1979 Dana 44 Front Axle Brake Rotor Upgrade
 

I'm looking to see who has done the 2 piece 4x4 hub and rotor upgrade.
I've got a Dana 44 Front Axle going into my 1969 4x4 frame, and would like to go with the 2 piece Hub, rotor combo.

Parts Geek numbers.
Hub Assembly 3405-05915387
Rotor 3405-07724999

Re: 1979 Dana 44 Front Axle Brake Rotor Upgrade
 

They're all two-piece hub/rotors. The wheel studs are what holds the rotor onto the back of the hub. If you press out the studs the rotor will come off the back of the hub.
What axle are you replacing? What axle is going to be installed? Does it already have disc brakes or is it drums? Open or closed knuckle? AFAIK Dana 44's were not offered in 1979 and had been replaced with the GM 10-bolt axle. Some pictures will help too.

Re: 1979 Dana 44 Front Axle Brake Rotor Upgrade
 

He has a 69 if original most likely to be a closed knuckle dana 44 with 3.73 gears
I have had a couple of 70 trucks with open knuckle dana 44 with drums

I would say you also have the sm420 with rockwell tcase in your truck they have shorter front drive shaft and longer rear shaft then the sm465 with np205 tcase

And yes hub and rotors are two peice on a 4x4 not one peice like c10 trucks

I think it was 81 when they switched front diffs
https://torqueking.com/category/1973...44-front-axle/

You will need the tierod setup for the newer diff
The drag link is also longer on the open knuckle dana 44 compared to the closed knuckle

It will turn a bit more sharper too

If your donor truck still has its 12 bolt rear you might want to snag it as well it will be wider then the 69 diff and be closer to the same width as the front diff

Re: 1979 Dana 44 Front Axle Brake Rotor Upgrade
 

Just swap out a complete with disc brake----either wise you will end up with a morphidite front axle to make it work correctly. Plenty of 44s and 10 bolts, just match the gear ratio to make it easier

Re: 1979 Dana 44 Front Axle Brake Rotor Upgrade
 

In case the OP is on the fence and needs a consensus, I couldn't agree more. Get a post 1970 44, it will fit right in. Or get a dana 60 if you can find one.

j

Re: 1979 Dana 44 Front Axle Brake Rotor Upgrade
 

I'm in on the consensus
Just did this swap on my 67 K20
Used a D44 from a 76
Bolted rite up no issues and love the tighter turning radius
And disk brakes