71 K20 broke steering knuckle

[tinman_local2]

My 71 K20 with Dana 44 front axle has a broke steering knuckle. What are my options for a replacement? Will a newer Dana 44 part work? I really don't want to swap the whole axle out, so I was thinking the newer square body part might interchange. Anyone know if this is correct? The ball joints, according to Rockauto and O'reilly's, are the same part number.

[57taskforce]

Far as I know they are the same as the later 44’s and even interchangeable with the later front 10 bolts as long as your 72 still has the original open knuckle disk brake 44.

Out of curiosity where is it broke at? That’s not a terribly common issue with them.

[tinman_local2]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

Far as I know they are the same as the later 44’s and even interchangeable with the later front 10 bolts as long as your 72 still has the original open knuckle disk brake 44.

Out of curiosity where is it broke at? That’s not a terribly common issue with them.

Just above the stop bolt on the back side. It's got a crack that has opened up. It's making the wheel lean in a bit at the top. Drives terrible and I'm afraid it will get worse. I'd really like to know what happened because the truck is very original and doesn't appear to have been wrecked.

[Richard]

The 76 and older knuckles have the tie rod on top, ball joint nut down. 77+ tie rod on bottom and are are nut up.

[tinman_local2]

Originally Posted by Richard

The 76 and older knuckles have the tie rod on top, ball joint nut down. 77+ tie rod on bottom and are are nut up.

Is that the only difference? Couldn't a guy still make that work by turning the tie rod over on that side?

[Richard]

Originally Posted by tinman_local2

Is that the only difference? Couldn't a guy still make that work by turning the tie rod over on that side?

As far as know that is the only difference. While the older/newer together might work, the tie rod would be running at an angle. I would not do it. The older style is preferred anyway as it puts the tie rod higher. New knuckles are available. Though some can be a bit pricey as they are heavy duty versions.

[tinman_local2]

Originally Posted by Richard

As far as know that is the only difference. While the older/newer together might work, the tie rod would be running at an angle. I would not do it. The older style is preferred anyway as it puts the tie rod higher. New knuckles are available. Though some can be a bit pricey as they are heavy duty versions.

Looks like I'll be looking for a pre-77 knuckle. I've got a parts guy checking on one he might have, but I'm not too optimistic he'll come up with anything. Thanks for the help.

[jocko]

Right or Left? Here's a used right one: https://torqueking.com/product/55302...972-chevy-gmc/

They have a link for the left side but it's out of stock.

Another option if you're trying to hemorrhage some money, but I bet these won't break https://craneaxle.com/default/dana-44-knuckle-kit.html

[Richard]

The Reid Racing knuckles run average $250 ea. + or - a bit if you fail to find used. Both sides are milled and tapped for crossover/high steer as well if you are interested in that.

[tinman_local2]

I need the drivers side. I had looked at Torqueking and got excited when I saw the used parts and just my luck the one I need is out of stock.