nad
1/2 ton status
But is there any significant strenght differences between a 6 lug corporate 10 bolt FRONT, and a Dana 44 8 lug front?
CK5
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This has probably been asked 100 times...
- Thread starter nad
- Start date
No unless you count the extra lugs holding the wheels on better 
nad
1/2 ton status
Okay just making sure. I'm thinking about converting to 3/4 ton and I don't want to mess with the front axle unless I have to. I'll just do an 8 lug conversion.
original balzer
1/2 ton status
In stock form the 44 is only marginally stronger, but I believe the after market can make the 44 noticeably stronger.
On any account, I personally, would choose the d44 over the 10b every time.
On any account, I personally, would choose the d44 over the 10b every time.
Thunder
3/4 ton status
Front 30 spline 10 bolt axles are stronger than D44s. Problem is the U joints are the weak link.
You prolly have 27 spline on your 87. They are just as strong as a D44.
IMO it is not worth swapping out a 10 bolt for a 44. It is 6 of one 1/2 dozen of the other. They are both pretty much the same as far as strength goes.
You prolly have 27 spline on your 87. They are just as strong as a D44.
IMO it is not worth swapping out a 10 bolt for a 44. It is 6 of one 1/2 dozen of the other. They are both pretty much the same as far as strength goes.
nad
1/2 ton status
Alright, because I kind of want to convert to a 14 bolt but I don't want to run 8 lug in the back and 6 in the front. So I can just swap the hubs right? I think I remember seeing a write up somewhere on how to swap 8 lug hubs onto a 6 lug axle....
http://coloradok5.com/8lugconversion.shtml
And for these purposes, a D44 and a 10b are interchangeable on the outsides (spindle out), so you can use hubs/rotors from either ON either, very convenient when upgrading to eight lug.)
-- A
And for these purposes, a D44 and a 10b are interchangeable on the outsides (spindle out), so you can use hubs/rotors from either ON either, very convenient when upgrading to eight lug.)
-- A
nad
1/2 ton status
How simple and expensive is this swapping of hubs?
Well, depends on what you can score used. An entire 8-lug axle might only cost you $100 or $150, but the rotors might need to be turned, the bearings could be shot, etc.
I would at least try and score the hubs (the piece the rotor is attached to, not the locking hub on the outside) as used, since they're not much of a wear item. New lug studs are likely a new idea. Rotors, if you have a place to get them turned cheap, good used ones are fine. Otherwise, buy new. The bearings and such should swap over (except for early D44's, IIRC.)
I ended up getting an entire 10b axle as it had the 4.10:1 gears in it I wanted, was a LOT cheaper than regearing my D44 *and* I got the 8-lug stuff. If you're not gonna regear, an entire axle may be simpler to swap parts from anyway, plus you can always resell the axle with your six-lug stuff.
-- A
nad
1/2 ton status
Ah yes, I forgot about the gearing issues. Hmm. I knew there was a reason I was ruling out just swapping hubs....Damn, and it actually sounded like I was getting somewhere too...
10b and d44 u-joints are the same. Older 10 bolts are 28 spline. 89'-91' are 30 spline.
Thunder
3/4 ton status
10b and d44 u-joints are the same. Older 10 bolts are 28 spline. 89'-91' are 30 spline.
Acually 30 spline came out in 1988 K5 and Burbs.
Jimmy4matt
Registered Member
Also, don't forget the brake caliper brackets since the 8 lug rotors are an inch greater diameter your old ones won't work. And the 3/4 ton hubs increase wheel track a little over the 1/2 ton ones for what it's worth.
