Bought a cheap 2008 Alpha that was completely spent. Decided to replace almost everything, I never liked the straight axle conversions because they sit too high. I really didn't like working on the truck because the front suspension made it miserable to work on the starter, A/C etc, that suspension stuff was in the way of everything. The transfer case was a bit of a nightmare as well in my opinion. Here is how I went about changing it.

I leaf sprung the front Dana 44, which wasn't easy because I wanted it low, and still have 9" or so of travel
I installed a 5.7 LS6 out of a Corvette, forged pistons, H beam rods with a Truck Norris cam
Installed a 6L90E with a 2700 convertor
I installed a Dana 300 transfer case with twin sticks
Modified the frame to beef up the front where the leaf spring mounts go

 

 

Well, after all that, at least it is easier to work on now. I guess.

I'm glad you were able to get it they way you wanted it.

 

Still trying to get there...LOL
Putting shingles on the leaky roof now

 

Got the roof painted last night, working on the tune now

 

Welcome.

You definitely made it yours. I might have done this or that differently, but that is irrelevant. Sweet project, the T Case shifters remind me of some 4X4s my family had back in the day.

Very cool! Keep up the good work.

 

Seems like most SAS's these day go with links, is there a reason you like springs better?

I've also been curious about using the more modern 8 and 10 speed autos and how they would mate to older style transfer cases.
Novak still exists so I guess somebody has to be trying it at least.

Great job. I really like it.

My ultimate car goal is a SAS H3T Alpha and a Hellcat in my garage.
Right now I have a base H3 and a R/T. The R/T is pretty new so the H3T upgrade is next on my list.

 

The under-sprung leaf springs were done specifically to keep the height down. I like the link suspensions, just don't like where the ride height lands. In doing the conversion absolute see why the altitude ends up so high, there is not a lot of real estate to put all that needs to go there. It wasn't easy getting it there, but pretty happy with the stance. This truck ended up with 5" of compression, the last 2 1/2" are slow with a hydraulic bump stop, and 4" of droop. The rear has no lift, the front is just leveled more or less

 

I hear you. It looks pretty close to stock height.
Very nice. Congrats.

 

Beautifully executed. Excellent work. The twin stick 300 will be a joy for sure. The Dana 44 is a safe choice. I'm curious if a D30(gusseted) and supper sized would have been decent?