closed knuckle front end
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: whitefish
closed knuckle front end
I have a 76 f250 4x4 with a d44hd front end,it is of the closed knuckle type. What years were these used? also why are they so bad,i mean this is all ive heard,and can or even should switch them to something else? Thanks y,all!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
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From: Northern California
closed knuckle front end
The closed knuckle was used from about 77 back and got a bad rap because of sealing. The seal tend to leak and allow water in and that will ruin everything. The open style is simple and a bit easier to maintain.
I just rebuilt my D44 on a 73 F250 and the seal kits were $12 each and the job wasn't that hard. I filled the knuckle with blue trailer greese that's water resistant and it's working great. The seals don't work too well with oil so most use a combo of greese and oil or straight oil.
The only real down side is that if you get water in there you have to clean it out and that takes a bit of work. I don't think it's worthwhile to replace them just because they require a bit more work.
I just rebuilt my D44 on a 73 F250 and the seal kits were $12 each and the job wasn't that hard. I filled the knuckle with blue trailer greese that's water resistant and it's working great. The seals don't work too well with oil so most use a combo of greese and oil or straight oil.
The only real down side is that if you get water in there you have to clean it out and that takes a bit of work. I don't think it's worthwhile to replace them just because they require a bit more work.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 63
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From: whitefish
closed knuckle front end
Thanks for the info, can you get this seal kit at local auto store? I have a Clymer shop manuel and it doesn't go into detail on this(or much else for that matter). Can you or anyone else recomend a good manual for my 76 f250 4x4? Thanks much 
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
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closed knuckle front end
Sorry, but if it is a 1976 truck it would have had a low pinion OPEN knuckle D-44. So it looks like someone changed axles on you before you bought it.:-(
1975 was the last year for closed knuckle. '76-'77 1/2 were open knuckle with disc brakes.
If your D-44 is indeed a HD. then it will have the large external hubs with 6 each 3/8" cap screws holding the assemble together.
Good luck.
Eric
1975 was the last year for closed knuckle. '76-'77 1/2 were open knuckle with disc brakes.
If your D-44 is indeed a HD. then it will have the large external hubs with 6 each 3/8" cap screws holding the assemble together.
Good luck.
Eric
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: in the country
closed knuckle front end
If you can see the u-joint its an open knuckle-------the d44 , HD axle is characterized by large hubs about 4 inches or so in diameter---I just measured mine -----you've got a very tough axle on your truck in my opinion.....fd
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