[jeffahart]

Yep, get a later model axle and ditch the 1970 aardvark. First year open knuckle last year of drum. I had trouble finding a 44 doner that was decent. I ended up putting in a 60. But you have options galore, and trying to part it into a disc is the least desirable option. You should check out the 4x4 forum here. Lot's on info on conversions.