k5 drums to disc question

[taser]

hey all, i got a 73 4wd dana 44 disc brake front end, and was wondering if i can just pull off the hub assemblies and backing plate to stick on the disc setup, or do i have to go from ball joints out with the new setup??

thanks in advance

[1969 GMC]

you could use the whole axle, it is larger diameter and stronger, but you would need new u-bolts.

[Blazer1970]

I'm pretty sure that you will have to swap the spindles also. They changed the bearings so the newer hubs will not fit on the old spindles. I would swap in the whole axle assembly if the gear ratio happens to be the same. The '73 axle will also have 297 series u-joints in the axle shafts instead of small 260 series in the older axle. You might be able to just swap the shafts into your old housing, but I have heard of some people having some clearance problems getting them in. It is easy to swap the shafts once you have the spindles off anyway, they just pull out. It is also a good opportunity to put new u-joints in the axle shafts.

[taser]

thx guys, that's what i needed to know. i wish i could just swap the entire axle, but they have 3.07 in them, and i want to stick w/ the 3.73's. hopefully everything goes smooth.
thx -todd