Grigg, those Dana rears come with stock disk brakes????? Awesome!
Now, that front axle is cast right? Definitely will want to find a welder that's competent on cast iron in that case....
So, my game plan is get a P30 10 bolt front and rear axle with rotors and calipers, I'll get the hydroboost master cylinder and powersteering box off of the van. Rear suspension will be air. For the front, what would keep me from using the P30 front springs? Seems like they should be about right weight-wise.
Right, they should have disc all the way around with the 5 lug/10 lug, I have not seen them any other way (other than our antique trucks)
Front axle is forged steel, probably forged cast steel, and definitely not cast iron. Proper pre and post heating is the only real secret to welding them, that and having a welder that throughly understands the process and the consequences of a poor job.
Good idea to get the hydroboost and entire brake system too.
Front suspension, I think you will find that the front springs are very long in comparison to the stock ones, and they they also look rather flat and not curved so much. To use them you would likely need to make custom spring hangers. I feel that having custom somewhat original springs made is a better solution, less work, you get new not used springs, and they will be a much cleaner solution. Downsides could be a somewhat harsher ride because of the short length, I don't mind, or even notice for that matter.
Steering gear box is not very desirable. They typically mount to the left of the left frame rail, in front of the wheel and partly attached to the bumper or it's support. I have looked pretty close at the one I have on the shelf, and I see no easy way to use it in an AD truck.
Grigg
Gear Calculator:
http://www.onlineconversion.com/bigger_tires.htm
