Swapping front 3/4 ton D44

[la_blazer82]

Is the D44 (2nd gen.) a direct swap for the 10 bolt? The D44 comes complete with steering components. Do I need to use all of the stuff, or can I just unbolt those connected to the 10 bolts, swap the axles and then just connect steering stuff to the D44?

The D44 has 4.56 gears, the same gearing I'll add to the rear 14bff

Do I need a conversion u-joint for the driveshaft, or are they the same for 10 bolt/D44? Anything else I might need? Guess the new u-bolts I got from ORD won't work with the D44, or will they?

 

[divorced]

Everything should swap out fine. They use the same u-joint. The 10 bolt brake calipers will bolt to the D44, you should use the 10 bolt calipers because the D44 calipers won't connect to your brake lines (without possible modification). The u-bolts will likely work; some fronts have a smaller tube size, I don't know which though.

 

[85HeartBurb]

are you doing this cause your 10b is six lug and the 44 is 8 lug?

I just swapped from the backing plate out spindles and all to convert to 8 lug..

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Exactly. I'd keep the 10 bolt and swap to 8 lug unless the D44 has the gears you want.

 

[la_blazer82]

Although this is what I initially wanted to do, I found a 3/4 ton D44 with 30 spline shafts, and 4.56 gears. I'm gonna match same gearing to the 14bff. Picked up the axle on Saturday -- that is one heavy friggin axle!!

The housing has a small crack, but the axle tub can just be welded all the way around.

Would you still only swap the outers and backing plates?

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Nah, hell with it. Weld it up and run it. If it breaks, put the 10 bolt back in, throw the outers from the D44 on it, and re gear it to match.

 

[la_blazer82]

[ QUOTE ]
Nah, hell with it. Weld it up and run it. If it breaks, put the 10 bolt back in, throw the outers from the D44 on it, and re gear it to match.

[/ QUOTE ]

Would it just be better to swap the outers and gear the 10 bolt and 14bff with 5.13, instead of 4.56? I would be looking at gears and install for two axles, instead of one!

 

[Triaged]

4.56 is plenty for me for offroading. I have only wanted lower a few times. You have a lower 1st gear then me and a lower low range in the t-case so I think 4.56 will be just fine offroad. You will also get better mileage with 4.56 vs 5.13 using the 35" tires.