4x4 axle questions

[snakester]

i have a 1975 chevy 12 bolt front end and was wondering if i was able to swap to a 10 bolt from the ball joints out to upgrade to newer parts cause it is hard to get parts for a 75

[enaberif]

I'm curious why you have a 12bolt in the front end for? You should have a dana44?

[snj8198]

is the OP mis understood what a 12 bolt is and is counting the cover bolts?

should be a dana 44 or, if replaced, a 10 bolt.

[kwmech]

He has a d44 with the large lockouts and probably has bad hubs or a combination of bad parts that are no longer available. Any ways, to answer your question. You can keep the knuckles on and just swap from the spindle out. Can use the same backing plates/(caliper mount) and calipers, just swap out the spindles, bearings hub/rotor assy and locking hubs

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by kwmech

He has a d44 with the large lockouts and probably has bad hubs or a combination of bad parts that are no longer available. Any ways, to answer your question. You can keep the knuckles on and just swap from the spindle out. Can use the same backing plates/(caliper mount) and calipers, just swap out the spindles, bearings hub/rotor assy and locking hubs

In 1975 that truck would have used a NP203 which used slugs in the front of the axles. There should be no reason getting parts for a Dana44 is difficult.

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Originally Posted by enaberif

In 1975 that truck would have used a NP203 which used slugs in the front of the axles. There should be no reason getting parts for a Dana44 is difficult.

203 (full-time) was the only T-case option in '75??

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by RIDE-RED 350r

203 (full-time) was the only T-case option in '75??

If the truck was automatic you got the NP203 but if you had the SM465 you most likely got the NP205. But either way you still had a Dana44 until around 77-78 when they switched to the 10 bolt.

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by enaberif

If the truck was automatic you got the NP203 but if you had the SM465 you most likely got the NP205. But either way you still had a Dana44 until around 77-78 when they switched to the 10 bolt.

Correct, but the OP did not specify whether it was a 1/2 or 3/4 also. I assumed it was a 3/4 ton due to the parts not being available

[argonaut]

All parts are available for both the smal and large bearing dana 44s. Check napa or other local parts store of your choice. They should have the books to look up all the part numbers for bearings and seals.

[andrewmp6]

I think the reason he can't find parts is hes looking for a 12 bolt steering axle.A dana 44 all parts can be ordered online somewhere.Only gm axles that are hard to find parts are the napco and the eatons.

[snakester]

yes i thought it was a 12 bolt cause the cover has 12 bolts. but when i went to parts store to get all new hub assembly's with bearing rotor etc they said their is nothing reproduced for my axle.i need to replace it bearings wore out. i would appericate if any of you guys can help me steer toward the right place.

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by snakester

yes i thought it was a 12 bolt cause the cover has 12 bolts. but when i went to parts store to get all new hub assembly's with bearing rotor etc they said their is nothing reproduced for my axle.i need to replace it bearings wore out. i would appericate if any of you guys can help me steer toward the right place.

You can't just buy a new "hub assembly". You just purchase inner and outer bearings plus a seal kit for your hubs.

All in you should be looking around $150-160 dollars for the materials plus the extra cost of the tools.

Rotors are also a separate item and there will be two diff sizes of that oo.

[snakester]

i have tryed to look these part numbers up on the orignals but they are nowhere to be found thats why i wanted to switch from ball joints out to a 80s model front end so i can get parts just need to know if i can or not i have the tools

[enaberif]

[Mike C]

Go back to the parts store and tell the guy what year and model your truck is. Have him look up the parts. Don't confuse him by trying to tell him what axle you have would be my recommendation.

[kwmech]

How about a picture of the axle from a front on view and a pic of the knuckle

[argonaut]

snakester,
Is your truck 1/2 ton (6-lug) or 3/4 ton (8-lug)?
What is the outer diameter of the hub, where the lockouts bolt on?
Can you take a picture of your diff cover, and one of your hubs?

Just because it is a 75 doesn't mean it has the original axle. many parts get swapped on these old pickups over the years. If you can answer the questions above and provide a couple pics we can identify the axle type and ensure you get the correct parts for it.

[b454rat]

Either way I'd go to a different parts store if the guy says parts aren't available. Everything from the knuckles out is interchangeable, even between other makes. (GM, Ford, Dodge, IH etc)

[snakester]

the truck is half ton 6 lug. i can upload pictures later tonight of the front end. i do not know the measurements. but i will have everything uploaded tonight so you guys can help me thank you

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by snakester

the truck is half ton 6 lug. i can upload pictures later tonight of the front end. i do not know the measurements. but i will have everything uploaded tonight so you guys can help me thank you

IF and I highly emphasize IF the front end is original and is a D44 you will have 2 sets of bearings. The outer bearings will be smaller and the inner bearings will be larger.

Rebuilding the front end of a D44 is so simple but just time consuming and the ujoints are the biggest headache.

[snakester]

thats excatly how it was when i took it apart the outer bearing was smaller and the inner was bigger. ive had it all apart before just need all new parts. im acually rebuilding the front end then selling it. it has a 1987 body with a 75 frame down its swb

[argonaut]

Since it is half ton it should use the same parts as all 1/2 ton truck axles from 73 to 87. It shouldn't be a problem finding parts. If it is the original axle then it is a dana 44. If it is a later model then it is likely a GM 10 bolt. Either way I believe the parts outside of the knuckle to be the same for both.

[snakester]

when we searched part numbers they were diffent bearing numbers i could just measure the size of the bearings and see if it will slide right on the spindle or not

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by snakester

when we searched part numbers they were diffent bearing numbers i could just measure the size of the bearings and see if it will slide right on the spindle or not

Bearing numbers can change all the time. Go to an actual gear shop or driveline shop and tell them you need inner/outer bearings and a seal kit for a 1975 chevy 1/2 ton with a dana44.

If they are competent they will have the dana book or spicer book and in 10 minutes have the parts to you.

Chain part stores are useless for this crap.

[snakester]

okay i will go to some 4x4 places in town and post if i find anything out thanks for the help