05+ suspension in 03 7.3
- Thread starter Addicted4
- Start date
Whatever fits in the coil bucket holes. Don't remember
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FrankTheTank
Active member
I drilled all my holes out to 1/2" used grade 8 harware with small diameter washers and ny-lock nuts. And blue lock tight also, lol.
1/2"x1-1/4" if you use flanged head nuts and bolts
1/2"x1-1/2" if you use washers and nuts.
Also, what ever size you do get, get 4 bolts 1/4" or 1/2" longer for where the radius arms are doubled up.
1/2"x1-1/4" if you use flanged head nuts and bolts
1/2"x1-1/2" if you use washers and nuts.
Also, what ever size you do get, get 4 bolts 1/4" or 1/2" longer for where the radius arms are doubled up.
I have the front axle in all that's left is the pitman, I have a 05 box that came with the front axle and there is a huge difference in the size of the splines. So 03 and 05 are different, ream out the old pitman arm or change the box, drill the holes bigger and change a power steering line
Vader's Fury
Active member
Which power steering line? I hope to do this swap on my 02 EX in the coming months. Will only have 2 days to complete everything.
My old truck had a 2006 axle and box. When I installed a rebuild box I bought new lines for a 1999 7.3. They went right in the 2006 box. I don't know why people say you need a different line? My factory lines went right in.
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I'm not swapping boxes, just not worth it if internally they are the same gear ratio. I believe the 08 boxes are bigger than 05-07??? I've heard the line for the box is different but also that 03 and 05 are the same which they are not.
This swap could easily be done over a weekend, rebuild the axle ( ball joints, seals, brakes, u-joints) week or two before and then pull out your old stuff and put the new in. Also the radius arm brackets can be put in with the leaf springs in place this is what I did and the coil buckets since I drive 2 miles to work and back. So I put those on Wednesday and pulled the axle Thursday night. Saturday morning I finished drilling the few holes I needed on the track bar bracket and bottom of coil buckets. Rolled the axle in. Sunday I tighten all the bolts and finished everything else like brake lines and sway bar. Just waiting on the pitman arm to get reamed Monday morning then it will be done will post pics and comment on ride, turning radius, and brakes. Already like the look of the newer suspension, side note everything is bigger on this axle, bolts, tie rod, drag link. Much better design on everything
The splined shaft is thicker. Making it stonger.
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Have all the parts I need to do the swap. I have a 7.5" lift to go with it. I began this weekend and ran into a hiccup. I put the 05 steering box in, but when I put the track bar bracket in, the pitman arm has only about half an inch of clearance. It's a 3.5" drop bracke and a 6" pitman drop. Does anyone have an idea as to what the problem could be?
I'll have to get one tomorrow morning
Trucks finished. Drove it about 5 miles maybe and I will say that the turning is amazingly better than before. The ride is also better even with the junk yard shocks that are on it. Next project will be the 05 rear axle and 2012 rear springs then shocks. As for the shocks are the 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, piggy back, reservoir, smooth, coilovers, so many options some opinions are welcome on that vendors as well.
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