i'm thinking about swaping my front axle for a independant set up from a newer 1-ton van. it's 8 lug and should be the correct bolt pattern if before 1999. i have read that it will bolt right in if you narrow it about 1.5-2 inches. you then need to mount the steering box onto the frame. i'm not sure yet about upgrading the rear brakes. i'd like to keep the origional 8 lug rear and upgrade to newer self adjusting brakes but i'm still researching this change.