1970 K10 open knuckle disc conversion. What's easiest way? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**derotoreut** · 06-16-2014, 10:07 PM

Since I have a 1970 K10, I have the D44 open knuckle drum axle. I'm trying to find out what's the best way to do a front disc conversion. Better/easier to swap out entire axle (with same ratio) or use existing parts? Because this is the last year for drum brakes on open knuckle design, I understand I could swap from steering knuckles out. Can someone enlighten me? From what I understand, since this is the open knuckle design, its pretty easy to convert. Since I've never torn one of these front axles apart I'm not sure.

I'm hearing it's best to get 73-79 parts over 71-72. I guess I would need spindles, caliper brackets, calipers and wheel hubs. Seems like this would be easier way to go. I already have power booster. What master and P-valve is needed? Give me your thoughts.

Not sure where to post (4X4 or suspension) so I put it here. If it needs to be moved I understand.

Husker · 06-16-2014, 11:07 PM

Just find a later model GM Dana 44 and swap out everything from ball joint out, while you are at install new MOOG ball joints. Not a bad job. You can also swap entire axle out which would be easier unless it needs Ball joints in which you have to tear it down.
Ron

**derotoreut** · 06-17-2014, 08:14 AM

So just buy the entire axle and then tear it down? Not being familiar with it, I want to be sure of what parts to buy, and what I need to use (remove) from the donor axle. Do I pull the axle shafts and disconnect it at the knuckle U-joints? Or do I just use those entire shafts? Here's a picture of my open knuckle axle. Thanks.

Husker · 06-17-2014, 08:47 AM

Yes you can also replace entire axle as long as it same gear ratio. I would tear down that way you can lube wheel bearings and check condition of internals and such. It is not hard just messy. While you are at it have rotors reconditioned and change brake pads.
Get a service manual it will guide you and if you have any questions this site is almost always open(.001. % when maintenance or something like that is being done)
Ron

**special-K** · 06-17-2014, 02:25 PM

My style on swaps is get all you can from donor,so you have it all there and you can compare side by side. I'd get a complete axle. I agree,if it's in good condition and same ratio, go with that.

06-16-2014, 10:07 PM	#1
derotoreut Roto Reuter thats the name... Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Darien, NY Posts: 1,853	1970 K10 open knuckle disc conversion. What's easiest way? Since I have a 1970 K10, I have the D44 open knuckle drum axle. I'm trying to find out what's the best way to do a front disc conversion. Better/easier to swap out entire axle (with same ratio) or use existing parts? Because this is the last year for drum brakes on open knuckle design, I understand I could swap from steering knuckles out. Can someone enlighten me? From what I understand, since this is the open knuckle design, its pretty easy to convert. Since I've never torn one of these front axles apart I'm not sure. I'm hearing it's best to get 73-79 parts over 71-72. I guess I would need spindles, caliper brackets, calipers and wheel hubs. Seems like this would be easier way to go. I already have power booster. What master and P-valve is needed? Give me your thoughts. Not sure where to post (4X4 or suspension) so I put it here. If it needs to be moved I understand. __________________ ~ Dan My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977

06-16-2014, 11:07 PM	#2
Husker Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mid NE USA Posts: 2,212	Re: 1970 K10 open knuckle disc conversion. What's easiest way? Just find a later model GM Dana 44 and swap out everything from ball joint out, while you are at install new MOOG ball joints. Not a bad job. You can also swap entire axle out which would be easier unless it needs Ball joints in which you have to tear it down. Ron __________________ Member #111 68 C-10 Daily Driver 70 4x4 Project 76 Jeep CJ-5 Help Support the Board: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. Thomas Jefferson

06-17-2014, 08:14 AM	#3
derotoreut Roto Reuter thats the name... Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Darien, NY Posts: 1,853	Re: 1970 K10 open knuckle disc conversion. What's easiest way? So just buy the entire axle and then tear it down? Not being familiar with it, I want to be sure of what parts to buy, and what I need to use (remove) from the donor axle. Do I pull the axle shafts and disconnect it at the knuckle U-joints? Or do I just use those entire shafts? Here's a picture of my open knuckle axle. Thanks. Attached Images __________________ ~ Dan My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977

06-17-2014, 08:47 AM	#4
Husker Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mid NE USA Posts: 2,212	Re: 1970 K10 open knuckle disc conversion. What's easiest way? Yes you can also replace entire axle as long as it same gear ratio. I would tear down that way you can lube wheel bearings and check condition of internals and such. It is not hard just messy. While you are at it have rotors reconditioned and change brake pads. Get a service manual it will guide you and if you have any questions this site is almost always open(.001. % when maintenance or something like that is being done) Ron __________________ Member #111 68 C-10 Daily Driver 70 4x4 Project 76 Jeep CJ-5 Help Support the Board: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. Thomas Jefferson

06-17-2014, 02:25 PM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: 1970 K10 open knuckle disc conversion. What's easiest way? My style on swaps is get all you can from donor,so you have it all there and you can compare side by side. I'd get a complete axle. I agree,if it's in good condition and same ratio, go with that. __________________ "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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