6 lug to 8 lug

[Johnl48]

I am restoring a 70 c20 4x4. Looking to do a disc break conversion on front axle. I found an axle out of a 72 with disc brakes but it's a 6 lug so my question is can I move all my 8 lug components to the 6 lug axle with the disc brakes ?
Another option is the kit from therammaninc but he doesn't get very good reviews when you google him

Thanks in advance

[burnin oil]

The actual hub and rotor should be different. You may be able to find the hub used. I believe the dial section of the hub is the same and I am talking about the steel piece that the lugs are pressed in to.

Now if you are just trying to move your drums over to the new axle, that should work but I believe you will need everything including the spindle out since the donor axle has the provisions for calipers. I know of no difference on the housing itself but a quick check of replacement ball joints would confirm this. I always messed with the disc brake housings.

[Johnl48]

Originally Posted by burnin oil

The actual hub and rotor should be different. You may be able to find the hub used. I believe the dial section of the hub is the same and I am talking about the steel piece that the lugs are pressed in to.

Now if you are just trying to move your drums over to the new axle, that should work but I believe you will need everything including the spindle out since the donor axle has the provisions for calipers. I know of no difference on the housing itself but a quick check of replacement ball joints would confirm this. I always messed with the disc brake housings.

I actually have drums now but want to convert to disc

[burnin oil]

I caught that after I reread your post but didn't edit my response. Still good luck with your project.

[geunther]

What is the axle that you got from the 72, Dana 44?

[kwmech]

Find a 10 bolt in the wrecking yard and swap everything from the knuckle out. You may have to source the inner shafts from a 44 with the larger 297 u-joint so it all goes together. That is unless you can find 8 lug 44 parts (harder to locate) The 1970 is a 1 off axle with drum brakes and open knuckle. Spindle bolts are clocked different for the disc brake backing plate to fit correctly for clearance

[Johnl48]

Originally Posted by geunther

What is the axle that you got from the 72, Dana 44?

Didn't get yet til I know I can swap but yes a dana 44 5f

[geunther]

The 44 also came with 8 lugs. I think you need to go with what they call the big bearing version, but that's from memory so don't quote me. Let me check my stash if you are unable to locate elsewhere.

[kwmech]

My fast reading owns me sometimes. 8 lug is big bearing. Get the 72 front end and I will still iterate it will be easier to locate 8 lug stuff off of a 10 bolt. The 10 bolt internal locking hubs are actually stronger than the early 44 bolt on hubs unless you are going for the 'original look'. You can use the 6 lug knuckles with the spindles out off the 10b. The 6 lug calipers can be used on the 8 lug

[Johnl48]

Originally Posted by kwmech

My fast reading owns me sometimes. 8 lug is big bearing. Get the 72 front end and I will still iterate it will be easier to locate 8 lug stuff off of a 10 bolt. The 10 bolt internal locking hubs are actually stronger than the early 44 bolt on hubs unless you are going for the 'original look'. You can use the 6 lug knuckles with the spindles out off the 10b. The 6 lug calipers can be used on the 8 lug

Or I can keep the drum brakes lol

[kwmech]

Yeah, you could. I've still got 4 drums on my 68 3/4 ton 2wd-- stops the truck just fine, even fully loaded and towing

[Johnl48]

Someone educate me. What is preventing me from buying these which are for disc brakes, off a dana 44 and putting them on mine ?

[geunther]

Nothing. Just make sure to get correct spindles so you can have the 8 lug you are looking for.

[Johnl48]

Originally Posted by geunther

Nothing. The spindle decides what rotors you can put on (6 vs 8).

If I put these on I would just need 8 lug spindles for disc brakes ? Axles are the same ?