Posted by Jesse Ybarra on 5/10/2008, 19:34:59, in reply to "Re: hub swap from 5 lug to 8"
207.200.116.136
There is nothing, absolutely nothing wrong, with an original equipment FC-170, provided all the mechanical parts are in perfect working order, even though on some of my trucks, I go to a little more outside the box, I like to modify some of my toys. So leave it alone if the following is more than you want to do, and sell the J-20 parts, to the next guy that reads this then asks if you want to sell the J-20 axles.
The best suggestion is swap in the two matching J-20 axles, they probably have a better 4.11 or 4.27 gear ratio, as far as if the J-20 front axle has discs in front on the J-20, use a rebuilt stock under the dash M.C. run a new line to an under the body frame mounted Booster hydrovac with a dual master cylinder, with an adjustable proportioning valve, run new lines to the brakes. the discs need 1000 psi min. the drums need 650 psi, use a gauge to adjust the proportioning valve. The mounts will need to be ground off, new ones welded at the new spring locations, use and adjust the length of the existing FC-170 tie rods and steering, If this all seems difficult, have it done, It is not a lot to be done by a pro shop.
I like 8 lug wheels, because on the other side are always better brakes and I am not restricted to the older narrow wheels, for my radials.
Just another good reason we have the FC Roundups, so that newer FC owners can see different Ideas.
--Previous Message--
: I have a good 53 with 4.88 gear. If you can
: pick it up you can have it. I don't want to
: scrap it, but after I put the 70 DRW under
: mine it is just in the way. As to why the
: eight lug wheels, there is a much better
: selection of wheels for them than the six
: lug hubs and DRWs just look neat with custom
: wheels.
: I'm in the middle Tennessee area for anyone
: interested.
:
: --Previous Message--
: Thanks for the input here guys. This helps
: alot. I just happen to have a set of J-20
: axles and was thinking about swaping the
: rear in, because my original Dana 53 is
: locked up (I think its drums are rusted to
: the shoes), and would obviously want the
: front to match with 8 lugs. That is why I
: was inquiring about the 8 lug hub swap.
: Looks like it will be easier and cheaper to
: find a full width 9" with the factory
: lug pattern and maybe even get lucky enough
: to find one with 4.88s like my front, and
: just go with that and rebuild my front which
: seems to be operational. Thanks, Chris.
:
: --Previous Message--
: I've never heard of anyone doing just a hub
: swap. I have seen where the entire Chevy
: axle was swapped, both front and rear. FC's
: are wide enough for a Chevy front axle,
: where conventional Willys Pickups are too
: narrow in the front. You would have to
: re-weld the spring purches, and you would
: have to modify your driveshaft yokes. They
: make disk brake kits, but you won't have 8
: lugs. The master cyl. is the tricky part
: with disk brake conversions. Why 8 lugs?
: I've never seen a lug stud break, except
: when turning the left side the wrong way.
: lol. (left hand threads.) I never went back
: to that tire shop.
:
: Unless you're convinced that disk brakes are
: magical, I'd just swap to an 11" brake
: drum kit, which are wider that factory; more
: surface area. It would be easier, less
: hassle, and new drum brakes stop just fine.
: Most people complain about drum brake and
: all they need is repair. I've never rear
: ended anyone in the last 32 years of driving
: my Willys. lol. (knock on wood.) I know,
: some people just like disks.
:
: Steve E.
:
: --Previous Message--
: Was wondering if an 8 lug hub swap from a
: chevy dana 44 would be possible on my
: orignal 5 on 5.5 jeep dana 44 front end to
: get disks and also an 8 lug bolt pattern.
: Let me know if you have any insight or input
: on how to do such a swap, or have done seen
: it done by someone else.
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