Dana 44 closed knuckle disc brakes

[danw210]

I hear you Mike, but I'm already in this deep so I just want to make this work with what I have. I already have so much invested in it already, I just assumed that the swap was as simple as using the brackets and hubs from the 72.
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[danw210]

OK - I am making this work (I think). I was using the 69 spindles, because the axle shafts fit into them, but it did not line-up the rotor where I needed it. The 72 spindles bolt up of course but the axle shafts do not fit into them, the rotor lines up perfect with the 72 spindle. If you look at the picture of the two spindles you can see that the 69 has a bushing and the 72 has a needle bearing.




I had the outer axle shafts turned down to fit the 72 spindles and they fit really nice. I'll be putting the axle shafts back together with new u-joints.

[LONGHAIR]

Isn't this the second, or maybe third, separate thread on this?

[danw210]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

Isn't this the second, or maybe third, separate thread on this?

I did have another thread where I was asking some of the same questions. that one has since been deleted. I have made mention of this on my build page as well. I figured this may be useful info for someone in the same predicament.

[jbclassix]

I believe you may run into issues with caliper clearance between the knuckle and the back of the caliper. I haven't ever done a swap on a chevy, but I did one on a Ford using Chevy parts and a Scout using FSJ parts. both had issues got worked out with grinder therapy.

[danw210]

Originally Posted by jbclassix

I believe you may run into issues with caliper clearance between the knuckle and the back of the caliper. I haven't ever done a swap on a chevy, but I did one on a Ford using Chevy parts and a Scout using FSJ parts. both had issues got worked out with grinder therapy.

I had to turn the caliper bracket to avoid the clearance problem.

[danw210]

Well everything worked out! It is all put back together, rotors spin, no clearance problems, lockouts engage. If I had to do it all over again I would swap in a 71-87 front diff but considering the circumstances I had to make this work. I hope that this may help anyone in a similar scenario.

[mike16]

Originally Posted by danw210

I hear you Mike, but I'm already in this deep so I just want to make this work with what I have. I already have so much invested in it already, I just assumed that the swap was as simple as using the brackets and hubs from the 72.
Posted via Mobile Device

frankly, my hearing must be bad,

I dony get why people got to ask you why you did what you already have done. and then qualify thier answer based on the foundation that it really does not matter because you got it wrong simply because you chose a closed knuckle axle from the beginning,

I had a friend who worked with me at a gas stattion, every time somebody would pull in and ask directions, he would say, you cant get there from here, you gotta go somewhere else first and go from there.

I have a dana 44 closed knuckle front end on my truck. lots of advantages ....to me.

[maxwoof]

Regarding what lubricant to use in the closed knuckle - I have has success with simply packing the wheel and knuckle bearings with grease, the way you would with an open knuckle unit. No oil leaks that way. Been running my 62 that way for a few years now.