I know this subject has been beat to death, but here I go anyway. I have a 75 f250 with a dana 44hd closed knuckle. Does anyone have an opinion on trying to convert to disc brakes using the wilwood d52 dual piston gm caliper, I am thinking this would give considerably more clearance for the knuckle.

 

I would think using a factory Ford disc brake front end would be the way to go.

Years back I put a '76 F-250 open knuckle disc brake front axle under a '68 F-250 to replace a closed knuckle drum brake front end. As I remember,with the exception of the hard line to flex line brake connections and changing the master cylinder, the front end swap was a nut and bolt changeover.

My '68 would eat a set of trunion (king pin) bearings every year. Going to the open knuckle and getting disc brakes in the deal was a no brainer for me.

I can't see using off brand and conversion parts to do what the factory has done.

 

Its not as simple as that would seem, those axles are highly sought after and not easily found. Not to mention expensive when they are. I have been searching the junkyards for years, when they do pop up, 1000.00 to a couple grand is average.

 

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Please no more axle swap comments, I know thats a possibility and if the right deal comes I will consider it. I dont believe I am the only one who would want to just install disc brakes On my existing axle.

 

78/79 dana 44 is the way to go. Where do you live? I have one on my highboy ill be selling. I also get them at the pick n pull for about $250. Also, I hate the closed knuckle ones because ive had 3 friends break them just driving down a dirt road. All the time and money spent on converting it you could just upgrade and never have to worry. Ill have to find the pics of where they broke the closed knuckle. But that's why everyone wants the open ones.

 

I live in auburn washington, south of seattle.

 

No one has any Ideas? Again, please no suggestions for axle swaps. I need no help from anyone on that subject. But other please throw your ideas around.
Thanks

 

There used to be a company that made a conversion kit. The problem is it costs over 800. I have been looking to see if any other vehicles used this axle with disc brakes, still haven't found something. May just have to make something myself.

 

I can't believe the is still being discussed. I do not understand why you would want to even think about it. The axle you're dreaming of was already made by the factory as mentioned above. I bought a d44 a while back with big hubs and disc brakes for $125. I woulda donated it to ya to save some headaches. Even though the 78/79 swap is the way to go I understand if you don't want to get into the steering swap.

 

Im not dreaming of an axle, Im asking about disc brakes. And I typically do not post on these forums because overwhelming the answers are not on topic. I am fully aware of the high pinion dana 44 with disc brakes on it. 10 more people can post the same thing, and I will still know about them. And its still not the point. Thank you very much

 

Maybe this will answer your question? Looks like it can be done.

Dana 44 Front Disc Brake Swap - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

https://lugnut4x4.com/product/dana-6...onversion-kit/

Closed Knuckle D44 8-lug Disc Brake Conversion | BinderPlanet

axles ford a 75 f-250 w/ closed knuckle D44 front,need help w/disc brake conversion - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

 

Because sometimes on forums people have experience, and know that doing certain things are a waste of time and money.

 

Black Bird out of Washington State used to carry them,not sure if their in business any more,but I have talked to him on the phone,small company that seviced our trucks in alot ways.I could probably find the phone # and you could call him up.He made the disk kit for the 75hb

 

I apologize for hijacking this thread, but it is a more recent one with comments. I'm looking for an open knuckle D44HD or D60 to replace the closed knuckle D44 on my '75 F250. I broke both axles last week, and they are pretty much impossible to find.
Anyone know where I can find one?

 

I have a complete axle but don't want to part it out and you're too far to ship a complete one. However this guy might part his out:
Dana 44 low low pinion