Small hub 3/4 diff to big hub? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

matt_field · 07-08-2014, 10:52 PM

Hey guys, I've got a 72 3/4 4x4 and it has a small hub front diff. I'd like to switch out the small lockouts for a more correct big lockouts. Is that possible?

Matt

**argonaut** · 07-09-2014, 07:03 AM

Sure. You need to swap out the spindles, wheel bearings, hubs, and lock outs.

Redcap · 07-09-2014, 11:05 AM

Sort of pointless, seeing as there is zero difference in strength.

**argonaut** · 07-09-2014, 11:07 AM

The small hub parts are easier to find and cheaper.

**special-K** · 07-09-2014, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_field

Hey guys, I've got a 72 3/4 4x4 and it has a small hub front diff. I'd like to switch out the small lockouts for a more correct big lockouts. Is that possible?

Matt

What exact small hub 3/4t axle do you have? Diffs are the same as long as it's a Dana44

matt_field · 07-09-2014, 02:02 PM

its a dana 44, i dont go 4 wheeling in the truck so im not worried about strength. its about getting the correct hubs for the truck, im a fan of original parts and correct parts for my cars and trucks.

Matt

WhiteWhale · 07-11-2014, 02:46 AM

Big hub? Are you talking about the large Spicer hub? I have a cone shaped hub on my 72 3/4 ton burb and would also like something more compact as to not get smashed on rocks and such.

What was the deal with the larger parts? Are the axles the same or different? What about compared to 1/2 ton axles?

**kwmech** · 07-11-2014, 01:56 PM

The fun part is going about locating the original parts you need. Most of the wheel hubs after years of running on the road had a tendency to spin the inner race, thus ruining the hub. Also I haven't been able for a while to locate the correct spindle. There is a reason it has already been changed over. And actually the smaller hub can be stronger than the bolt on hub

**argonaut** · 07-11-2014, 06:40 PM

I have the large bearing, "external" lockout axle. The axle shafts are the same as any other Dana 44, as are the housings and knuckles. The weak point on the large Spicer lockouts are the plastic actuator dials. They cracked and then it's game over unless you can sleeve them. I sleeved mine but the epoxy that I used gave way after a year. Now I just run drive flanges. I've noticed no significant change in fuel consumption and they are stronger, less prone to rock damage, and period correct. Plus I can be lazy not having to jump in and out to engaged and disengage the lockouts

07-08-2014, 10:52 PM	#1
matt_field Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota Posts: 885	Small hub 3/4 diff to big hub? Hey guys, I've got a 72 3/4 4x4 and it has a small hub front diff. I'd like to switch out the small lockouts for a more correct big lockouts. Is that possible? Matt Attached Images __________________ 1971 k5 blazer 80k mike survivor 1972 3/4 ton 4wd Cummins 12v 1967 swb 2wd 427bbc 1968 4wd shortbox 1971 Cheyenne swb k10 unrestored 1971 Cheyenne super 40k 402bb survivor 1967 Chevy k10 (first truck) 1968 L78 camaro survivor 18k miles 1969 z28 survivor 60k miles 1969 z28 survivor 39k miles 1969 z28 rs survivor 80k miles

07-09-2014, 07:03 AM	#2
argonaut Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,813	Re: Small hub 3/4 diff to big hub? Sure. You need to swap out the spindles, wheel bearings, hubs, and lock outs. __________________ Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble!

07-09-2014, 11:05 AM	#3
Redcap Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lewis County, WA Posts: 1,523	Re: Small hub 3/4 diff to big hub? Sort of pointless, seeing as there is zero difference in strength. __________________ '77 K35 - 454, SM465/NP205, 4.56 D60/14bFF

07-09-2014, 11:07 AM	#4
argonaut Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,813	Re: Small hub 3/4 diff to big hub? The small hub parts are easier to find and cheaper. __________________ Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble!

07-09-2014, 02:02 PM	#6
matt_field Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota Posts: 885	Re: Small hub 3/4 diff to big hub? its a dana 44, i dont go 4 wheeling in the truck so im not worried about strength. its about getting the correct hubs for the truck, im a fan of original parts and correct parts for my cars and trucks. Matt __________________ 1971 k5 blazer 80k mike survivor 1972 3/4 ton 4wd Cummins 12v 1967 swb 2wd 427bbc 1968 4wd shortbox 1971 Cheyenne swb k10 unrestored 1971 Cheyenne super 40k 402bb survivor 1967 Chevy k10 (first truck) 1968 L78 camaro survivor 18k miles 1969 z28 survivor 60k miles 1969 z28 survivor 39k miles 1969 z28 rs survivor 80k miles

07-11-2014, 02:46 AM	#7
WhiteWhale Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Southern California Posts: 200	Re: Small hub 3/4 diff to big hub? Big hub? Are you talking about the large Spicer hub? I have a cone shaped hub on my 72 3/4 ton burb and would also like something more compact as to not get smashed on rocks and such. What was the deal with the larger parts? Are the axles the same or different? What about compared to 1/2 ton axles?

07-11-2014, 01:56 PM	#8
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,568	Re: Small hub 3/4 diff to big hub? The fun part is going about locating the original parts you need. Most of the wheel hubs after years of running on the road had a tendency to spin the inner race, thus ruining the hub. Also I haven't been able for a while to locate the correct spindle. There is a reason it has already been changed over. And actually the smaller hub can be stronger than the bolt on hub

07-11-2014, 06:40 PM	#9
argonaut Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,813	Re: Small hub 3/4 diff to big hub? I have the large bearing, "external" lockout axle. The axle shafts are the same as any other Dana 44, as are the housings and knuckles. The weak point on the large Spicer lockouts are the plastic actuator dials. They cracked and then it's game over unless you can sleeve them. I sleeved mine but the epoxy that I used gave way after a year. Now I just run drive flanges. I've noticed no significant change in fuel consumption and they are stronger, less prone to rock damage, and period correct. Plus I can be lazy not having to jump in and out to engaged and disengage the lockouts __________________ Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble!



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