front axel
 

We are changing out our front Axel on our 66 k20 and ran across a 85 3/4 ton Axel with the right gear ratio on Craigslist for $150.00. We can't do a search on our old post due to the sever being down. Seems like a good deal and just want to make sure it will work in our truck. Also does it matter if it a closed knuckle or open? Thanks evan396

Re: front axel
 

It will bolt right in. You'll need new brake hoses (and new master cylinder for front disk brakes) and may need to do some adapting to make the drag link work.

Factory 66 would have had a closed knuckle, drum brake Dana 44 with small axle tubes and small ujoints. The 85 unit will be open knuckle, disk brakes, larger diameter axles and tubes, larger ujoint and will be a GM corp 10-bolt.

Re: front axel
 

Thanks argonaut!

Re: front axel
 

Oh I forgot to tell you that the lug studs are different. Your 66 would be 1/2"-20 and the 85 will be 9/16"-18.

Re: front axel
 

Go to (Mr. N's Dana Articles) it has a lot of info on dana 44's. It should tell you all the info you want to know on your axle. I looked right quick but couldn't find what I was looking for, but I read something on the closed knuckle axles to watch out for.