Pardon the newbie type Q but how do you know which axle is in the front of a 1974 Bronco with a 302 C4 and front drum brakes.

The truck is sight unseen so I don't know if it's a Dana 30 or a Dana 44.

Second Q;

If it is indeed a D44, will knucles from any Ford D44 bolt up to it? converting to disk brakes. I already know the issues with the Blazer knuckles, but what about F-150?s (79 and older of course)

I assume that if it is the Dana30 ..SOL?

thanks for any help

It should be a 44.

As for the knuckles, a 44 is a 44 is a 44, all knuckles should interchange just fine.

Regardless of what all the web wheelers say, drum brakes aren't that bad. They are a little higher maintenance, and do suck when wet, but they will stop you. Point being, don't turn down an axle because it has drums. I would much rather buy a drum axle for cheap and do the cheby disc conversion, then pay a butt load for a factory disc axle. Besides, word is the cheby brakes are better.

I've been running my drum brake 44 for over a year now, and I can't really complain. I am however finally about to do the 8 lug cheby disc swap.

also keep in mind how low the steering arm is on the ford knuckles

http://web3.foxinternet.net/venom9/passknuck.jpg

If it is a '74 then it SHOULD have a D44 but someone could have changed it out. Ask the person to look at the knuckle. ONe large bolt on top of the knucke is a 44 4 smaller bolts and it's a 30.
As already mentioned the knuckles will swap out just fine. The ford knuckle out conversion is a little better because the caliper piston is bigger than the Chevy, but like the previous post said I would pass something up becasue is didn't have disks.

Galen

http://www.broncohio.com/tech/dana30dana44.html

this is a link to pictures that show the difference between a 30 and a 44. I have factory ford parts to do a swap if you are intrested shoot me an e-mail @ stevenadtanya@juno.com and I can tell you more.
Good luck