I'm building pretty much that exact truck. Dana 60 from the same year ranges are direct bolt in. I bought an entire 86 F350 and just swapped the whole front suspension out of it.
Re: Re: Chains/binders or Ratchet straps/axle loops?
They also need to support 80% of the weight from moving in the forward direction under braking as well. 2 straps on the back end of a rig with WLL of ~3300lbs wont cover that on my rig. Full Bodied 88 F250 IDI diesel. Scaled at 6100lbs...
25 spline, 5 bolt pattern.
Northwest fab makes a 5 to 6 bolt adapter with spud shaft for either 23 or 31 spline.
http://www.northwestfab.com/5-Bolt-Ranger-to-6-Bolt-Round-Adapter-_p_2701.html
I mentioned the LM7 purely off this comment as it would possibly alleviate the need to rework the suspension. LM4's (aluminum 5.3L) are available as well. My DD (Saab 9-7x SUV) has one, trailblazers and Envoys also had them, L33s are available as well but more expensive and harder to find...
I vote 5.3L LM7 with a small cam and a decent set of OEM heads. attach a T56 with the money you saved buying a iron 5.3L. The 5.3L appears per google to be very similar in weight to your 4.6L so that will help with your suspension setup.
Im still confused how they can auction stolen items with a paper trail and say they are doing it for restitution. Just return the stolen tires to him and restitution is complete.