Dana44 conversion
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Joined: Mar 2001
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Dana44 conversion
I'm planning on a straight axle conversion for my 86 f150. I recently came across a 74 f150 with a closed knuckle 44 for cheap. Would there be a question as to the strength of the axle or parts availability. There are drum brakes on it now but I am confident that I can convert to front discs, with all the proper parts of course. Is there a width difference between the closed knuckle and the open knuckle applications? Are the suspension pieces too different between the late 70'sand early 70's rears to do this swap? I have read that the 78&79 diffs are the optimum width for this. Thanks,Bill
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
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From: Marble Falls, Texas
Dana44 conversion
Dude, pass on the closed knuckle Dana 44. Whether or not you can convert to disk or not, I don't know. But the closed knuckle design plain old SUCKS! You would be replacing more seals than a chevrolet mechanic. And that's alot. Trust me, Dana 44 fronts are a dime a doezen with disk brakes. Just look around a little more. Look under Dodges' and Fords. Ask the junk yard guys, they should also be able to help you. Just keep your eyes open, you'll spend alot less money and time on an open knuckle with disk breaks. I don't know if any of this will help, but in my best opinion, pass on that one.
RubberDuck
RubberDuck
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Joined: Mar 2000
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From: USA
Dana44 conversion
Ditto, Dana 44 closed knuckles are getting harder to find parts for and they do lose seals alot... Look for a 1977-1979 Dana 44 front from a Little Bronco (77) Fullsize Bronco (78-79) or F-150 (77-79)
Uzi... Yamaha Sleds, Honda Bikes, and Ford Trucks....
Uzi... Yamaha Sleds, Honda Bikes, and Ford Trucks....
New User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 8
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From: Willits Ca
Dana44 conversion
Skip the early bronco axle. It will not be wide enough for your F-150. Other than that if you want to keep the coil spring fron end there should be plenty of F150 or 78-79 broncos that you can find a complete front end for parts.
Don
Don
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Villa Ridge, MO
Dana44 conversion
FYI....i picked up my Mono D44 out of an '78 Bronco for $200 at a junk yard. Got em to cut it right out of the truck. As far as i can tell...its in great shape and ready for a rebuild. BUT you do have to consider all of the other facts about the swap....wont just bolt up...have to do a little converting....As for me i got a kit from Fabritech that makes quick work of this swap....not sure if you did the other post about this...covered the stumbling blocks i found there.....anyway....there you go...
Dan "Mudinford" MacDonald
Rather be pushing a Ford than driving a Chevy.
Like A Rock......In Water!
Dan "Mudinford" MacDonald
Rather be pushing a Ford than driving a Chevy.
Like A Rock......In Water!
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