have a different spacing for some reason known only to Ford.

 

[Madgyver]

Swap in the whole axle if that is an option for you...

 

[reamer]

Just taking the knuckles out for the disc set-up

 

[SHX669]

When I took the knuckles off a '79 for my disk brake swap I went with the Tie Rod Over.
The design of the '79 knuckles puts the tie rod about an 1" lower than the Bronco knuckles and I didn't want the tie rod any lower than it was.
To do that I used a reamer - at that time available from some of the vendors - and tapered the TRE hole from the top side of the knuckle. Also since the '79 knuckles require a longer tie rod than the Early Broncos knuckles I fabbed up a new heavy duty tie rod of the correct length. If you go this route you'll have to decide on what tie rod ends you're using before you do any reaming to get the correct depth and diameter of hole.

 

[langester]

When I took the knuckles off a '79 for my disk brake swap I went with the Tie Rod Over.
The design of the '79 knuckles puts the tie rod about an 1" lower than the Bronco knuckles and I didn't want the tie rod any lower than it was.
To do that I used a reamer - at that time available from some of the vendors - and tapered the TRE hole from the top side of the knuckle. Also since the '79 knuckles require a longer tie rod than the Early Broncos knuckles I fabbed up a new heavy duty tie rod of the correct length. If you go this route you'll have to decide on what tie rod ends you're using before you do any reaming to get the correct depth and diameter of hole.

X2 on the TRO. I just did this on my Bronco not very long ago. Depending on your lift size and what drop brackets, pitman arm, linkage, etc. you use it will make your geometry on the steering change. Great swap for sure, good luck with it!

 

[reamer]

Do you have any photos? would be good to see. Thanks

 

[Broncobowsher]

Do you have a lift? That high pinion can be beneficial for driveshaft U-joint angle.
The '79 already has a lot more caster built in.
And bigger U-joints as well.
Shorten the passenger side axle tube and get the long shaft shortened to match.