That's another method.
As far as front axles go IH, Ford, and Dodge have all used non driven tube type front axles that are essentially 4x4 axles with straight tubes, no differential, and no axle shafts.
A few of my friends have made their own 2wd front axles from 4x4 axles minus the differential.
The big issue with doing that is the ride height, consider that an I-beam axle has usually 2" or more of drop from wheel centerline to spring mounting pad, and a tube type axle has 2" or more rise from center line to pad. That leaves you with a 4" lift just by switching axle design.
Or, if you choose to mount the new axle on top of the springs you reduce your upward axle travel before it hits the frame to next to nothing.
The tube type 2wd front axle swap works well on an already 4x4 truck, but not usually so great on a 2wd truck unless you don't mind the lifted appearance.
Rear axles can be narrowed and new axle shafts made or old ones resplined, this is a lot more work than finding an axle that fits to start with. If it's your only option there is nothing wrong with it, but I'd round up a suitable width axle to start with if there is such a thing.
Grigg
