4x4 axle - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Farmstore34 · 12-17-2009, 11:59 PM

My son's 1972 chevy has the 3/4 ton running gear with the 8 lug whels. It has a GM 12 bolt axle in the front. I also have an extra 12 bolt front axle with 6 lug rotors. If I swap the axles, can I just install the 8 lug rotors on the new axle or will I need to change the steering knuckles?
Thanks,
Colby.

Livrat · 12-18-2009, 12:43 AM

The knuckles are the same between 1/2 ton (6 lug) and 3/4 ton (8 lug) all you would need to change are the spindles.. backing plate/caliper mounts and the rotors..

Jtrux · 12-18-2009, 12:45 AM

X2 and it should be a Dana 44.

Farmstore34 · 12-18-2009, 02:37 AM

Thank you both! I am actively looking for a decent affordable Dana 44, but since winter's here and his front axle is broken we will have to make do.

*2tons of fun* · 12-18-2009, 02:39 AM

what did he break?

**special-K** · 12-18-2009, 07:10 AM

Yeah,what`s wrong with the axle in it now?Maybe we can suggest another solution.

mrein3 · 12-18-2009, 08:25 AM

Also make sure if swapping that you don't mix gear ratios. The front and rear have to match.

Burt4x4 · 12-18-2009, 10:30 AM

Yup, no such thing as a GM 12bolt front axle and maost everything on a D44 is interchangable. Post up some pics and we can confirm what you have.

Todersauce · 12-18-2009, 08:25 PM

What part of oregon are you in? I have a D44, closed knuckle, drum (4:10 I think) that im planing of swaping out of mine. Its not the best but you could use it for parts or a replacement in a pinch.

**N2TRUX** · 12-19-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todersauce

What part of oregon are you in? I have a D44, closed knuckle, drum (4:10 I think) that im planing of swapping out of mine. Its not the best but you could use it for parts or a replacement in a pinch.

Can we assume you are offering to give him the left over parts? That sounds like a very generous offer.

*2tons of fun* · 12-20-2009, 03:51 AM

not to kick a gift horse in the nuts but what left over parts can he use from a closed knuckle?

the housing, knuckles, wheel hubs, spindles, bearings, brakes and tie rods are all different.

i dont know about the shafts and locking hubs.

gears are the same though.

12-17-2009, 11:59 PM	#1
Farmstore34 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 109	4x4 axle My son's 1972 chevy has the 3/4 ton running gear with the 8 lug whels. It has a GM 12 bolt axle in the front. I also have an extra 12 bolt front axle with 6 lug rotors. If I swap the axles, can I just install the 8 lug rotors on the new axle or will I need to change the steering knuckles? Thanks, Colby.

12-18-2009, 12:43 AM	#2
Livrat Member #1049 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Troy Montana Posts: 3,940	Re: 4x4 axle The knuckles are the same between 1/2 ton (6 lug) and 3/4 ton (8 lug) all you would need to change are the spindles.. backing plate/caliper mounts and the rotors..

12-18-2009, 12:45 AM	#3
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: 4x4 axle X2 and it should be a Dana 44. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

12-18-2009, 02:37 AM	#4
Farmstore34 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 109	Re: 4x4 axle Thank you both! I am actively looking for a decent affordable Dana 44, but since winter's here and his front axle is broken we will have to make do.

12-18-2009, 02:39 AM	#5
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: 4x4 axle what did he break?

12-18-2009, 07:10 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 4x4 axle Yeah,what`s wrong with the axle in it now?Maybe we can suggest another solution. __________________ "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 ~

12-18-2009, 08:25 AM	#7
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	Re: 4x4 axle Also make sure if swapping that you don't mix gear ratios. The front and rear have to match. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

12-18-2009, 10:30 AM	#8
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: 4x4 axle Yup, no such thing as a GM 12bolt front axle and maost everything on a D44 is interchangable. Post up some pics and we can confirm what you have. __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

12-18-2009, 08:25 PM	#9
Todersauce Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 34	Re: 4x4 axle What part of oregon are you in? I have a D44, closed knuckle, drum (4:10 I think) that im planing of swaping out of mine. Its not the best but you could use it for parts or a replacement in a pinch.

12-20-2009, 03:51 AM	#11
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: 4x4 axle not to kick a gift horse in the nuts but what left over parts can he use from a closed knuckle? the housing, knuckles, wheel hubs, spindles, bearings, brakes and tie rods are all different. i dont know about the shafts and locking hubs. gears are the same though.



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