1970 K10 front disc brakes

[4x4swb1970]

I want to switch my front axles from drum brakes to disc's on my 70 K10. I have a parts 71 suburban 4x4 with front disc brakes. I know there are differences in the length of the axles, i was wondering if there was any way to swap the knuckles or if anyone has been able to put 71-2 disc brakes on a 70 before without swapping both axles. If I have to swap the axles I will but id rather keep my nice clean axles underneath the truck if at all possible! Thanks!

[Mike C]

The original axle in a 70 is an open knuckle and all the parts from the spindles out should be able to be swapped on with no problems from the 71.

[gmc684x4]

It will be easier to swap diffs
Axle lengths should be the same

I had seen an article a while back going over all what to machine
I did not bookmark it unfortunately since i have a spare disc 44 and not interested in rebuilding the drum 44 i have for parts

On the open knuckle drum 44 short axle is thicker
i am on the understanding clocking on the backing plate is different as well and the spindles are different too

[ohboy321]

Originally Posted by Mike C

The original axle in a 70 is an open knuckle and all the parts from the spindles out should be able to be swapped on with no problems from the 71.

My truck has a 70 chassis with drum brakes. I did a lot of research on this a few years ago and found that only the 71 disk parts will work on the 70 differential. Starting in 72 the axle shafts increased in diameter and would not work.

There are a few threads in here that talk about the subject. I also used the DANA/Spicer BOM/Parts listings found here to research: https://pdfslide.us/documents/spicer-dana.html

Page 116 shows that the axle shafts are the same for 70-71.

Ideally I would like to find a 71 differential to do the disk upgrade.

[4x4swb1970]

Thanks a lot guys! I will try using my 71 k10 knuckles and if they don't work ill post on here and try to settle this

[ohboy321]

Originally Posted by 4x4swb1970

Thanks a lot guys! I will try using my 71 k10 knuckles and if they don't work ill post on here and try to settle this

I will be very interested to know if this upgrade works. My front diff isn't all shiny, but I have 3.07:1 gear ratio and I am not sure how easy it would be to find a bolt in replacement with that gearing.