upgrading axles on a '74 clubcab swb

[74W200-4x4]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone could tell me what is involved in upgrading the axles and possibly the driveline on a 1974 clubcab swb. I would like to go to 3/4 ton spec but don't know what that would take. Also from what I have read the mid 80's to early 90's axles/tranny/transfer case allows you to have shift on the fly style 4x4 and not have to lock the hubs.

Also wouldn't mind eventually upgrading to a 360 with tbi and a better tranny.

This vehicle is going to be street driven 90% and the only off roading it will see will be mostlikely forest service roads for hunting travel.

[Ronzilla]

I think you are talking a lot of work and $$$ to drive mostly street and light 4x4. With the cost of 2 axels, a T-case and 2 drive shafts not to mention the new bolt pattern, so five new wheels. You jutst have to sort it out for your self.
tim

[Banfiadh]

Well, lets see, the last axle I bought from a junkyard was $300. the carrier, bearings and gears were in good shape, so I just had to swap my brakes and lines over to it. Youd also want the springs, and at least a heavy duty 44 up front. The actual nuts and bolts of it isnt to bad if you ahve the right equipment. Heavy jackstands, good tools, lots of muscle, and hopefully a buddy or two to help you do it. Its a royal (cencored) to do it on your own, especially outside in two feet of snow. But it is do-able. A Dana 60 axle without rims and tires weighs a lot, and it took some sneaky ingenuity (cargo straps and ropework) to position it, get it up on the jack, lift it and steady it while I got the u-bolts lined up and set up. I was however, succesful and got it all properly placed ! ! ! ! Once the rear axle was in, it took me about an hour to finish everything up, after 5 days of laying in the snow.
Ive worked on half tons and 3/4 tons, and the frames, hangers and all that are the same, and I believe they run the same driveline yokes sizes as well. The shift on the fly front axles though, are technically weaker, because the axle has a slot in it to accomodate the shifting of the front axle into drive mode. My 86 has one, and it doesnt give me any problems. If you come up with a good heavy 44 or 60 front axle with locking hubs though, let me know, because Ill trade you mine straight up. I dont mind getting out and twisting the hubs. The other thing, is that the shift on the flys have mated transfer case and trannies, I cant remember if the half ton 70s trucks were, but my 3/4 73 power wagon was a divorced setup(3 driveshafts, and more u-joints). I dont know if that makes any difference or not on shift on the fly, though.
so yeah, money wise, your talking absolute bottom line prolly $1200 if you can find good axles in a yard. Drive shafts last I checked were about $200 and up depending on what you have made. Transfer cases vary a lot, but Ive seen worn out 205s and stuff going for as much as $500. Youll want heavier springs to control the axles, plus new u-bolts and mount bolts for the springs if you dont purchase new ones. If you can find old steelie rims, you might get em for $30 a piece, then you need new rubber, too.
If you go with new axles...wowtch...your talking $2500 or so apiece, and thats just basic axles with no lockers or anything. new and recon transfer cases and trannies hit about $2000 too, from the internet window shopping and drooling Ive been doing.
but well, actually, youd probably be better off shopping around for a second truck, if you look around, you can still find 73-76 power wagons for 2-3000 bucks. it could save you a lot of cash and hassle, unless your really into working on and modifying your truck.