Yep... it's just a "why not go a little more and create more capability" thing... The kingpins for that I-Beam solid front axle that it has now are $$$$$... like a quick $500 worth... The Load Range F steer position 19.5 tires are almost another grand brand new... That's right, more than $400 a piece for
good new ones (although you can find unbalancable, wobbly crap from China for less... I'll pass)...
Got the Ford NP205 for a steal... (so good, I bought two even) ...and yes, there's bits and pieces that will add to more than just the kingpin cost, but in the end I will eliminate some issues that I have, and have more capability for things like winter weather and piece of mind.
On the rear of the 4L80e right now is a
massive drum driveline break... I believe it is a source of vibration in my driveline, along with the three piece rear driveshaft... two different types of carrier bearings (keep in mind that this was
converted to crew cab from reg cab... massive RV/bus frame splice)... I'm thinking that they work against each other once that vibration starts from the drum... (only happens at about 65-70mph... but peak cruising speeds when in traffic)
So potentially, I shorten up the rear driveshaft when I put in the tcase, bring the complexity of the rear shaft down to two piece... and I've created a very unique monster of a truck that didn't break the bank (it is 14 years old) that has gobs of capability and a safety factor that makes me confident that my family is safe while traveling...
In, thanks for the chance.
