I have a 1974 f-250 4X4 highboy with the front drum brakes and power assist steering. I am considering the purchase of a complete front axle assembly and steering box off of a 79 f-250. The 79 has a "high pinion" dana 44. This brings me to my question! Does anyone know if the front driveshaft rotation direction is the same for a 1974 f-250 (highboy) which has a low pinion heavy duty dana 44 as a 1979 f-250 with a high pinion dana 44????? Has anyone ever done this? Do all 79's have the high pinion front axle?

 

They turn the same direction,and it can be done.I had a 75 f250 highboy crewcab with the same swap.
The term reverse rotation doent really mean that the shafts ae turning the opposite way.It actually refers to the way that the gears themselves are cut.
They are cut so that the strongest part of the teeth is where the pressure is applied while in 4wd on a high pinion axle.A high pinon axle is better for keeping driveshaft angles at a minimum,but it is basically an upside down rear axle with steering,so when going forward the pinion gear will be putting a lot of pressure on the weakest side of the ring gear.Therefore the solution was to cut the gears at the opposite angle,to put the pressure on the strongest side while going forward in 4WD.
Sorry if I wrote this in a confusing way,but I hope it helps.