I asked a while back about this conversion, but need a little more info.
I have a Grand Waggoneer D44 6 lug axle, that I converted to a 5 lug a couple years ago. I know to need to convert it to an 8 lug. From what I understand, I need to swap the bearings, spindle, hub and rotor from a 3/4 ton Chevy.
Will I still be able to use my current 1/2 ton Chevy brakes and outer stub shafts?

use your original waggy spindles, the chevy 3/4 ton backing plates, hubs, and rotors, the same calipers and axles you have now.

Originally posted by Brent Orton:
<STRONG>use your original waggy spindles, the chevy 3/4 ton backing plates, hubs, and rotors, the same calipers and axles you have now.</STRONG>

What do you mean, by backing plate?
Are you talking about the caliper mounting brackets?
If so, I thought the caliper mounting brackets/backin plates were the same from 1/2 to 3/4 ton.

[ 10-29-2001: Message edited by: H8monday ]

The 6 lug 44s had a caliper bracket with a dust shield, the 8 lug 44s have a nice thick backing plate that the caliper mounts to. The Chevy 1/2 ton calipers and stub shafts you have now will work

When I swapped the 6 lug to 5 lug, I pulled a set of the heavy duty 3/8" backing plates from a GM. So I take it, I can just retain my present backing plates?
Im trying to keep this as cheap as possible, since the D44 is slated to be replaced, in a couple months, but I want to match the front bolt pattern to the 14 bolt Im swapping this week.

Yes you can retain your backing plates. I prefer the other style because once I had the full circle style and I bent it on a rock to the point it rubbed on the rotor. I run the kind with the tin dust shield with the tin part cut off. Axles are cool calipers are cool, spindles you need to change, like someone mentioned your waggy spindles might work if the waggy was a 76-1/2 or later. If it was earlier than that then the waggy spindles would have worked with the Ford hubs. The difference is the diameter of the inner whel bearing. Why not just run a mismatched bolt pattern for a couple months and if you get a flat on the trail deal with a 50% chance of having to remount a tire. I mean how often do you need that spare?

The waggy did have the right spindles, it was an 86. But it has been a couple of years now, and I gave the old spindles, and bearrings away, a while back.
I may have someone that will trade me 8 lug components for 5 lug, but I was just hoping that I would be able to retain my axle shafts since I just bought a set of high strength Warns, I havent even installed yet.

There should be no problem with the axles other than the snapring groove at the stub axle might be in the wrong spot but I doudt it.

I recently picked up a dodge 8 lug 44. Does anybody know the differences between chevy and dodge versions?

H8,

I have my original Waggy spindles.

Want to trade for your spindles (that you're using with the five lug), and I'd be interested in the hub/rotors too (building a trailer)?

Let me know.

Charly

i've swapped everything from the ball-joints out when wanting to change bolt patterns on 44's. for me this keeps it simple.

interested?

yes?

no?

dam jeff to many changes and no wheeling lol just droped in to say hi to u and kathy be kool bro put it on u later digger <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/blender.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/smokin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by Charly:
<STRONG>H8,

I have my original Waggy spindles.

Want to trade for your spindles (that you're using with the five lug), and I'd be interested in the hub/rotors too (building a trailer)?

Let me know.

Charly</STRONG>

Charley,
There is a guy here in town that I may trade, straight across, for the 8 lug set up.
If he doesnt though, Ill probably go down to pick and pull, and yank everything out of a Chevy truck.
If I do pull, the parts from a yard, I can still send you the small bearing spindles, you pay the shipping.
Ill let you know in a day or two.
E mail me h8monday@msn.com
or call me on my cell ph. 916-257-9299