Hey folks, I have a '76,'78,'79. crew cab dually, I want to convert to 4x4 front end. Will my eight lug rotor/spindle assemblies interchange. Any Input welcomed and appreciated.

 

You are going to make one of the trucks 4 wheel drive, and you want to use the 2wd rotors and splindles?
The rotors are very different, as are the splindles. 4wd trucks have a hole in the splindle so the axle can go through, and a hub assembly with internal splines so the front axle can engage.
The 2wd rotor is more like a car, and the complete rotor rides on a solid splindle (no hole in the middle) and has no provisions for the axle.
Complete axles are very easy to come by, and should have about everything that you need.

 

Great, so I need to look for an eight lug 4x4 unit, they must be layin' round somewhere. I want to stay with the eight lug rims, most of what I have seen out there are the light duty 1/2 systems. I asked , because I found a dirt cheap running 1/2 ton 4x4. I will no doubt need to figure on matching gear ratios. Have any help there? appreciate your help.

 

You are going to have two choices on front axles (actually you have a bunch)
D44
D60
Both available in closed knuckle and open knuckle. Both available with Standard spiral, and Reverse spiral (low pinion / high pinion), Both available with drums or disc.
Early low pinion closed knuckle will have drum brakes, later model will be high pinion (RS) open knuckle, and have disc brakes. The ones in the middle were kind of a mix, and you might even find some that were converted.
I see D44's all over the place, and they are very inexpensive. The later more desireable D60's can get a little spendy.
You will also be limited on front wheel selection since the std wheel will have to be used. No pos offset stuff wothout getting very creative, since they were never available as a DRW configuration. Most dually 4wd trucks you will see from these years will have a regular single style front wheel.
Have seen D44's for as little as a couple of hundred bucks. These come out of trucks often as guys are upgrading to D60's up front.


Oh yeah, you will need to match (within reason, not exect) the front and rear ratios. Staying within .03:1 + or - with a part time case will offer no difficulties.

 

My suggestion because of all that's involved:

If you want a 4x4.. Buy a 4x4

 

nuf said there. I have a lot more time than money, and I am completely out of time.....
:-] .... I have to wonder though, I said to my self, "self", why don't you look at things logically before you leap. My original question was painfully ,obviously, ahhh, dumb. I do want to recycle what I can. I used to be into cars, a novice fix it up to work for me guy. Now I like to deal with trucks, more elbow room. I'll consider yer suggestion. Thanks