Dana 44 Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Misled · 06-01-2005, 10:16 PM

I'm finally getting around to switching the 1970 Dana 44 over to disk brakes..........now, before I make some mistakes, I hope one of the 4x4 gurus can help me out...

I have a 1973 Dana 44 donor axle.

What should/can I switch over from the 73 onto the 70 to complete this project?

As always, thanks for your help!!!

Misled

**kwmech** · 06-01-2005, 10:21 PM

If the gears are the same, it would be easier to swap the entire assy. The drum brake knuckles are different than the disc knuckles. The bolt holes are indexed differently. Other than that everything should swap over.

Misled · 06-01-2005, 10:34 PM

I was afraid you would say that!!!!

The housing and knuckles are in great shape on the 70 and the gear ratio is different. I was hoping to leave the knuckles on!!!

Thanks for the info!!!

Misled

**kwmech** · 06-02-2005, 12:00 AM

I can be more specific. The 6 bolt pattern on the disc brake knuckle starts at 12 o'clock, the drum knuckles start the pattern at about 1 o'clock. So if you put the disc caliper/backing plate mount on the drum knuckle, it moves the caliper too high whereas it may hit the top of the steering knuckle. Another thing I have seen done (on the jeeps and such---custom) is to reindex the caliper support so the caliper is in the right spot. Sometimes depending upon the amount of casting, you may have to grind the knuckle itself so the caliper will slide. This usually does not require a great amount of grinding. Usually just have to touch it slightly so it does not rub. So it can be done.

**JIMs70GMC** · 06-02-2005, 09:30 AM

The 6 bolt pattern is the spindle. You should be able to swap the knuckles out, ball joints are the same.

Burt4x4 · 06-02-2005, 03:55 PM

Also the 73 axels should have the bigger u-joint axels in it. may as well use them with the donor spindal you are gonna put on. Both styles are 30 spline so it is a direct swap.
Good Luck
Burt

K5KRAZIE · 06-02-2005, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burt4x4

Also the 73 axels should have the bigger u-joint axels in it. may as well use them with the donor spindal you are gonna put on. Both styles are 30 spline so it is a direct swap.
Good Luck
Burt

Ya what Burt said. Use the knuckles out and the axle shafts.

Misled · 06-03-2005, 09:39 PM

Thanks a bunch, guys!!!!!!!! As always, you're a big help!!!

Misled

06-01-2005, 10:16 PM	#1
Misled Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nashport, OH Posts: 549	Dana 44 Questions I'm finally getting around to switching the 1970 Dana 44 over to disk brakes..........now, before I make some mistakes, I hope one of the 4x4 gurus can help me out... I have a 1973 Dana 44 donor axle. What should/can I switch over from the 73 onto the 70 to complete this project? As always, thanks for your help!!! Misled

06-02-2005, 09:30 AM	#5
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	The 6 bolt pattern is the spindle. You should be able to swap the knuckles out, ball joints are the same. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

06-02-2005, 03:55 PM	#6
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Also the 73 axels should have the bigger u-joint axels in it. may as well use them with the donor spindal you are gonna put on. Both styles are 30 spline so it is a direct swap. Good Luck Burt __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

06-01-2005, 10:21 PM	#2
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,630	If the gears are the same, it would be easier to swap the entire assy. The drum brake knuckles are different than the disc knuckles. The bolt holes are indexed differently. Other than that everything should swap over.

06-01-2005, 10:34 PM	#3
Misled Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nashport, OH Posts: 549	I was afraid you would say that!!!! The housing and knuckles are in great shape on the 70 and the gear ratio is different. I was hoping to leave the knuckles on!!! Thanks for the info!!! Misled

06-02-2005, 12:00 AM	#4
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,630	I can be more specific. The 6 bolt pattern on the disc brake knuckle starts at 12 o'clock, the drum knuckles start the pattern at about 1 o'clock. So if you put the disc caliper/backing plate mount on the drum knuckle, it moves the caliper too high whereas it may hit the top of the steering knuckle. Another thing I have seen done (on the jeeps and such---custom) is to reindex the caliper support so the caliper is in the right spot. Sometimes depending upon the amount of casting, you may have to grind the knuckle itself so the caliper will slide. This usually does not require a great amount of grinding. Usually just have to touch it slightly so it does not rub. So it can be done.

06-03-2005, 09:39 PM	#8
Misled Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nashport, OH Posts: 549	Thanks a bunch, guys!!!!!!!! As always, you're a big help!!! Misled



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