[Cruiserdrew]

Originally Posted by Randy88FJ62

Ford: Shock Towers (P/N provided by Dirtgypsy and also in other threads.)

Marlin Crawler: 80 Series Pittman Arm, Beefed Up Tie Rods & ends, Knuckle Gussets / Lower Shock Mounts, and front diff weld on armor since the housing is empty.

Marks’ Offroad: Front Axle Rebuild Kit

4x4 Doctor: 4.88 Gears

Ruffstuff Specialties: Spring Perches, Anti-Wrap Bar Kit

What’s the best place to get new spring bushings? How much are the greasable pins and anti-inversion shackles? My parts rig came with one set and I need to order another. Mud Vendor preferred.

What have people done about extending their sway bar mounts? Is there a kit available or is it mostly custom since all SOA are different? I don’t want to ditch my sway bars as I like to drive my rig around and also I drive long distances to the trails.

Dirtgypsy,
I noticed you ordered your U-bolts from Ruff Stuff. Any reason or just easier to get while buying the spring perches?

Brake Lines: Where’s the best place to order new ones? Do most people usually keep their stock hard line that runs the length of the front and rear axle?

I know some will scoff at me for this one (especially NLXTACY) but where is the best place to buy the rear ARB diff cover? It looks beefy and I hate to admit it, but I like the bling factor. Do any mud vendors sell them? I rather support mud peeps than a random online shopping cart.

Any purchased parts essentials that I’ve missed? Looking to buy all this stuff on Monday and drop off diffs for gearing next week. I’m pushing the SOA into it’s next stage.

Comments:

Are you sure Marlin is getting you an 80 Pittman? The one he sells has a lot more drop. It will work, though.

Marlin's weld on diff armor is for Minitrucks ie 8 inch diff, just be aware.


RuffStuffs U-bolts are uber high quality USA custom Made U-bolts. there are none better, and few as good. use them.

MAF has a great selection of poly bushings. Honestly, use the stock shackles for now, they will be fine. For SOA you want the shortest shackle that will work. That's the stock ones. They are very god quality with a very thick and strong pin. Worry about new shackles later.

Brake lines are kind of tricky. The original ones can be made to work. The problem is, that they will run under the springs where they are not protected. In the front, the t-junction is located poorly for SOA. I would cut it off and relocate about 4-5 inches toward the middle near the top of the diff bump on the axle housing. Then make custom lines that run over the springs. You also need a plan for the flex lines and there are a bunch of options there as well.

Making brake lines is pretty easy once you get the hang of using the double flare tool. You can make an axle worth of lines in about an hour or two, but do this after it's all back together. If this pic works, it gives an idea of the relocated brake "T" and the lines over the springs, not under. They are much less likely to get crushed by rocks.