What is a flat knuckle?
 

Not to be stupid, but what is the flat knuckle? What is the other types? [dana 44 front]

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

I've been wondering about the different knuckle types too. New to the 4x4 chevy stuff and learning a lot here. Pictures would help if someone has them.

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

On the drivers side of a dana 44 you have the steering arm bolted to the steering knuckle. On the early 44s, the passenger side steering knuckle was flat where a steering arm could be bolted on, but it was not machined. They are sought after by the cross-over steering crowd so they can have it machined and intall their own steering arm

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

Mine is like that. Up to what year were they that way? You said "early".

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

1975 maybe not much later then that.

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

mine came off a 76.... rusty pic is a newer dana44 (corp 10 is the same)

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

Great, so what are open or closed knuckles?

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

oh that's easy... closed knuckle (ball and socket hip looking) is the 69? and earlier version and open is later up to 88'ish?). Closed knuckles have drum brakes and open are discs, closed have less steering radius as well and are a PITA to work on...

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

Thanks Mike!

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

no problem, I have enough axles lying around... I also have a thread somewhere about the difference between a Dana44 and Corp 10 front end... Lessons learned from my build-up...(so far!)

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

Mike you need to just give in and get a D60.

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

I am, to resell!

but why stop there...Go Rockwell 2.5 tons! (deuce and a halfs rock)

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

rock wells are to much work I would never get them under my truck.

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

A flat knuckle is what you get when you punch a solid object in a fit of anger. I was expecting the TV to break actually to which I found out Tv tubes are more solid that I previously thought. At least they are more solid than my fist!

I try not to punch solid objects anymore....

Back to the actual question. Looking at the ORD website, he lists flat top knuckles were on D44's from 76 and older. GM, Ford, Dodge and Jeep used them too, though the tie rod mounting differs between manufacturers.

The Flat top D44 knuckle can by used on a 10bolt front axle if one wanted x-over steering on it. For the most part parts from the knuckles out are interchangeable from the GM D44 to the 10 bolt.

Re: What is a flat knuckle?
 

Not exactly true...Closed knuckle axles are '69 and older.In '70 they had open knuckle axles but they kept the drums.In 71 they finally went to discs....just a correction:)