OK, I'm getting a 97 2wd hardbody with about 120K on it. I will put a lift on ot so I can run 31's. MT for sure! So what I thinking about is looking for a complete rear axle. I'm curious if rear axle from the 4wd hardbody (4 banger) would work. I like the idea because I should be able to bolt the axle right under right? That way I could benefit from 4.10 gears, right? Any thoughts? I was thinking I would have to consider driveshaft length, maybe brake lines would need to be longer. How about could I use the original 2wd leafs? Or would it be better to use the 4wd ones. Are they the same length?

the 4x4 HB axle would probably work well. When we did Greg's swap to the H233B on the 2WD, the perches were about an inch wide, but there was enough give in the springs and shackles to work well.

The 2wd springs could be used...not sure on the length deal...best to have someone measure a set for you from spring eye to centerpin to the rear spring eye (2 measurements) to see if those would work. The 2wd leaves will flatten out from where they are with the SUA setup and will likely net you about 4-5" of lift, so you might be a little tail high.

4 banger vs V6 HB's will have the same axle width, be it the C200 or the H233B. I'd look for a later model one with 4.375 or better yet 4.625 gearing if running 31's +. The truck will actully be pretty peppy with that combo. The 4.10's are still a bit tall for a 31" and a 4 banger.

The 2wd DS will probably still work, but you'll either need to swap pinion flanges from your H190 to the new axle, or better yet, get a 4x4DS end and take advantage of the larger pinion flange from the 4x4 axle.

Hey thanks DR. I figured it was you that helped out on Greg's job. I don't plan to go any further than the 31' so it would be real nice to get ahold of the 4.625 axle. I just think that getting a whole axle would be cheaper than building up the factory tiny 2wd axle. Once I get the truck, still have to wait a month or so (it is still up in Maine) but I'll get the measurements.

You're aware that the 4x4's are SOA and the 4x2's are SUA, right? So you either move the perches, or you bolt it up with a lot of lift...

Yeah I figured the 4x4 would give me at least 4" of lift on the rear, maybe more. So I started looking at the thefront. I know alot of people just crank up the T-bars for a inch or two. Calmini had a front kit for 500 - 700. There is a good chance I'll get my truck for next to nothing. $500 to a grand, so I don't mind spending a bit for a cool (fun) lift. I know total Chaos has a sweet lift but it is out of my price range for my little dump runner.

A drop spindle lift would be best. Wonder if Fabtech makes that for an HB.

Well at first glance, the pics for the 2wd front lifts have been A-arm pics. So I think that is the pic for the 4wd lifts. But, I agree with you about a drop spindle lift. I'll just keep looking.

I just got this from Fabtech:

"Sorry we no longer offer any components for this model truck, sorry"

So it looks like it is Calmini or maybe AC in Florida.

A/C is better priced and everyone seems happy with their parts..

As for a 2wd Hardbody.. When my truck was 2wd I looked for any kind of lift out there.. The only thing I found for the 2wd's was cranking the torsion bars and going with the aftermarket UCA's.. Then you could do ball joint spacers on top of that.. But then yer just asking for a ball joint problem.. 3" BL, and then you can do a SOA swap or run shackles, and an AAL in the rear.. That's what I did to clear my 33's..

A body lift is fairly easy to do too...

I did SOA in the back of my truck, and got like 4" or so of lift. Even with the fabtech UCAs, I still had the "stinkbug stance" tho.

Do either of you guys still have your UCA's? Calmini got back to me today and said that the 2wd kit about $800, is ONLY for the V6 models. So do any of you guys know about differences between the 4 banger and the 6 as far as suspension goes?

Hey Spectre; is A/C's UCA corrected? I mean the ones on my Pathy were too short (at least that is what I heard) and I had to put a bunch of washers on the frame bolts to get an alignment. But other than that I have been real happy with AC products and service. Their kit was something like 600 for the whole deal, (only about 2 inches of lift).

Yeah, I have my fabtech UCAs.... check this board: http://nissan4wheelers.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/11260...10738621#16810738621

Oh wait... you have a '97... I think they are different

Yeah, they are different.