1970 k20 disc brake conversion

[kilokoa]

i need a little help here from someone that has done a disc brake conversion on a 1970 k20 with the aardvark open knuckle drum axle. I have a full dana 44 1973 axle here but the ring and pinion are toast. i was planning on doing the knuckle out swap and be done with it.

im getting mixed info from reading older posts on the forums. some say that it will not work because the axles are different lengths and width. and some say just swap the knuckle out and it its good to go.

so my question is can i use the 1970 axles and do the knuckle out swap or is it basically impossible because this year has one off parts that are not compatible with anything else?

[ohboy321]

Here is a page out of the Spicer parts catalog that lists the Bill of Materials/Part Numbers for the 70 and 73 D44 axles. Note that the part numbers for the axle assemblies are different between the 70 and 73.

The BOM is stamped into the axle. On my 70 K10 axle it is stamped on the drivers side facing forward.

I know that on the K10 D44, the axle shaft/u-joints were larger starting in 72.

Hope this helps.

[kilokoa]

Ok, thats verifies that the axles are different. I am wondering what i would need to make it work with the 73 wheel ends. New seals and bearings for the hub to fit the disc hub? I really dont want to tear into a perfectly working axle then find out its not possible.