I would recommend against 7 lug and going with 8 lug super duty instead. There is no aftermarket for 7 lug, and any that there is, costs big bucks. And most of the 7 lug have really weird part lists. Like there isn't just one standard set of parts for 7700 parts. They changed up what parts were on it every year, so I have to give my VIN # all the time to get the exact part I need.

If you're going to all that work, I would just swap out to a super duty with locking hubs.

 

I haven't been under a F250 so I have no idea. ..I'm assuming the half shafts would be bigger along with the Diff. Would the upper and lowers along with the hubs bolt into stock locations or would I need to fab something custom.

I am 100% not looking for aftermarket parts for anything. I want commonly found stock parts that I can get in all the places the truck will be going, Alaska, Colorado and evil Canada for bear.


..This is all for information gathering and in its early stages, I don't even have my motor finished or my bumpers on. I'm hoping to get it all done before Elk season next year.

 

I would think you could get a 7 lug rear axle and springs at a yard. Maybe the driveshaft too. On the front, I don't think the axles are different, just the hubs and rotors and springs have a little higher rate. FWIW on the Package they also include(in 2011) a thicker frame for additional load carrying.

 

Don't have the really clean stock, black screw lariat? Making into an overland rig?
The 7700 fronts aren't any studier. Hubs, brakes, and tbars.
Cv shafts, front axle, etc is the same rating at standard

 

Yes and yes. My thoughts are mostly about the 5 bolt isn't as strong as 7 or 8 bolt.

The reason my thread was directed at the 7700 was that it should just be a matter of swapping parts rather than fabricating. I'm really just a parts changer disguised as a Biologist and a Mechanic.

My build is looking at all the simple things, Bumpers, winches, Topper, Air compressor, extra battery and some frame sliders.

Nothing crazy. The topper will be removed and store for daily use, Tires are 33's and should look near as it does now except with bumpers.

Taking it into Canada for the bear hunt could be it's biggest challenge but I've seen some pretty rough terrain in Colorado as well.

I'm not worried about Towing since the most I tow is a duck boat and a utility trailer. (And a pontoon if the wife gets her way.) The F350 takes care of the 5th wheel.

 

The 34-spline 9.75 may have one spline less and 0.070-inch less axleshaft diameter than the D60, but it makes up for it by having quality material. Ford uses a high-carbon SAE 1050 carbon steel in its axles instead of 1040. As a result, the Ford holds a significant edge over the Dana in short-term maximum output torque rating, and it's dead even in the maximum continuous rating.

 

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/tr...75-axle-build/

 

97-99 also a smaller axle shaft diameter at 1.620 vs 1.705 inches. So make sure to measure yours if you upgrade. I would put that 9.75 with dana shafts up against the 10.25 anyday, also gives you more clearance off road. This is why most people use fords 8.8