D44 axle question

[CPNE]

I have a 70 3/4 ton with a D44 Drum front end. It appears the LH axle shaft has been replaced as the axle stub (outer axle) does not extend thru the hub far enough to put the C clip on it for the stock locking hubs. The RH axle stub is the proper length. There is couple of inches difference in length as far as how much of the axle stubs protrude thru the hubs between the LH and RH sides. It appeared stock on the outside as the locking hubs are the OE 3/4 ton variety used from 70 on. (sorry no pics)

Could someone have put a 1/2 ton D44 axle shaft in there? In other words is the only difference between 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton D44 axles the length of the axle stub? The inner axle and ujoint seems to be proper length.

I have a stock D44 axle shaft off a 72 3/4 ton 4x4 (disk brake). Will this axle shaft work on the 70 3/4 drum brake FE, or will I need to start hunting for either:

A) The proper axle for a 70 D44 3/4 ton drum FE
B) Proper length axle stub

Thanks

[kwmech]

Compare the u-joint sizes side to side. The early 44s had a smaller joint, joints were upgraded in and around 72-73. If the shaft was 'upgraded' it will have the larger joint

[CPNE]

Thanks. I'm pretty sure the ujoint sizes are the same on both the existing axle shaft and my 72. It is the difference in length between the LH and RH outer axle stubs that has me perplexed. Just wondering what I may have.

[LONGHAIR]

The only thing I can think of is the drum brake factor. Maybe there is a difference there? Maybe the PO used a disc brake style outer axle? (if they are different)
1/2 and 3/4 ton are the same as far as the axle itself, in the disc brake version, but again I am not familiar with the drum type.

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

The only thing I can think of is the drum brake factor. Maybe there is a difference there? Maybe the PO used a disc brake style outer axle? (if they are different)
1/2 and 3/4 ton are the same as far as the axle itself, in the disc brake version, but again I am not familiar with the drum type.

Disk to Drum outer stubs are different.

1/2 to 3/4 ton is no difference, that I remember.

[msgross]

outer is the same on corp 10 as well, inner is different length

[special-K]

Have you had this truck or is it new to you?Do you know if the 4wd was working?Was it together and you took it apart,then discovered it there was no c-clip or was it apart further?Like,was the spindle off and it`s going back together?
I ask because I`ve found these assembled wrong in a couple ways and I couldn`t get the c-clip on the stub.I`ve seen two bronze spacers behind the spindle bearing seal/on the base of the outer axle for some reason.I`ve seen the same spacer between the the spindle nut and the lock-out.

[CPNE]

Here is what I found. It was assembled with the correct parts, just driveshaft stub too short. As you can see, it had the larger diameter axle and bigger ujoints. FYI, the 72 axle shaft slid right in and everythiong assembled perfectly.