2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 02 front end questions

[esommer2500]

Time sink some cash into the front end, BJ's are gone and she's eating tires like they are on sale. I've been doing a lot of searching regarding the lockout hub conversion, but haven't got all the questions answered regarding what year ford D60 I would be looking for. Also read something about using 3G outer hubs with the lockouts? I would like to upgrade everything I can while I've got it tore down, including the 3G rotors/brakes (got a line on 3G 17" wheels), 3G track bar, stainless brake lines, etc, etc. How much of the parts for a 3G (or better, if the aftermarket is more cost-effective) can I swap, especially with doing a lockout hub conversion? I'm not a chassis/suspension genius, but replaced a lot of the front end components on my 97, and my buddy has a shop with a lift and all the relevant tools and know-how.



Any input on the 02 front end parts list would be very helpful.



Thanks,



Sig says 97, but it's an 02 2500 QC/SB auto now...

 

[JMcCoy]

The "whole" Ford conversion will not work on 2000-2002 front ends. Your ball joints are different so the Ford knuckles won't work. You can use the Ford spindles and hubs by drilling the knuckle (or hub) for the proper bolt pattern. Dodge uses 4 bolts while Ford uses 5 bolts to hold the spindle on. This will leave you with your stock brakes. They are not too bad on the 2000-2002.



If you want (this is what I would do), the 2000-2002 front ends have the ability to use 2010 brakes (much bigger). In order to do so you would have to use 2010 outer knuckles/rotors/calipers. Then drill out the knuckle for the Ford spindle and hubs. 92-94 or 95-97 Ford parts will work. Changes were made from 94 to 95. Both sets will work but not all parts will work with each other.



I have a 98 so I did the whole Ford conversion. The information I have on the 2010 brakes is from research on the internet so I cannot guarantee accuracy. Good luck

 

[esommer2500]

Thanks. I read your thread about the knuckle conversion, but was unsure of how it would relate to a 02.



Right now I'm leaning toward leaving the stock-size rotors as I'm mostly unsure about having all the correct parts. 3G parts intermixed with Ford parts intermixed with T-style steering parts intermixed with stock parts... . I'd be less apprehensive if I could take a week off from work and driving the truck and knew I could get any part locally. I doubt that's going to be the case.

 

[esommer2500]

Here's the tentative parts list thus far:



From Napa/local parts store:



- T-style tie-rod steering components, part numbers sourced from TDR for 98-99 HD steering (DIESELWERKS thread)

- Front axle u-joints

- Front pinion seal (been leaking for awhile now... )

- Upper/lower ball joints (Moog)

- Front and rear rotors (stock for '02)



*On edit: Hoping to get my hands on a track bar from Thuren, but it will come down to timing. If not, I can get an adjustable through Napa made by Rareparts. Source Automotive seems to be out of stock for adjustable tb's at this point in time...



From Geno's:

- Black/silver Bilstein's

- 32 mm Energy Suspension sway bar bushings

- Maxx Links sway bar end links

- Hawk front and rear brake pads



From Source Automotive:

- DSS



From Ebay/Detroit Axle:

- Cheap***** china hub bearings (mine will be trashed during removal and I can't source any parts for the ford lockouts)



From EGR:

- SS hard and braided brake lines



Right at $3k for the parts listed above. Just wanting to double-check that everything SHOULD work before I start throwing down the Benjamins. I don't have new steering stabilizer figured to go with the T-style steering setup at this point - hope I can run without it for awhile until I come up with a good way to mount it that doesn't include a saddle around the tie-rod.



Like I noted above, I haven't been able to source anything but empty hubs within the bordering states for the ford lockout hub conversion - hence the use of the incredibly cheap hub/bearing assy's - $162 FOR THE SET off ebay. Hopefully they will last long enough for me to source the correct parts



Any input/thoughts would be appreciated.