Well the plan has changed, yet again. I am keeping the Sidekick rear axle for a while. I am also going to extend the rear diff back an inch or so. The decision I need to make is whether to just extend the factory trailing arms or to cut the differential end off and replace it with a forged poly joint and a threaded tube insert.
I can purchase or fab offset coil spring pads that will help with the spring angle issue, when pushing the axle back. The shock mounts will be replaced or relocated at the same time. I have my rebuilt rear Sidekick axle from the wreck, so I can paint it and mount all the new parts to it first. I thought about rotating the rear diff to improve the drive line angle, but I keep reading conflicting information about drive-line phase, etc.
The reason for going back to a previous plan was that I was able to pick up a 5.85 front ring and pinion set, in Phoenix. The gear set the one from 4xFourArt out of Turkey. It was a good price and I didn't have to pay the shipping from Turkey. I was researching parts for my planned 8.8 rear diff, but I haven't found a 5.8X ring and pinion set for the 8.8. What I can get is a matching rear set for the Sidekick differential or a switch to a Ford 9 inch. The Ford 9 inch has lots of options available, like LSD, posi, lockers, etc. I can also get it in a matching 5x5.5 bolt pattern. The hard part is waiting to find Ford 9 inch in the width I want, instead of the wider F150 widths that are commonly available.
Does anyone have any input on using the forged poly joint on the axle end of the trailing arm, please chime in. I would like to do something like BRD HNTR, but I will wait to build a true four link until / if I get a Ford 9 inch to build up.
http://www.barnes4wd.com/1-14-Forged-Poly-Joint_p_419.html