Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

eedgell · 06-08-2007, 11:08 PM

What all is involved in the swap from 6 lug to 8 lug on the front Dana 44? Easy or not?

CrashEd · 06-08-2007, 11:28 PM

Easy just one more step than changing a axle out.
Ed

1969k10stepside · 06-08-2007, 11:46 PM

Pretty simple,IMO.I believe you just change stuff from the spindle out...You re-use the 1/2 ton calipers though....Correct me if I'm wrong

eedgell · 06-08-2007, 11:59 PM

Yes, is that bad? So does the spindle change or not? I will get these parts at a local yard so I need to get everything I need. How much bigger are the 3/4 ton calipers?

earl87gta · 06-09-2007, 01:16 AM

Calipers are diffrent there are 2 diffrent types of spindals and hubs one had a larger barring so its best to get every thing as a whole hubs with spindles. you will also need the 3/4 back plate the 3/4 rotors are larger so you will need them for the calipers to mount too. Ill Pm you

*trkklr77* · 06-09-2007, 01:50 AM

or you can buy the spindles, backing plates, and hubs from me.

the calipers are the same size but can be minorly different yours WILL work and work fine.

the older d44 uses a smaller inner bearing but the 10 bolt and 3/4t d44 spindles are the same.

the stub shaft will inter change.

msgross · 06-09-2007, 07:28 AM

only hard part is getting the spindle off the knuckle. Take a lead hammer so that it won't mess up the spindle threads. I had to resort to PB blaster and an air chisel on all of mine. Find the least rusty donor.

Might be easier in the long run to pull the whole axle and take your time at home. The JY will torch it off for you....

**special-K** · 06-09-2007, 08:25 AM

The GM parts book lists 3/4t spindles as different,then there`s the`72 1st and 2nd design.Same as 10-bolt?That`s a new one for me.But,I never messed with those.The parts book stops at`72 also.
Definately either get the assembly starting with the stub axles like Earl said. out or the whole axle.Differences are small and will frustrate you,I garauntee.

eedgell · 06-09-2007, 02:35 PM

Thanks guys. Looked at the scrap yard today and found a 44 8 lug with full time hubs with 4:09 gears for $50.00. The whole thing looks to be in pretty good shape. My 44 6 lug has 3:07 gears. Which carrier is better? My 454 BBC does not mind the tall gear, but I think something in the 3:55 range would be better all around for mpg and such. Might want to go posi or locker, is there a difference in the two carriers or not?

msgross · 06-09-2007, 03:48 PM

carriers are different 3.73 and up changes. How large of tires are you going to have? What rear do you have? I have a set of 3.73's (front dana44 and back chevy 12 bolt) if interested. Randy's has a lot of information and products. http://www.ringpinion.com/

earl87gta · 06-09-2007, 04:53 PM

I would also use your old d44 if the new one doesnt have flat top knuckles you may want to go to cross over steering some day and the flat top knuckles are worth a good peenny the jeep guys pay a $150 for the set.

msgross · 06-09-2007, 05:56 PM

My flattop knuckle just sold for $83 on Ebay... I was hoping for more but oh well.

johnnywagon · 06-09-2007, 06:10 PM

I remember back in the day when I got my Blazer and was all geared up to beef up the half ton axles with trusses and what not. Then a friend of mine insisted that I'd be happier swapping both axles to 3/4 ton and reluctantly, thats what I did. Jump ahead 3 years later...I'm a much more avid off-roader and a lot more demanding of my truck, thus I recently went to a one ton D60 front axle. My point is, if you're gonna do any serious 4-wheeling, might as well do it right the first time.

earl87gta · 06-09-2007, 06:50 PM

must be the price of gas driving every thing else down. I did the same thing on my old blazer went from 1/2 to 3/4 then to 1 ton. I started to do the same thing with my brb but ended up just going to the d60 i unloaded it from the truck be for I went to work today.

**special-K** · 06-09-2007, 09:19 PM

What rear do you have?If it`s an HO52 then you`ll ave to use the 4.10 ratio.You won`t find 3.07s for that rear.

eedgell · 06-10-2007, 12:54 AM

I have dana 44 front and 12 bolt rear with 3:07 open diffs. 35-12.50-15 BFG muds. would love to go D60 and 14 bolt rear, but trying to save a buck, but I dont want to step on dollars for dimes either. No serious rock crawling, just staight up colorado mountians, and mud. Plus a 454 BBC and want to keep some mpg. I am thinking 3:55 to 3:73's. How much does the 35's change the gear ratio?

earl87gta · 06-10-2007, 03:27 AM

here is a good web site to help with gear choice http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html

06-08-2007, 11:08 PM	#1
eedgell It's the air up here Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 710	Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug What all is involved in the swap from 6 lug to 8 lug on the front Dana 44? Easy or not? __________________ 1971 cheyenne k10 4 speed np 205 454 BB factory a/c Never drink down stream of the herd! Eric

06-08-2007, 11:28 PM	#2
CrashEd 72 chevy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Il Posts: 725	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug Easy just one more step than changing a axle out. Ed

06-08-2007, 11:46 PM	#3
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug Pretty simple,IMO.I believe you just change stuff from the spindle out...You re-use the 1/2 ton calipers though....Correct me if I'm wrong Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 06-08-2007 at 11:46 PM.

