Swap HO52 4.56 for Dana 4.10 or HO52 4.10???

[DEERHURS]

Hey guys, I really appreciate this forum and the immense amount of knowledge on it. I'm at a bit of a crossroads with my 68 Chevy Suburban project. It has the ho 52 4.56 rear and a Dana 44 front (closed knuckle). We are changing to 4.10 gears, and I am wondering if it is better to do a complete axle swap to a more modern setup in the square body era for both front and rear since I am definitely changing the front out, or should I just swap the center carrier in the ho 52 rear to 4.10 and leave the rest of the rear fairly intact and just change out the front axle to get away from the closed knuckle system? I'm learning as I go and I'm wondering if there is a clear direction that is better or if it is a matter of opinion? Thanks in advance!

[HO455]

I don't know the answer but I would suggest you might want to repost or have this post moved to the 4x4 section. There are some real knowledgeable folks there who may have the answer you need.

Years ago I converted a closed knuckle Dana 44 to an open setup. That may be an option for you also.

Good luck and keep us posted on the project.

[907burb]

I recently did the axle swap on my 68 Burb (K10). I struggled with what axles to go with as well. I got a Dana 60 front and 14 bolt FF rear (4:10 gears). I got the one ton axles so brakes are MUCH improved over the older axles (13 inch drums on back). I rebuilt the front axles and had a Yukon limited slip in the rear. In addition parts are much easier to get locally for the newer axles. Drums for the HO52 are difficult to find, no aftermarket lockers. I got the brake setup and power steering from a 72 K20. I also put new brake line kit from the 72 K20. One problem was mounting the power steering box to the flat frame. It was a good bit of work but love the setup and the local drive train shop will work on the axles and can get parts. The new axles are wider and both are the same width which I think look much better! My vote is go with newer axles.

[DEERHURS]

Originally Posted by HO455

I don't know the answer but I would suggest you might want to repost or have this post moved to the 4x4 section. There are some real knowledgeable folks there who may have the answer you need.

Years ago I converted a closed knuckle Dana 44 to an open setup. That may be an option for you also.

Good luck and keep us posted on the project.

Thanks for the response!

[DEERHURS]

Originally Posted by 907burb

I recently did the axle swap on my 68 Burb (K10). I struggled with what axles to go with as well. I got a Dana 60 front and 14 bolt FF rear (4:10 gears). I got the one ton axles so brakes are MUCH improved over the older axles (13 inch drums on back). I rebuilt the front axles and had a Yukon limited slip in the rear. In addition parts are much easier to get locally for the newer axles. Drums for the HO52 are difficult to find, no aftermarket lockers. I got the brake setup and power steering from a 72 K20. I also put new brake line kit from the 72 K20. One problem was mounting the power steering box to the flat frame. It was a good bit of work but love the setup and the local drive train shop will work on the axles and can get parts. The new axles are wider and both are the same width which I think look much better! My vote is go with newer axles.

Good info... much appreciated!!

[jerry moss]

Originally Posted by 907burb

I recently did the axle swap on my 68 Burb (K10). I struggled with what axles to go with as well. I got a Dana 60 front and 14 bolt FF rear (4:10 gears). I got the one ton axles so brakes are MUCH improved over the older axles (13 inch drums on back). I rebuilt the front axles and had a Yukon limited slip in the rear. In addition parts are much easier to get locally for the newer axles. Drums for the HO52 are difficult to find, no aftermarket lockers. I got the brake setup and power steering from a 72 K20. I also put new brake line kit from the 72 K20. One problem was mounting the power steering box to the flat frame. It was a good bit of work but love the setup and the local drive train shop will work on the axles and can get parts. The new axles are wider and both are the same width which I think look much better! My vote is go with newer axles.

X2 also get the booster, master, prop valve for the disc brake set up.

[DEERHURS]

Originally Posted by jerry moss

X2 also get the booster, master, prop valve for the disc brake set up.

I was just talking to a friend of mine about some of that... whether it was necessary or not... thx for the advice!