Another question for the Dodge guys...I have a lead on a 3/4 ton D44 from a 78 Dodge, do these have the flat top knuckles? ...and why is it that I never hear of anyone using Dodge D44s? Seems everyone is using Chevy when they need a pass side diff. I know GMs are mor common.... Any reason to steer away from these as opposed to a GM version?
Any info will be appreciated.

-Thanks!:beer:

The 78 Dodge has a full time axle which cannot be made part time with out changing the complete knuckle assembly. This is the reason everybody uses the chevy stuff.

And I always loved those old Power wagons too, but I didn't know about the full time axle...That sucks...oh well.
Thanks for the info!

:smokin:

Use '80-'93 Dodge D44 knuckles. They mount in place of the older full-time D44 knuckles and keep the more desirable 5-5.5" bolt pattern.

Originally posted by tv_larsen
Use '80-'93 Dodge D44 knuckles. They mount in place of the older full-time D44 knuckles and keep the more desirable 5-5.5" bolt pattern.

He is looking at 3/4 ton stuff (ie 8 lug)so I do not think he wants the 5 lug stuff but the newer 3/4 ton stuff will work on that axle too.

OK, the Jeep guys often put Ford hubs/rotors on small-bearing GM 44 spindles and run GM calipers and the 19-spline outer shaft to get 5 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern with a passenger-side drop. It's also common for people to put GM knuckles and large-bearing spindles with 8-lug hubs/rotors on these older Dodge 44's to get a stronger bearing setup, and the option of hubs; also a common swap on 6-lug GM 44's when they want to upgrade the rear to a 14-bolt but can't find/afford a 60 front. Will these 80-93 Dodge hubs fit either large or small bearing GM spindles, or do these Dodge require a unique spindle? Will the backing plates/brake calipers etc. off the unit-bearing knuckles work on the 80-93 outers? What's the spline count and length of the outer shaft? Thanks in advance.

Oops, missed the 3/4 ton part. :rasta: I'd still use '80-'93 Dodge parts, especially if you are using a Dodge rear. That way, all of your lug nuts are the same (Dodge 3/4 tons use 1/2" studs, GM uses 9/16" studs) Besides, using GM parts on Dodge parts makes me cringe, unless there is no other option.