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Old 07-14-2011, 04:42 PM   #1
vectorit
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Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

Has anyone ever done this?
I found a place that sells the conversion kit, and it requires moving of the lower shock mount in and machining the OD of the hub.

Looking for first hand experience on this, since I am entertaining the idea of converting all four corners to disc.
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Old 07-14-2011, 10:06 PM   #2
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

Done it with Junk Yard parts! It's just as easy to change axles, but if you want to stay original, it is possible.

You need the following parts off a 71+ disc axle (10b parts work too)
backing plates
spindles
hubs with discs

If you find an early set with the external hubs, you can re-use your originals.

The trick is the calipers. The GM ones wont clear the knuckle. I need to find the ones that work, I cant remember off the top of my head. You can look for GM, Dodge, or Jeep parts for what you will need.

I will see if I can dig up what I used.
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Old 07-14-2011, 11:07 PM   #3
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

If you change everything from the knuckles out, you can use all factory parts. The stub shafts however, no not have to be changed.
The Knuckles have a rotated spindle mounting pattern that will mess with the caliper mounting angle if you don't change the knuckles.

Change it all over with dana 44 stuff and no one will know the difference.
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Old 07-17-2011, 09:16 PM   #4
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

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Old 07-25-2011, 08:56 AM   #5
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

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Old 07-25-2011, 11:07 AM   #6
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

I would just swap out the entire axle.
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Old 07-26-2011, 07:52 AM   #7
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

I agree, just swapped my 68 with a 73 44 in one morning. If your worried about staying original disc brakes are not original any way. Keep the axle in case you want to restore original later. I just upgraded my 68 panel K10 to 4 speed ps pb so it is alot nicer for daily driving. Good luck........Rick
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Old 07-26-2011, 07:54 AM   #8
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

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I would just swap out the entire axle.
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I agree, just swapped my 68 with a 73 44 in one morning. If your worried about staying original disc brakes are not original any way. Keep the axle in case you want to restore original later. I just upgraded my 68 panel K10 to 4 speed ps pb so it is alot nicer for daily driving. Good luck........Rick
ditto... even a 10bolt fits...
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Old 07-26-2011, 08:31 AM   #9
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

I realize this is a bit off topic, but won't the rear axles from the 73+ a bolt in as well?
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Old 07-27-2011, 01:23 PM   #10
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

I think the perches would have to be moved outward. Spring mounts were different I believe.....Rick
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Old 07-29-2011, 05:23 PM   #11
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

I'm back. I'm calling my buddy out in Cali about the 44 today!
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Old 07-29-2011, 05:40 PM   #12
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

Yes, newer axles bolt right in.

In fact, I have a set I could easily drop in. Though the front is a 10 bolt, and is currently running automatic hubs that need swapping for manuals.

This 10 bolt, and the corp 14 FF I have came out of a 67 burb project that got parted.

I would rather keep my original gear.
If my burb was a DD I would be swapping to newer axles and be done with it, but where is the fun in that?
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Old 07-30-2011, 10:33 AM   #13
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

Here's one way, but I'd rather swap the whole axle out...


http://www.blackbirdscustomtrucks.co....html#balldisc
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Old 10-28-2011, 12:33 AM   #14
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Re: Closed knuck D44 drum to disc

Dead thread resurrection!!!!! I found the calipers we used to do a closed knuckle swap! Now that it's all coming back to me, doing this on a GM may not be cost effective. If you have all the parts and the axle out of the truck you can have the gears swapped out for around 250. I had a set of gears installed at Oceanside Driveline for 250.

Howe Racing calipers

Another point is These pistons are not recommended for high way use. The calipers clear the ball of the closed knuckle because they are dual piston, factory GM calipers are to large in the center.
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