Another noob 8-lug conversion question

[Big Blzn]

So I did several different searches using a mix of words etc and went about 11 pages in and was not satisfied and still unclear as to getting the right parts for my 8-lug D44 conversion. I believe my D44 to be original out of my '72. Here is the ??? Can someone list the half-dozen or so parts that I need to pick up at the auto parts store or pick-n-pull. What is the deal with a "thin or thick spindle"????

This is what I know (not a lot).
*backing plates
*rotors (I'll be getting new)
*break lines
*new pads (I'll be getting new)
*8-lug hubs and studs
*replace all bearings etc. (I'll be getting new)

Please chime in so I get the right chit.

Can these be had off a 2wd chevy from the mid '70s and '80s or just 4wd chevys? Thanks for the help.
Hoby

 

[twoslo4five0]

seems like you got everything right except you have to use all 4wd stuff...if you think about it a 2wd doesnt have a locking hub that has to sit in the hub...it has a bering cap...

you can reuse your locking hubs and spindles...everything ( i think) can be bought new except the backing plates i think...

 

[MattK]

I'd score some calipers as well. After returning your cores, they are only like $13 or so apiece. They're not necessary to change for the conversion though.

 

[SKI-'84K5]

IDK aboot the older backing plates or even if there is a difference, i took the route less traveled for the sake of time and bit the bullet going to the dealership and got new backing plates there.

don't forget the seals and you can get the hubs/rotors in a unit already pressed together since you will need both anyways. got mine from NAPA for like $56 each assembly. i would suggest staying away from autozone for the hubs, i got 6 different hubs in that were machined incorrectly and the splines did not line up before i tracked em down at NAPA. only issues with the NAPA one was a little casting flash i did not like and hit quick with a die grinder.

 

[mechted]

From how I read this:

2. Bearing hub and rotors are different. There are 4 types. 73-76 use a smaller wheel bearing on both the 1/2 and 3/4 ton. The 1/2 ton bearing hub is an internal drive. 3/4 tons were available in both the internal and external drives. 77 and newer bearing hubs are the same size wheel bearing. 1/2 and 3/4 tons are all internal drives. The differences in the rotor diameter is the fact that the 3/4 tons are larger around than the 1/2 tons. This is why the backing plates are larger around than the 1/2 tons. If you use a 1/2 ton backing plate on a 3/4 ton rotor, the caliper will NOT even align up with the bolts. If the 1/2 ton rotor is used with the 3/4 ton backing plates, the caliper will NOT have enough pad contact with the rotor.

3. Spindles. 73-76 are one type only. They are "first design" small bearings. 1/2 and 3/4 ton spindles are interchangable. 77-91 spindles are "second design" and all interchangable between 1/2 and 3/4 tons. You cannot use a first design spindle with a second design bearing hub & rotor. The hub will wobble in place. If the second design spindle is used with a first design bearing hub, the hub will not even go on at all.

from here: http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78166&highlight=spindle+big+bearing

You will either need to find a 71-76 8-lug truck for your hubs, or you will need to get both hubs and spindles from a 77-91 truck. If I were you, I would just grab both off the donor truck, that way you know they match.