which diff do i got?
 

I'm new to the solid front axle deal and i have a 1970 GMC 4X4 and id like to do front disc swap on it but i cant seem to find a conversion for them. i was wondering how i tell which axle i have under my truck its a 6 lug hub.


thanks dan

Re: which diff do i got?
 

Should be an open knuckle drum brake Dana 44 if all is as it left factory.

Re: which diff do i got?
 

ok sweet any place online where i can get a disc conversion kit for it?

Re: which diff do i got?
 

do a google search. I found a few different options.

Re: which diff do i got?
 

yeah i have been doing that but its hard to see if they would work or not i don't want to order something and find out it doesnt work. where did you find yours?

Re: which diff do i got?
 

Your best option would be to.swap in a complete front diff.

76 and older Dana 44 with disc brakes will bolt right in

77 and later D44 will bolt right in but you will need new (wider) u bolts and upper spring plates out of the same year.

And any 10 bolt font end will bolt right in but you will also need new u bolts and plates.

IMO that would be your best option. And I've seen those complete front axles go for as low as $100 hub to hub.
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Re: which diff do i got?
 

I would think any 71 or older Dana 44 with disk brakes will bolt right in...

Re: which diff do i got?
 

Didn't the 4x4s only have disc after 71? I'm not 100% sure. 71-76 would be the parts needed.
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Re: which diff do i got?
 

All trucks had disk starting in 71. My 72 K5 had a Dana 44 with disks up front. However at some point in the 70s the u-joints got bigger and maybe also the axle shaft diameter and spline count. Someone else will have to confirm the details on that.

Re: which diff do i got?
 

I sold a '72 front axle to a guy with a '69 4x4. He just put the spindles, backing plates, etc. on his existing axle. No need to mess with finding matching gear ratio or anything else.

Re: which diff do i got?
 

I'm swapping in a 10 bolt out of a mid 80s 3/4 ton because I got it for a pretty good deal at $160, and it has the all the parts and as an added bonus, the ratio matches the rear.