The steering knuckles on my 1977 (pre-1977.5) F-250 high boy are worn out. It has an 8 lug dana 44 which I understand to be original. Would a used set off of a 1978 f-250 work as a replacement?
The part numbers on the newer knuckles are: 620048UF (L) & 620047 (R). and the casting numbers on my old ones are: C37942 (driver) and C37841 (passanger). Both are for use with disc brakes.
If this year is not compatable, which years would be.

thanks in advance

Seth

 

Welcome to FTE

All 1976/77 F250 4WD's (thru serial # Y40,001) have the same Ford part numbers for spindles/arms.

This includes the last F250 4WD (highboy), produced before #Y20,001.

1973/79 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalog / Front Axle Part List Numbers: 30.5V, W, X, Y.

Spindles: 2) D6TZ-3105-D.

Spindle Arms: D6TZ-3130-C right / D6TZ-3131-C left.
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1978/79 F250 4WD's do not have the same spindle/spindle arm part numbers.

1978/79 Spindles: 2) D7TZ-3105-A or 2) D8TZ-3105-A (it depends on the front axle code tag #).

1978/79 spindle arm part numbers: D7TZ-3130-A right / D7TZ-3131-A or D8TZ-3131-D left (again, it depends on the axle code tag #).

Looking up front axle parts for any Ford 4WD without the axle tag # is a B!TCH!

There are dozens of parts lists due to serial number changes, weight capacities of the front axle, with/without free running hubs, axle ratios.

 

Please excuse my ignorance, but when you say spindle, is that the same thing as a steering knuckle and I need the parts listed above? Or are you saying that those are the spindles I need and if I get the axel tag number I will be able to tell the part number for the steering knuckles?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
Sorry again this is my first old car/truck. After years and years of wanting one of these trucks I decided to get one and build it. <o></o>

 

Exacty what is worn out?
Nothing in the knuckle can really wear out. You sure you dont just have bad ball joints? Those wear out, and can be replaced.
Outer knuckles are pretty tough in stock form, and when used with a stock application, and should outlast the truck.
Before you run yourself crazy looking for parts, you may want to verify that you are looking at the correct components.
Here is a couple pics of a steering knuckle that has been modified for a crossover steering conversion. While I am not suggesting this (yet) it is an example of a stripped down knuckle, and you can see that there is nothing there to get worn out.
Image of Finished D44 knuckle - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 

I guess "worn out" implies wear from use, these seem to be rusted out, where the ball joints would connect to the steering knuckle is very very rusted. The knuckle itslef is so rusted the casting number is hard to read. I am the 3rd owner of this truck, the first 2 lived in PA, and Mass respectivly.
I did how ever get the turn signals working this AM...... baby steps, baby steps


seth

 

I see, I see. That would be a problem, But I am thinking that if the "sockets" where the ball joints are in decent shape, and they have not been exposed to the elements, then you might be able to salvage what you have.
There are several methods available to clean the bad rust off, but if it has comprimised the integrity of the knuckle, then you will probably have to find new ones.
After a few looks I see that there are a ton of them availabe almost everywhere. An example:
eBay Motors: Dana 44 Ford 3/4 ton F250 Flat Top Knuckles high steer (item 280216944647 end time Apr-17-08 10:44:00 PDT)

Congrats on the repair of the turn indicators. Nice job

 

Okay I talked to an axel shop up in Raliegh called stone truck parts. The man said if he didn't have any he could get them pretty easy but her needs:

Bill of Material # stamped on the axle, near the “hogshead”.

I crawled all around and and saw no numbers and nothing that looks like the head of an animal. can any one point me in the right direction as where to look?

 

the "hogshead" is where the ring and pinion reside
it will be on the axel tube near that housing

 

 

gentlemen thank you much for your help, that saved me a ton of time

seth

 

if you can post up any pictures of the problems you are refering too
that would be cool
I would like to see what you are talking about

 

Okay so this weekend I crawled under the truck with a wire brush and a flash light, and I could find no numbers, but there is a bracket for the power steering there and I am wondering if I have to remove that to get the bom number



above is a picture of the part I am talking about, would the BoM be behind this?

 

Nope check the other side of the diff