Shold I convert a 6lug to an 8 or 8 to 6lug

[rgretzinger]

Ok help me out here. I bought a set of axles a couple moths ago with detroit lockers in them. Front is a dana 44 6 lug and rear is a 8 lug 14 bolt . They are both 4:10's. Should I convert the front to an 8 lug? I am pretty sure that's what I should do. What all do I need and where can I get it. I prefer new parts cause I am lazy and don't have the time to hit the junkyard. Thanks for the help ya'll.

 

[big dan]

Is the 14 bolt a full floater or a semi-floater? In my opinion it is much easier to convert the front to 8-lug, especially if the rear is a full floater. Some of the semi-floaters came as 6-lug so its easier to get parts to convert them, but I still think it is easier to convert the front.

For the front you need new hubs, rotors, and backing plates for the calipers. Im pretty sure you can get new hubs and rotors from most local parts stores but the backing plates you will most likely have to search ebay or local yards, I dont know of anyone that sells them new.

also, just noticed it was a dana44 front. some of the older (76 and older I think) dana 44s used smaller spindles and bearings on the half tons so if you have one of these older axles you will also need to get the larger spindles and bearings.

 

[rgretzinger]

The rear is full float

 

[sweetk30]

just swap the front hub/rotor unit and backing plate to 8 lug. dont even need to blead the brakes. same calipers.

 

[cybrfire]

Always go bigger. Maybe someday down the road you'll jump up to a Dana 60 in the front and with the 8 lug wheels ready to go...

 

[76zimmer]

just swap the front hub/rotor unit and backing plate to 8 lug. dont even need to blead the brakes. same calipers.

Always go bigger. Maybe someday down the road you'll jump up to a Dana 60 in the front and with the 8 lug wheels ready to go...

Ditto.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

8 lug.

 

[6.2Blazer]

Converting the front to 8-lug takes about the same effort as repacking the bearings and uses all factory parts. Trying to convert the rear to 6-lug requires custom parts and machining.

I bought a complete set of 8-bolt hubs including the spindles for $50 out of the junkyard, or just buy a complete 8-lug 10-bolt for $100-$150 and steal the parts.

 

[blazinzuk]

Front to 8 lug for sure, they don't make spacers that will take your 14 bolt down to a 6 lug and converting it with hubs is expensive.