74 1/2 4x4 ton axle swap to 3/4

[max75432]

I have a 74 Chevy K10 that is beefed up from one end to the
other with a 383 stroker motor Pushing around 425 hp. 4 speed. New process 203 680cfm spread bore duel line holey ,
elder Brock performer alum high rise intake , Headers , 2 ½” Exhaust 194 doubled springed ported heads & milled heads , roller rocker arms , flat top pistons torque bored 60 over standard . 2” atomizer block and a high torque low rpm cam
double roller timing chain with steel gears. Axccell high performance electronic ingnation and bosch platinum tip plugs.
I have broken some axles and want to go to a stronger ¾ ton axle full floating.
I am running 6 lugs now did Chevy make a 6 lug free floater axle to interchange out. My axles are the same length on both sides.
Did GM make a 8 lug Dana 44 front end . I broke off a rear axle and rolled my truck last week but the roll bar held up.
I need to beef up the rear and front axles. I am running an auburn limited slip in the rear with 373 gears.
I also want to change out to disk brakes on the rear axle.
Did Chevy make any year model with parts I want ?
Can I get some information Please ?
>>

[251williams]

Can go with a GM 14 bolt with floating axles should bolt right on. But I would go with a Dana 60 not the Dana 44. The Danna 44 will still break even if it is a 8 lug.

[79D604SPD]

I agree, the 14bolt full-float will work great, but 8 and 6 lug Dana 44s have basically the same internals, so a Dana 60 with matching gears would be the best axle to upgrade to, even though they can be hard-to-find and pricey sometimes. Check www.car-part.com for sometimes good deals.

[max75432]

Originally posted by 251williams
Can go with a GM 14 bolt with floating axles should bolt right on. But I would go with a Dana 60 not the Dana 44. The Danna 44 will still break even if it is a 8 lug.


Did GM make a 12 bolt full floating rear axle with a 6 lug bolt pattern ? So my wheels will fit?
Will my auburn limited slip still fit this floater ?

[max75432]

Originally posted by 79D604SPD
I agree, the 14bolt full-float will work great, but 8 and 6 lug Dana 44s have basically the same internals, so a Dana 60 with matching gears would be the best axle to upgrade to, even though they can be hard-to-find and pricey sometimes. Check www.car-part.com for sometimes good deals.

What model did chevy make a dana 44 with leaf springs that had
8 lug wheels ? If I have to change rear ends I want to save the front end. I have had no trouble with it except lug bolts breaking.

[max75432]

74 1/2 4x4 ton axle swap to 3/4
I have a 74 Chevy K10 that is beefed up from one end to the
other with a 383 stroker motor Pushing around 425 hp. 4 speed. New process 203 680cfm spread bore duel line holey ,
elder Brock performer alum high rise intake , Headers , 2 ½” Exhaust 194 doubled springed ported heads & milled heads , roller rocker arms , flat top pistons torque bored 60 over standard . 2” atomizer block and a high torque low rpm cam
double roller timing chain with steel gears. Axccell high performance electronic ingnation and bosch platinum tip plugs.
I have broken some axles and want to go to a stronger ¾ ton axle full floating.
I am running 6 lugs now did Chevy make a 6 lug free floater axle to interchange out. My axles are the same length on both sides.
Did GM make a 8 lug Dana 44 front end . I broke off a rear axle and rolled my truck last week but the roll bar held up.
I need to beef up the rear and front axles. I am running an auburn limited slip in the rear with 373 gears.
I also want to change out to disk brakes on the rear axle.
Did Chevy make any year model with parts I want ?
Can I get some information Please ?
>>
What model did chevy make a dana 44 with 8 lug wheels ?
will the carrier out ot a 12 bolt corp chevy fit a 14 bolt rear end

[wyldman]

I merged your new thread here,as it really should be a continuation of this thread.No need to post in in another forum. :D

Now,to answer your question.....

Most of the early 73-77 3/4 tons all used D44's with the 8 bolt pattern.They are identical to the 1/2 ton setup for strength,as they use the same carrier,axles,etc.The only difference is the bigger brakes,and the 8 bolt hubs.

will the carrier out ot a 12 bolt corp chevy fit a 14 bolt rear end

I am assuming you mean the case ? or the center section.No it will not,they are totally different.The carrier is the housing,and the case is what the ring gear bolts to.

The D60 would be the best way to go,along with a 14 bolt FF in the rear.

[79D604SPD]

Chris,
I'm glad that you mentioned that when it comes to axles-the case is what the ring gear bolts to, and the carrier is the axle housing. This is the way I was taught that is the right way, but in some publications and periodicals, you see it posted vice-versa and it can be confusing when ordering parts or gears for an axle.

jonathan

[max75432]

Did chevy make a 8 lug wheel that will interchange with the dana 6 lug wheel with out changing out the complete axle housing ?
will I have to change out the wheel hubs. What about the disk brakes I have now.
What is your opion about a limited slip for the front axle. will it turn alright in the mud. I have lock out hubs for the highway.
what type do you recomend? Cost is the issue to me now.

I have two spare dana 44 6 lug axles for extra parts internal.
but if I change to 8 lug floater rear end I want the wheel to be the same bolt hole pattern for one spare.
does some one make a disk brake conversion for the 12 bolt rear end. Can I use the calipers I already have on my extra blazers.
Information please ?

[wyldman]

No,Chevy never made a dual pattern wheel,so you will need to either switch both to 8 lug,or carry two spares.You can get 6 bolt 16\16.5 " wheels or 15" 8 lug wheels so the tires will match.

It's not hard to convert a 6 bolt D44 to the 8 bolt.You need hubs rotor,calipers,etc,it's just a bolt on.

I wouldn't recommend a LS or posi for mud if you need to turn.You can unlock one hub to help,but it sucks trying to do so in the mud.An ARB or OX locker is the way to go.

There are companies who make rear disks kits for the 12 bolts,using GM car calipers.The truck calipers would be too big for a rear application.

Keep your spare 44's,as all the internals,carrier,axles etc are all the same between 6 and 8 bolt.

[ratlover]

I believe people are sticking caddy stuff on the back, might do a search on coloradok5 or the like.

posi in the front will suck unless you just want to go straight. or if you want to lock and unlock your hubs or run around with one unlocked so you are back to 3 wheel drive. an ox or arb is cool but kinda unneeded. just be happy with less $$$ being able to turn and having 3 wheel drive JMO:)

[wyldman]

You will only need the eldorado calipers if you want a parking brake.Those calipers are trouble,and constantly sieze up,especially if used off road.

If you want a parking brake,add a driveshaft or pinion mounted disc brake.