72 Jimmy Build up HELP!!

[72jimmycst]

I've come across a 76 3/4 chevy p/u the front axles are marked "44HD" on the top left of punkin. Is there such a thing as a heavy duty 44? Is the rear a D60? How hard would it be to swap these into a 72 Jimmy 1/2 ton with a built sb 400 and stock TH350, what are the pro/cons. I'd like to run 35" with lockers and a Doubler next spring. Any ideas on which locker. Been fixing broken CK's for years and beside a 2" lift on a 72 burb i don't have much of an idea what's best, so any help I can get will help alot. Thanks
P.S. Any thoughts on a TH350 to 700R swap?

 

[72jimmycst]

One thing I forgot I'm uesing a np 205 if that helps. Thanks again

 

[NoSmog73]

A 44 is a 44 with the exception that in 3/4 ton trucks they came with 8 lug outers..(6 lug on 1/2 ton) It could have a Dana 60 rear but that would have been swapped in and not from the factory ..So it more then likely has a 14 bolt (again if it is 8 lug for a full floater or 6 lug with a 14 bolt semi floater)if it is really a 3/4 truck (you didnt say if it was a short bed or long bed truck..)
If the d44 is 6 lug more then not the rearend is a 12 bolt..
Not a upgrade from what should be under your rig now..44/12 bolt..

 

[72jimmycst]

8 lugs, long box and door vin plate all say it's a 3/4 ton

 

[Beast388]

A '76 3/4 ton would have a D44/14BFF combo. The D44 is no stronger than what you have now other than the thicker axle tubes and larger axle u-joints.

My '71 D44 had 2.75" dia tubes and the '77 D44 I swapped in has 3" tubes. I would assume that your '72 D44 would be like my '71.

The 14BFF will require some mods to get it under your Jimmy. 1967-72 GM 4X4's have a rear spring perch width of 40" center to center compared to the 73-up 1/2-3/4 ton spacing of 42.5" You will need to move the perches to 40" apart and relocate the shock tabs.

The swap is pretty easy once those hurdles are crossed.

 

[72jimmycst]

So I'll just drive it till it's broke. Thanks for the input

 

[POWERMAD]

An HD D44 has external hubs and the axle tube thickness is 1/2".
Other than that is is just like any other D44.