06-08-2007, 11:59 PM	#4
eedgell It's the air up here Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 710	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug Yes, is that bad? So does the spindle change or not? I will get these parts at a local yard so I need to get everything I need. How much bigger are the 3/4 ton calipers? __________________ 1971 cheyenne k10 4 speed np 205 454 BB factory a/c Never drink down stream of the herd! Eric

06-09-2007, 01:16 AM	#5
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug Calipers are diffrent there are 2 diffrent types of spindals and hubs one had a larger barring so its best to get every thing as a whole hubs with spindles. you will also need the 3/4 back plate the 3/4 rotors are larger so you will need them for the calipers to mount too. Ill Pm you __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

06-09-2007, 01:50 AM	#6
trkklr77 Account Suspended Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: vacaville ca, because it as far from indy as i can be Posts: 775	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug or you can buy the spindles, backing plates, and hubs from me. the calipers are the same size but can be minorly different yours WILL work and work fine. the older d44 uses a smaller inner bearing but the 10 bolt and 3/4t d44 spindles are the same. the stub shaft will inter change.

06-09-2007, 07:28 AM	#7
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug only hard part is getting the spindle off the knuckle. Take a lead hammer so that it won't mess up the spindle threads. I had to resort to PB blaster and an air chisel on all of mine. Find the least rusty donor. Might be easier in the long run to pull the whole axle and take your time at home. The JY will torch it off for you.... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

06-09-2007, 08:25 AM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug The GM parts book lists 3/4t spindles as different,then there`s the`72 1st and 2nd design.Same as 10-bolt?That`s a new one for me.But,I never messed with those.The parts book stops at`72 also. Definately either get the assembly starting with the stub axles like Earl said. out or the whole axle.Differences are small and will frustrate you,I garauntee. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

06-09-2007, 02:35 PM	#9
eedgell It's the air up here Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 710	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug Thanks guys. Looked at the scrap yard today and found a 44 8 lug with full time hubs with 4:09 gears for $50.00. The whole thing looks to be in pretty good shape. My 44 6 lug has 3:07 gears. Which carrier is better? My 454 BBC does not mind the tall gear, but I think something in the 3:55 range would be better all around for mpg and such. Might want to go posi or locker, is there a difference in the two carriers or not? __________________ 1971 cheyenne k10 4 speed np 205 454 BB factory a/c Never drink down stream of the herd! Eric

06-09-2007, 03:48 PM	#10
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug carriers are different 3.73 and up changes. How large of tires are you going to have? What rear do you have? I have a set of 3.73's (front dana44 and back chevy 12 bolt) if interested. Randy's has a lot of information and products. http://www.ringpinion.com/ __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

06-09-2007, 04:53 PM	#11
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug I would also use your old d44 if the new one doesnt have flat top knuckles you may want to go to cross over steering some day and the flat top knuckles are worth a good peenny the jeep guys pay a $150 for the set. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

06-09-2007, 05:56 PM	#12
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug My flattop knuckle just sold for $83 on Ebay... I was hoping for more but oh well. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

06-09-2007, 06:10 PM	#13
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug I remember back in the day when I got my Blazer and was all geared up to beef up the half ton axles with trusses and what not. Then a friend of mine insisted that I'd be happier swapping both axles to 3/4 ton and reluctantly, thats what I did. Jump ahead 3 years later...I'm a much more avid off-roader and a lot more demanding of my truck, thus I recently went to a one ton D60 front axle. My point is, if you're gonna do any serious 4-wheeling, might as well do it right the first time. __________________ ~John 71 Blazer One Ton 65 Chevelle Station Wagon x2 59 Belair 2 Door 71 Chevy Open Road Van RV www.myspace.com/johnnywagon

06-09-2007, 06:50 PM	#14
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug must be the price of gas driving every thing else down. I did the same thing on my old blazer went from 1/2 to 3/4 then to 1 ton. I started to do the same thing with my brb but ended up just going to the d60 i unloaded it from the truck be for I went to work today. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

06-09-2007, 09:19 PM	#15
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug What rear do you have?If it`s an HO52 then you`ll ave to use the 4.10 ratio.You won`t find 3.07s for that rear. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~



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06-10-2007, 12:54 AM	#16
eedgell It's the air up here Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 710	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug I have dana 44 front and 12 bolt rear with 3:07 open diffs. 35-12.50-15 BFG muds. would love to go D60 and 14 bolt rear, but trying to save a buck, but I dont want to step on dollars for dimes either. No serious rock crawling, just staight up colorado mountians, and mud. Plus a 454 BBC and want to keep some mpg. I am thinking 3:55 to 3:73's. How much does the 35's change the gear ratio? __________________ 1971 cheyenne k10 4 speed np 205 454 BB factory a/c Never drink down stream of the herd! Eric

06-10-2007, 03:27 AM	#17
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Dana 44 6 lug to 8 lug here is a good web site to help with gear choice http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

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