69 4x4 questions. Lift and front conversion

[too much stuff]

Hey all, i have started my project (to be named later) and have a few questions. It is a 69 4x4 shortbox 1/2 ton. I am adding a 4" lift. front and rear springs. (no blocks). I am also converting the front to a 1976 to get the open axle joints and disc brakes. First question, i will need a dropped steering arm. Do i need a 1976 application? Next, do i need longer front brake lines? If so, is that also for a 1976 application? Are any dimensions different on the newer front end? I need the u-bolts for the lift, and want to make sure it will all go smoothly. Where would you recommend getting these parts from? Any opinions on what i am doing here?(good or bad) Thanks, Eric

[1969k10stepside]

If it has a dana 44 front,then it will be a direct swap in.So is the corp 10 bolt but the plates that go on top of the springs the u bolts go through are different.You will need a raised steering arm for the front axle probably.They are different for a open knuckle axle but thats the only raised steering arm available,for a open knuckle axle.I'd order the lift as a 71-72 since that is what it will basically be with the added open knuckle axle and those are the only years with those and still have the right springs.I have to get longer hoses for mine,you might also.

[too much stuff]

The front is a dana 44. I already have the lift springs. They were used breifly in a 71 or 72.
Also, will a 3:73 ring and pinion fit in the newer front end if it has 3:07 gears now? The truck has a 3:73 posi in the rear and would kinda like to keep it in there. Where is the best place to get the steering arm? Thanks.

[1969k10stepside]

If they are both dana 44s the carriers,ring and pinion are a direct swap...Just keep the ring and pinion together.I believe the whole carrier has to be swapped though,as they are different from 3:07s to 3:73s..Sometimes you can get a used one on the parts board,post a WTB and see what you get.Also check ebay,they should have them.I have the raised one on my 71 but it had a higher lift previously and when lowering it down to a 4" lift,I kept it.It looks like I could get by with a stock steering set up though...

[Yukon Jack]

Do you have a local spring/axle shop? They can make the u-bolts for you.

Lots of places to buy the steering arm. I've ordered lots in the past from www.offroaddesign.com and they can get the steering arm for you if you can't find a used one.

[msgross]

You should be able to pull the carrier, ring and pinion out of your old axle and pay a shop to set them up in the new axle. Plan on some $$$ ($300+?) though since you have to tear apart two axles and rebuild one. Probably closer to $150 to just set the new front up though if you do all the work yourself on the teardown. Then while it's apart you would be smart to buy new bearings and seals for the axle ($150+) from Randy's ring and pinion. I just kept shopping around until I found a 3.73 corp 10 bolt for my front end. Saved tons of money in the process. Check out my build thread and this link for more info on the swap...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=240456

[jay_shy]

I swapped the 3.73 gears and carrier out of my 68 closed knuckle dana 44 into my 72 dana 44 that had the 3.08s. Took awhile to make the swap but well worth doing it myself. I mean I helped my brother in law. He has done it a few times or more in the past. Oh yeah, I swaped the rear ends also and added a posi.

Jason

[too much stuff]

I appreciate all the input. My 76 front end has been gone through already. New spindle brgs, ball joints, seals, ETC... But it has 3:08 or 3:07 gears. The truck has 3:73 gears factory and just want to swap the gears into it. I have a ringer (sakohntr) that is willing to help me out with some of this stuff, but still want to know what problems or issues everyone else has run into. As far as the u-bolts, i will get a set made up locally. I would love to hear any more opinions on what i am doing, and yes, i will post some pics as soon as it looks like i have done something... Thanks

[too much stuff]

jayshy, words of encouragement! That sounds like the same process i will be going through... I already have the 3:73 posi, so it is just the front end i will be dealing with.

[1969k10stepside]

Cool,I can't wait to see pics,especially of lifted shortbox 67-72 4wds.When I went through and rebuilt the front axle in my 71 shortbed it took all of about 2 hours from installing the ring & pinion the first time to shimming it up with different combinations of shims,and getting them aligned properly and bolted the carrier in for the final time.Then going through checking pinion preload,and backlash..That was a cold below freezing January weekend project for me If you were closer you could drop the axle off here and I would swap it all out for you since I have the right tools to set up the gears...

[msgross]

sounds like a plan then... one good day and some beers for payment and you're set.... As far as swapping, it's an easy bolt-in then. You will need to get a new/used proportioning valve for your MC and maybe a new MC (not sure) since you now have disc front. Good luck

Since it's the front axle then a "perfect" ring and pinion setup isn't as critical. It's not used daily and a "good" setup should work then.

[too much stuff]

There are ALWAYS beers in the fridge!!!
Anyone that wants to help is more than welcome. If i was on the other comp., i would show a sneak peek. (no pics on this one)
So, would a posi carrier from another rear work up front? Might as well have front and rear posi, huh? The extra i have is a 12 bolt...

[jay_shy]

I bought all new u-bolts from a local spring shop. I believe it was about 60.00 for all eight of them with hardare. My front end needed one u-bolt that was slightly wider. You could always take the old ones in and they could bend you new ones in no time at all.

Jason