swapping front axle for left side transfer case?

[swey00]

Hows it going? I just picked up a 72 k5 blazer and looking to swap in a lsx, t56 and mounting an awd transfer case(np149) to it. The problem is that the transfer case is to left. From everything I've read, says its not good to flip it. So, my other option is to get a different front axle. Are there any axles that are bolt in with 6-lug that has the right width?

[JIMs70GMC]

You can probably make a dana 44 out of a ford work, not sure about the spring pad spacing though.

[ryanroo]

a 79 and earlier ford dana 44 will bolt in if it comes from an f250 springs are the same width. i have a d60 from a 78 f350 in mine and it was no issues. the ford 44 will be five lug. you can use chevy outers on the ford axle and get your left drop 6 lugger. it will be HP if it is a later year 44. not a problem if the driveline has the clearance.

[andrewmp6]

A t56 is only a 2wd trans unless you run a divorced t case or spend a ton of money.If its a stock 6 speed out of a newer truck its a nv something,But i would get a adapter kit and run a np203 vs replacing the front axle thats a huge job.

[obijuan]

i can do an axle swap in no time.

77-79 f250 dana 44 with chevy knuckles out. or if you want it 8 lug just run the same ford 8 lug setup with the dual piston calipers. but it does have 1/2" studs.

[swey00]

Originally Posted by ryanroo

a 79 and earlier ford dana 44 will bolt in if it comes from an f250 springs are the same width. i have a d60 from a 78 f350 in mine and it was no issues. the ford 44 will be five lug. you can use chevy outers on the ford axle and get your left drop 6 lugger. it will be HP if it is a later year 44. not a problem if the driveline has the clearance.

I plan on trying to keep the height stock, if not lowered 1" to 2". So I definitely need left drop. So I just need to find a pre-'79 ford d44?

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

A t56 is only a 2wd trans unless you run a divorced t case or spend a ton of money.If its a stock 6 speed out of a newer truck its a nv something,But i would get a adapter kit and run a np203 vs replacing the front axle thats a huge job.

Yes, I am aware it is 2wd only, from all the research I've done it will be around $800 to rebuild the tranny to make it bolt up to the np149.

Originally Posted by obijuan

i can do an axle swap in no time.

77-79 f250 dana 44 with chevy knuckles out. or if you want it 8 lug just run the same ford 8 lug setup with the dual piston calipers. but it does have 1/2" studs.

So it is all bolt-in? I just need to switch the steering knuckles and hubs from my 72 axle to the ford? The leaf pads are the right width, axle is right width? Are the ball joints interchangeable for and assemblies between the 2 axles?

Thanks for all the help, I am new to 4wd, but not 67-72 trucks. This is my first 4wd, so I dont know all the correct terms.

[obijuan]

the 77.5-79 ford leaf spring axles are a bolt in spring pad width and a good wheel mount surface width. fits good in your truck.
make sure its leaf sprung. most f150 and bronco trucks are not the axles you want.

from the knuckles out it all swaps. pretty sure you can use the ford stub axle shafts for the outers. just compare to verify.

from the steering knuckles out they all swap. there are variables within but keep it as an assembly (like from your 72) to save headache.

[andrewmp6]

He would have to change the lug pattern the f150/bronco is 5 lug and f250s are 8 lug,Only f150 axle that will bolt in is the 70s f150 ext cab they used leafs in the front,All f250s have leafs and are dana 44s also.1976 is the year they changed to disc brakes anything older is drums.If he can weld the 77 and older f150/bronco used the weld on wedges that can be cut off easy,The 78-79 used the cast on wedges that can't be removed.Then you got the whole low pinion vs high pinion and gears standard cut and reverse cut.But be warned these axles are harder to find today the radius arm axles are used to sas the newer f150s and broncos,And the f250 axles are used a lot in jeeps as a upgrade.