Thinking about doing a DIY TTB Dana 50HD

jydog · 07-12-2015, 08:10 AM

My first project was putting a straight axle under my 97 e150. I realized it was way to much weight up high to be cruising the highways at 70. It would do it but I didn't feel 100% that was the best way to go for my use. It looks like The twin beam TTB dana 50 is the way to go after seeing reviews. A trip to the salvage yard the other day I noticed a complete front end from a mid 80's F250 with all of the front axle intact for $250. I would like to put this under my 94 Coachmen rv but there is 0 DIY info out there... I would consider bringing it to http://agileoffroad.com/ but they are in Cali and it just wouldn't make sense logistically. Does anyone have any info on doing one of these conversions? From some of the conversions I have seen custom brackets would be needed to mount the arms, custom radius arms and mounts and custom spring mounts. Wish someone sold a kit.

86Scotty · 07-12-2015, 08:40 AM

Talk to Ramsey at Agile (Bajasportsmobile here). He can probably understand the distance issue and give you some pointers if you want to try it yourself. If you were just a little closer to me I'd love to help.

jydog · 07-12-2015, 07:22 PM

86Scotty, I sent him a message through his website. Heck, Id pay a consulting fee to get his expertise / measurements and sign a liability waver and non compete clause etc.. Just want to do it right the first time. Wish you were closer too. I'd like to check out your rig. I've been reading your build in my spare time, you seem to know a lot about the pre 97 E-Series. I like what you have done.

86Scotty · 07-12-2015, 07:46 PM

Thanks amigo. PM sent.

jydog · 07-21-2015, 06:16 AM

Man this is hard to resist do I take this home ? or just keep the coachmen 2wd.. 250 bucks what you think?

E350 · 07-21-2015, 08:02 AM

I wouldn't fault Ramsey one bit for not giving you his specs. After all he has spent years refining his suspension, and that accumulated knowledge is truly his trade secret. His is not only TTB but "long travel." I am not sure what that means.

On the other hand, I say go for it. Build a poor man's Agile TTB front suspension. And please post pictures of your build. I am driving a TTB Dana 40 in my 1995 Bronco right now and it is still relatively tight so I still like it. I was a little grumpy with the TTB in my 1993 Bronco (which I bought new) because it got a little loose at 200K miles and caused uneven tire wear -- I should have replaced the bushings and rebuilt it but bought the 95 out of Texas instead.

On the other hand, the Dana 60 coil sprung solid axle on my 2002 7.3L E350 has very little travel and sucks when it bottoms out. My 1976 E250 Pathfinder 4x4 conversion had a solid axle with leaf springs. It was a beast to drive, but a good beast. On the 2002 E350, even though I have had to fight the Death Wobble, I think I like the coil sprung suspension better. But I am not sure about the solid axle so it seems like the TTB Dana 50 with coils would be the cat's meow. My Bronco's TTB is coil. I am not sure if Ramsey's is coil or leaf.

You may want to post your build thread over at ford-trucks.com as well. People with more knowledge than me will be happy to help you and we all love suspension porn!

BajaSportsmobile · 07-21-2015, 08:16 AM

While it is a simple (and much lighter) system, there is a lot of work that goes into installing a D50 TTB in a van. We have been building TTB suspensions for many years and it is not something I can easily pass along in a post or a conversation.

We have fixtures built to make the process repeatable and templates to make all the pieces - it is not really a DIY project for someone without a significant mechanical and fabrication background.

jydog · 07-21-2015, 08:52 AM

E350
Build a poor man's Agile TTB front suspension, yes that is what I am looking to do. Hopefully copying is the most sincere form of flattery to Ramsey.

Ramsey, I totally understand your position on this. I realize the amount of work and the expertise involved and would gladly pay for it and protect trade secrets.

I do have some fabrication experience.

http://kzrider.com/forum/11-projects...oject-81-kz11r

http://www.locostusa.com/forums/view...p?f=39&t=16162

http://sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=14703

How stable is the TTB in a van at high speeds? say 70 mph on the highway?

BajaSportsmobile · 07-21-2015, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jydog

How stable is the TTB in a van at high speeds? say 70 mph on the highway?

I drive them all the time in excess of 80 mph. I tow heavy trailers at the same speeds...

I've driven one in front wheel drive only (rear drive shaft removed) at 95 mph looking for vibrations to appear.

They are very stable but not stiff as the suspension actually moves.

86Scotty · 07-21-2015, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jydog

I do have some fabrication experience.

http://kzrider.com/forum/11-projects...oject-81-kz11r

http://www.locostusa.com/forums/view...p?f=39&t=16162

http://sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=14703

Dang jydog, you're bonafide in my opinion!