which diff do i got? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Red Rocket · 01-02-2012, 09:06 PM

I'm new to the solid front axle deal and i have a 1970 GMC 4X4 and id like to do front disc swap on it but i cant seem to find a conversion for them. i was wondering how i tell which axle i have under my truck its a 6 lug hub.

thanks dan

Mike C · 01-02-2012, 09:19 PM

Should be an open knuckle drum brake Dana 44 if all is as it left factory.

Red Rocket · 01-02-2012, 09:25 PM

ok sweet any place online where i can get a disc conversion kit for it?

Chevy1TonFun · 01-02-2012, 11:28 PM

do a google search. I found a few different options.

Red Rocket · 01-02-2012, 11:41 PM

yeah i have been doing that but its hard to see if they would work or not i don't want to order something and find out it doesnt work. where did you find yours?

63chevyll · 01-02-2012, 11:41 PM

Your best option would be to.swap in a complete front diff.

76 and older Dana 44 with disc brakes will bolt right in

77 and later D44 will bolt right in but you will need new (wider) u bolts and upper spring plates out of the same year.

And any 10 bolt font end will bolt right in but you will also need new u bolts and plates.

IMO that would be your best option. And I've seen those complete front axles go for as low as $100 hub to hub.
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**argonaut** · 01-03-2012, 12:30 AM

I would think any 71 or older Dana 44 with disk brakes will bolt right in...

63chevyll · 01-03-2012, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by argonaut

I would think any 71 or older Dana 44 with disk brakes will bolt right in...

Didn't the 4x4s only have disc after 71? I'm not 100% sure. 71-76 would be the parts needed.
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**argonaut** · 01-03-2012, 01:01 AM

All trucks had disk starting in 71. My 72 K5 had a Dana 44 with disks up front. However at some point in the 70s the u-joints got bigger and maybe also the axle shaft diameter and spline count. Someone else will have to confirm the details on that.

Mike C · 01-03-2012, 09:16 PM

I sold a '72 front axle to a guy with a '69 4x4. He just put the spindles, backing plates, etc. on his existing axle. No need to mess with finding matching gear ratio or anything else.

mjensen · 01-03-2012, 11:30 PM

I'm swapping in a 10 bolt out of a mid 80s 3/4 ton because I got it for a pretty good deal at $160, and it has the all the parts and as an added bonus, the ratio matches the rear.

01-02-2012, 09:06 PM	#1
Red Rocket Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: calgary Alberta Posts: 9	which diff do i got? I'm new to the solid front axle deal and i have a 1970 GMC 4X4 and id like to do front disc swap on it but i cant seem to find a conversion for them. i was wondering how i tell which axle i have under my truck its a 6 lug hub. thanks dan

01-02-2012, 09:19 PM	#2
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	Re: which diff do i got? Should be an open knuckle drum brake Dana 44 if all is as it left factory. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

01-02-2012, 09:25 PM	#3
Red Rocket Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: calgary Alberta Posts: 9	Re: which diff do i got? ok sweet any place online where i can get a disc conversion kit for it?

01-02-2012, 11:28 PM	#4
Chevy1TonFun Grease Monkey Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fresno CA Posts: 750	Re: which diff do i got? do a google search. I found a few different options. __________________ Tow Rig: 2012 Chevy 2500HD CCSB LTZ Z71 4x4 Duramax Ultimate Offroad Build: 1978 Chevy Silverado K30 Crewcab Build Link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654053 Mud Truck: 1972 Chevy Cheyenne K30 4x4, 468/400/205, D60/D70HD, 18" Custom Lift, 17x39" IROKs FOR SALE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ton-4x4&cat=12

01-02-2012, 11:41 PM	#5
Red Rocket Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: calgary Alberta Posts: 9	Re: which diff do i got? yeah i have been doing that but its hard to see if they would work or not i don't want to order something and find out it doesnt work. where did you find yours?

01-02-2012, 11:41 PM	#6
63chevyll gets board easy....... Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 717	Re: which diff do i got? Your best option would be to.swap in a complete front diff. 76 and older Dana 44 with disc brakes will bolt right in 77 and later D44 will bolt right in but you will need new (wider) u bolts and upper spring plates out of the same year. And any 10 bolt font end will bolt right in but you will also need new u bolts and plates. IMO that would be your best option. And I've seen those complete front axles go for as low as $100 hub to hub. Posted via Mobile Device

01-03-2012, 12:30 AM	#7
argonaut Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,813	Re: which diff do i got? I would think any 71 or older Dana 44 with disk brakes will bolt right in... __________________ Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble!

01-03-2012, 01:01 AM	#9
argonaut Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,813	Re: which diff do i got? All trucks had disk starting in 71. My 72 K5 had a Dana 44 with disks up front. However at some point in the 70s the u-joints got bigger and maybe also the axle shaft diameter and spline count. Someone else will have to confirm the details on that. __________________ Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble!

01-03-2012, 09:16 PM	#10
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	Re: which diff do i got? I sold a '72 front axle to a guy with a '69 4x4. He just put the spindles, backing plates, etc. on his existing axle. No need to mess with finding matching gear ratio or anything else. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

01-03-2012, 11:30 PM	#11
mjensen Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 1,562	Re: which diff do i got? I'm swapping in a 10 bolt out of a mid 80s 3/4 ton because I got it for a pretty good deal at $160, and it has the all the parts and as an added bonus, the ratio matches the rear. __________________ Mike '69 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 Build Thread

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