Dana 44 SAS

[Skylersa]

Hey fellas. I have a 1997 k1500 that is currently all stock. It came with the rpo code f44 so it has the 14b sf rear axle. I want to lift the truck 3 to four inches max and I would also like to straight axle it for the strength and reliability. Is it possible to only lift it 3-4 inches and still have a firm ride, similar to a 3/4 ton? I do not plan on anything more than a 33inch tire max. I would like to put a Dana 44. So a late 70s ford front d44 is needed, right? Do I need to go with a high pinion or would a low pinion suffice? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[92GMC]

I honestly don't think you'll be able to clear the crossmember with 3-4" of lift. If your not planning on anything over 4" then get the rxc 4" and don't crank it.

 

[Darkrider]

I honestly don't think you'll be able to clear the crossmember with 3-4" of lift. If your not planning on anything over 4" then get the rxc 4" and don't crank it.

^^ This. You are looking at a minumum of 5" lift to clear a sas. In fact both kits out there for the bolt on conversions have a 3" lift built into them and are intended for use with aftermarket lift springs the lowest i have been able to figure out was 5.5"

As for diff you want a ford D44 High pinion

 

[outalne94z71]

no reason to sas for that small of a tire and lift, the d44 will be no stronger of a setup, you can fit 33's stock depending on the rim

 

[eg30.06]

im just finishing up a SAS. im running a dana 60 high pinion out of a 79 F350 with the Offroad Design conversion kit. have stock 73-87 front springs so its only about 3-4 inches of lift with no clearance issues with 285s so about 33s. tried putting up pictures but it wont let me

 

[92GMC]

Create a free photobucket account and upload them there. Then copy and paste the img code here

 

[98slv]

A while back Peterson 4-wheel had an article on sas kits and showed a low lift truck. I remember it was white, I think it was Off Road Direct's owners truck... Also the majority of new Chevy pulling trucks that I've seen are SAS'd and only running 33s. Its so its doable.

 

[eg30.06]

http://s1294.beta.photobucket.com/user/jeffdeming/media/0121131542_zpse91f9a21.jpg.html
see if this works

 

[jps4jeep]

I am SAS my 98 with a D44 from a 78 f250, I am at about 4 inches of lift give or take and I can fit a 35" tires. I have about 3 inches of uptravel at which the front diff is about 1/2" from hitting the frame. There is no interfierence with the stock cross member as I have not yet cut it out. If you choose to use off the shelf kits and leaf springs it is a little more difficult to keep it lower, if you link it, it is not as hard as some might think.

 

[eg30.06]

http://s1294.beta.photobucket.com/user/jeffdeming/media/0124131712a_zpsc42cf8b8.jpg.html
http://s1294.beta.photobucket.com/user/jeffdeming/media/0123131545_zps76b70802.jpg.html
couple more