I have a 73 chevy 4x4 that i am in the process of building and i was wondering if i should keep the d44 front and put alloy shafts in it an convert it to 8 lug or to just put a 60 in its place. is it worth the extra money to go 60 or will 44 hold up. i plan on running a 383 and 38 inch swampers.

If I was gonna wheel that heavy truck with 38s, I would be looking for a 60.

any full size rigs on big meats must have a Dana 60. unless you wanna make the owners of Dana Spicer richer then we make them already:flipoff2:

By the time you buy the shafts and BIG ujoints (Read CTM's) you would have already paid enough for a D60.

Go with the 60 and sell the 44. 60s aren't that bad when you figure in the cost to beef the 44 which still wouldn't be as strong.

I got a buddy that was running 37's with a 383 in his K5 and he had a 10 bolt in front. He never broke anything on it except the main shaft in his t-case. The 10 bolt was never locked, but still you should just go with the 60 and forget about it.

thanks for the info. is it possible to run 15 inch rims on a 60 with out grinding the calipers.

Originally posted by redneck5150
thanks for the info. is it possible to run 15 inch rims on a 60 with out grinding the calipers.

with more offset yes. I think you have to run 3" or less backspacing, not sure I haven't done it, but I know it's done. I'll be grinding my calipers so...good luck.

-Scott

2.5 in back spacing 15's clear front 60's with out grinding

I run 15" wheels with about 4" backspacing and I had to do some grinding, but it was worth it to avoid having the tires stick out too far. Still more material left after grinding than on my old 3/4 ton caliper.
There's an article on coloradok5.com about 15" wheels and d60 calipers.
-- Mike

The guy I bought these axles from stated they're Chevy early.

The axles are a Frt. D-44 and rear D-60.

Both have drum brakes and really trying to figure the background to replace the drums.

Thanks!!!

Originally posted by scifinder1
The guy I bought these axles from stated they're Chevy early.

The axles are a Frt. D-44 and rear D-60.

Both have drum brakes and really trying to figure the background to replace the drums.

Thanks!!!

Get the BOM # and take it to your local spicer dealer....good luck on the drums.....

GO 60 AND NEVER LOOK BACK

I switched mine from a 44 to a 60.no comparision as everything is so much heavier.Good luck in finding one for a good price.Call cleveland truck parts in cleveland ohio.The last time i spoke with them they had four of them.they are off off duallys but all you have to do is change the brake rotors and the hubs.they told me about 400.00 for a complete 60 with 4.11 gears.places like boyce equipment sell the kits to convert these to single wheel.also dynatrac sells the hubs.

My rims are 2.75" of bs and have plenty of clearence