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Hey there. I’ve searched the forum and the interweb for days without success. I’m restoring a 75 highboy and part of that is converting to disk brakes. I’m 99% sure there isn’t a kit for the front Dana 44HD. I’m aware the 78/79 front axle is desired but can’t find one really. Some new/rebuilt/built ones for 6k to 10k which isn’t happening. I also know 05 to 16 SD axles are an option but I don’t want to deal with the bolt pattern swap and everything that goes with that either.
So, my question is, what else is there? Any other Dana 60s out of a Dodge or similar work? Is there a Disk Brake kit that will work on my 75 D44HD? Or does anyone have a lead or selling a 78/79 F250 axle?
You can look for a 76 or 77 highboy axle. It will be a Dana 44 but it will be open knuckle and have disc brakes. I see them for sale in the $500ish range usually, sometimes up to $1000.
I believe someone makes a conversion kit for your axle but it’s not cheap.
78/79 Dana 44s should also be obtainable but I think those are high pinion so slightly more desirable. The really expensive ones are the 78/79 Dana 60s ($3k)
You can look for a 76 or 77 highboy axle. It will be a Dana 44 but it will be open knuckle and have disc brakes. I see them for sale in the $500ish range usually, sometimes up to $1000.
I believe someone makes a conversion kit for your axle but it’s not cheap.
78/79 Dana 44s should also be obtainable but I think those are high pinion so slightly more desirable. The really expensive ones are the 78/79 Dana 60s ($3k)
This is good info. I had a feeling 76 or 77 would fit but no one talks about them so figured something didn’t make it worth while. I’m not off roading with it and tight steering radius isn’t a must. Thank you.
Still would consider a kit if it existed. My current axle is a diamond and upgrading to EPS either way.
This is good info. I had a feeling 76 or 77 would fit but no one talks about them so figured something didn’t make it worth while. I’m not off roading with it and tight steering radius isn’t a must. Thank you.
Still would consider a kit if it existed. My current axle is a diamond and upgrading to EPS either way.
The reason it's not talked about is it was only made 76'-771/2' on just a small grouping of their trucks. Axles like Dodge and Chevy etc. won't work because they're passenger side drop for the differential / axle.
I've seen several candidates that would be matches for your set up but you'll need to give us your axle ratio for the rear in order to match it. If you go with the 771/2'-79' Dana 44 from F250 you'll need the steering gear box too. They're out there just let us know how much your budget is and gear ratio so we can point you in the right direction.
The reason it's not talked about is it was only made 76'-771/2' on just a small grouping of their trucks. Axles like Dodge and Chevy etc. won't work because they're passenger side drop for the differential / axle.
I've seen several candidates that would be matches for your set up but you'll need to give us your axle ratio for the rear in order to match it. If you go with the 771/2'-79' Dana 44 from F250 you'll need the steering gear box too. They're out there just let us know how much your budget is and gear ratio so we can point you in the right direction.
4:10 on the gearing. I will be adding EPS if it makes a difference box wise. Can’t remember if Steerman includes a box? Price has to make sense. If it’s fully dressed out, couple grand I guess. If it’s a dog that needs a full rebuild and no brakes. 500
4:10 on the gearing. I will be adding EPS if it makes a difference box wise. Can’t remember if Steerman includes a box? Price has to make sense. If it’s fully dressed out, couple grand I guess. If it’s a dog that needs a full rebuild and no brakes. 500
You' want something that has your hubs if it's a highboy dana 44 because what they're getting for OEM hubs these days. The other option is a parts truck or rolling chassis. I saw a 79' F250 with the Snow fighter Dana 60 this last week. It was a roller with the cab but there were no good parts to speak of even the steering gear box was gone already.
You' want something that has your hubs if it's a highboy dana 44 because what they're getting for OEM hubs these days. The other option is a parts truck or rolling chassis. I saw a 79' F250 with the Snow fighter Dana 60 this last week. It was a roller with the cab but there were no good parts to speak of even the steering gear box was gone already.
Snow fighter is a pipe dream but would be awesome. I’d take a rough 44 and just bring it back. Disk brakes are a must.
I could not find a disk brake swap kit for your 75 either after a quick look at regular sources, and if there is one I am sure it is $$. Those high price/hard to get 77-79 Dana 44's for 6 to 10K, is just crazy and must be a west coast thing?
In the mid west I can buy a 78/79 F250 complete useable Dana 44 axle for three to five hundred bucks. I can buy a complete 4wd F250 parts truck for eight hundred to 1K. Yes the body is probably rusty, it probably does not run, but I am really only buying it for the 4wd running gear and parts.
Make sure going from a 75 HB (low pinion axle) to a 77-79 (high pinion) is not going to cause d/s-cross member-xfer case clearance issues. Also going from drum to disk might involve a need for a proportional valve change over.
My last 4wd F250 parts truck that was cheap enough that the frame/running gear (Dana 44/60), 4spd/NP-205 xfer all case went to Tx for a 2wd to 4wd swap.
I could not find a disk brake swap kit for your 75 either after a quick look at regular sources, and if there is one I am sure it is $$. Those high price/hard to get 77-79 Dana 44's for 6 to 10K, is just crazy and must be a west coast thing?
In the mid west I can buy a 78/79 F250 complete useable Dana 44 axle for three to five hundred bucks. I can buy a complete 4wd F250 parts truck for eight hundred to 1K. Yes the body is probably rusty, it probably does not run, but I am really only buying it for the 4wd running gear and parts.
Make sure going from a 75 HB (low pinion axle) to a 77-79 (high pinion) is not going to cause d/s-cross member-xfer case clearance issues. Also going from drum to disk might involve a need for a proportional valve change over.
My last 4wd F250 parts truck that was cheap enough that the frame/running gear (Dana 44/60), 4spd/NP-205 xfer all case went to Tx for a 2wd to 4wd swap.
Actually in Idaho now. Guess I need to update location. I’d drive for a lead on a 78/79 44 or 60. Can you share a site they’re listed on or even an actual link? I’ve expanded marketplace and eBay without success
Better pull the trigger now, because if I win the lottery next week, I am coming out west with a double stack car hauling trailer and getting that snowfighter axle, the Bronco and what ever else I can find Ford truck related. Like that trailer Special 4x4, that is a beautiful truck. A man needs space...to spread out his parts trucks. I better go buy another lottery ticket.
Better pull the trigger now, because if I win the lottery next week, I am coming out west with a double stack car hauling trailer and getting that snowfighter axle, the Bronco and what ever else I can find Ford truck related. Like that trailer Special 4x4, that is a beautiful truck. A man needs space...to spread out his parts trucks. I better go buy another lottery ticket.
I have a feeling we may have sold that axle for the guy! 😂
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