Keep it 6 lug, or go to 8 lug?
 

Ok, got an option here for my truck. Right now I have a 12 bolt open carrier 3:73 and matching disc brake D44 6 lug set in my truck. I also have an Eaton HO52 with No-Spin in my Parts Suburban that is 8 lug. I can get a D44 out of a 74 truck with disc front for $150 including everything. If I did this, I would probably swap the rear to disc as well, which is extra money ($50 for the adapters and then new pads, rotors and calipers from a 75 truck)

Which would be the best route for this? I am wondering cause the truck with the front axle won't be in the yard here for too much longer so I would need to get it now.

Also, would a ford D60 work for the rear?

This truck will be a road driven, with occasional light trail riding.

Thanks

Re: Keep it 6 lug, or go to 8 lug?
 

I wouldn't swap to an Eaton. Parts, aside from seals and such are hard to come by. It'll also have 4:10 or higher gears.

Re: Keep it 6 lug, or go to 8 lug?
 

parts aren't that bad to find. i just replaced the seal on my hubs and they were only 11 bucks. and they were pretty beefy units. napa carry's the parts if you ever need em, but with more ground clearance that a 14 b ff and removable third, id say go with the eaton. im running a d44/eaton combo and even though the rear has needed some of maintenance (40ish year old work truck rear axle), i know they'll be a great axle combo.
i have a buddy that runs front and rear eatons and swears up and down that the kick a$$

as for the ford 60...i wanna say itll fit but there might be some perch relocation needed apart with some other things.

Re: Keep it 6 lug, or go to 8 lug?
 

What are you hoping to run as a final tire size?

Tire size & usage dictates everything IMO.

Re: Keep it 6 lug, or go to 8 lug?
 

Ford Dana 60's are weak. I would go to a FF14-bolt in the rear. You can use a 1-ton one and they bolt right up, just have to relocate one shock mount. That's my .02

Re: Keep it 6 lug, or go to 8 lug?
 

I just like 8-lugs.But,would be fine with 6-lug on something I wasn`t doing alot to.I think the deciding factor is the front axle.you could always find a 1/2t d44 or 10-bolt for up ront for your disc brakes.I the $150 axle is bolt-in then that`s a great start.i`d use the HO52 because you have it.You can get 14-bolts all day long for cheap.something to consider.Maybe,if I was going to later axles for brake upgrades and parts ease i`d go with the more common axles.

Re: Keep it 6 lug, or go to 8 lug?
 

If I went with 8 lug, I would go with hummer rims and tires.

Going to have to see how this plays out. the eaton will need brakes I know.