4x4 front drum/disc conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JREs69er · 06-21-2005, 03:46 AM

Does anyone know of a company that a kit can be purchased for the 4 x 4 application? I have found 8 lug but it doesn't specify whether it is for 4 wheel drive. I have a 69 K20 and I don't feel too confident in swapping axles with a later model so I was hoping to buy a complete kit. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

**JIMs70GMC** · 06-21-2005, 05:16 AM

Nothing to buy. Your axle has a closed knuckle front end, 1969 was the last year. Swapping to a 71 and up axle would be the cheapest way to do it. It's a direct bolt on.

Chevy Muscle · 06-21-2005, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMs70GMC

Swapping to a 71 and up axle would be the cheapest way to do it. It's a direct bolt on.

Did this on my '69 blazer. That's the way to do it

stueber68 · 06-21-2005, 12:42 PM

Check with Blackbird Customs, or something like that. This guy is a part of this site. He has got some awesome stuff.

1969 GMC · 06-21-2005, 04:06 PM

As far as I know Blackbird's just sells rear disc brake stuff. Up front, its a whole different ball game. You'd need either custom one off knuckles to work with the closed knuckle axle ends, or really modify your existing ones, and both ways are not worth the effort.
Jim is right on.

drink2mny · 06-21-2005, 04:25 PM

Thanks Stueber68

We do have other items we sell, new and used gears,axles,transfercases and suspension parts.
We usually come across several d44 fronts and re sell them cleaned up and re sealed.

But if we did have this it would be expensive for shipping.

I agree with jims70gmc. I would look for a 71-72 d44 front.. Otherwise a little modification and you could put a 73-78/79 d 44.

EDIT: I have been told by Randy that he has done front disc on an old solid 2wheel truck and is working on making something for the f0rd boys because they had drums up till '75 on their d44's..

**BAD4X4** · 06-21-2005, 07:44 PM

I put a 72 dana 44 in my 70.It's very simple to do.

7084Driver · 06-22-2005, 08:37 PM

what mods must be done to fit a 73-78 d44 into a 70, cause im about to do just that

JREs69er · 06-24-2005, 04:24 PM

what mods would be required if using 73-78?

06-21-2005, 03:46 AM	#1
JREs69er Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Romeoville, IL Posts: 75	4x4 front drum/disc conversion Does anyone know of a company that a kit can be purchased for the 4 x 4 application? I have found 8 lug but it doesn't specify whether it is for 4 wheel drive. I have a 69 K20 and I don't feel too confident in swapping axles with a later model so I was hoping to buy a complete kit. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

06-21-2005, 05:16 AM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Nothing to buy. Your axle has a closed knuckle front end, 1969 was the last year. Swapping to a 71 and up axle would be the cheapest way to do it. It's a direct bolt on. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

06-21-2005, 04:06 PM	#5
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	As far as I know Blackbird's just sells rear disc brake stuff. Up front, its a whole different ball game. You'd need either custom one off knuckles to work with the closed knuckle axle ends, or really modify your existing ones, and both ways are not worth the effort. Jim is right on. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

06-21-2005, 04:25 PM	#6
drink2mny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: spokane wa Posts: 2,189	Thanks Stueber68 We do have other items we sell, new and used gears,axles,transfercases and suspension parts. We usually come across several d44 fronts and re sell them cleaned up and re sealed. But if we did have this it would be expensive for shipping. I agree with jims70gmc. I would look for a 71-72 d44 front.. Otherwise a little modification and you could put a 73-78/79 d 44. EDIT: I have been told by Randy that he has done front disc on an old solid 2wheel truck and is working on making something for the f0rd boys because they had drums up till '75 on their d44's.. __________________ Support The Board Last edited by drink2mny; 06-21-2005 at 07:35 PM.

06-21-2005, 07:44 PM	#7
BAD4X4 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: La pine Oregon Posts: 1,668	I put a 72 dana 44 in my 70.It's very simple to do. __________________ 1972 Cheyenne K-30 6"lift {502 PROJECT} 1972 Cheyenne K-30 8"lift 454 450hp {Ol'Blue} 1972 Cheyenne K-20 Custom Stretch 6" lift 454 1972 Custom Deluxe K-20 4" lift 2007 GMC Crew Cab Diesel 6"lift {The Tow Rig 2017 Ford F-350 Crew Cab 6.7 6"lift (Wife's) 1977 El Camino SS Grandpa baught new 1986 K-30 Crew Cab 502 1955 Chevy 2-Door gasser 454 550hp{project} 1956 Chevy Bel-Air 2-Door hardtop 572 700hp 1979 Ford F-350 All Original 4x4 (Wife's)

06-21-2005, 12:42 PM	#4
stueber68 1968 C20 Vortec Beast Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: STILLWATER,OKLAHOMA Posts: 483	Check with Blackbird Customs, or something like that. This guy is a part of this site. He has got some awesome stuff.

06-22-2005, 08:37 PM	#8
7084Driver Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 21	what mods must be done to fit a 73-78 d44 into a 70, cause im about to do just that

06-24-2005, 04:24 PM	#9
JREs69er Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Romeoville, IL Posts: 75	axle swap what mods would be required if using 73-78?



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