I am currently looking at a 4x4 1972 ford f250 highboy. I plan to swap the axels with outdated drum breaks to newer disc breaks, at least the front.( for more breaking power) Can anyone tell me exactly what axels I need to look for? Thanks in advance.

P.s. they are 8lug axels.

 

A 1979 F250 Dana 44 front axle would be almost a direct bolt up and fairly inexpensive ($300). They have disk brakes and have a high pinion reverse cut gear set. This is probably the option you will want to go with.

If you are running BIG tires you will want to look for a Dana 60 out of a 1979 F350, but these are becoming very hard to find and expensive (1000+).

 

Okay, 300 hundred ain't too bad. I'm only running 35s would I need the Dana 60?

 

in addition a 76 - 77 1/2 is also a Dana 44 disc brake, open knuckle front axle that is a low pinion that is the same as what is in the truck now. It is a 100 percent direct bolt in replacement. with the high pinion it is also a direct bolt in replacement with the exception you have to shorten the front driveshaft a few inches. If you find a high pinion by all means use it, I'm just letting you know some more of your options.
I think that unless you are doing a lot of hard off-road or rock crawling you will be OK with a Dana 44 running 35's

 

A Dana 44 front would be fine with 35s. The 76-77 1/2 might be a nice option for you also, but I am pretty sure the 78-79 Dana 44 axles utilize kingpins which is nice (I know the 60's do at least) and as mentioned is a high pinion. 78-79 is the superior axle, but like was mentioned the 76-77 1/2 is a direct replacement.

 

I'm gonna be doing a lot of hauling so I kinda need a 3/4. Correct me if I'm wrong I want a 3/4 Dana 44 low pinion. Or is the 3/4 a high pinion?

 

The Dana 44 we are talking about are both F-250 3/4 ton axle's, just different year model's. Eight lug that mount with leaf springs.

 

O my bad, I saw 76-77 1/2 and thought you guys were talking bout a half ton axel. I understand now. Thanks, I know what to look for now.

 

Don't forget the low-pinion Dana 60 which also has disc brakes.

 

If you are changing anyway, it's a good time to upgrade to a 60. 44s are just marginally strong enough for an F250 that sees light 4x4 service. I would not put 35s on a 44 for any serious off roading, maybe ok for a pavement pounder.