3/4 ton D44 knuckle question - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

DM · 02-08-2002, 07:27 PM

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!

hy_desert_4wheeler · 02-09-2002, 06:34 AM

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.

DM · 02-09-2002, 07:06 AM

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!

tv_larsen · 02-15-2002, 12:55 PM

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.

hy_desert_4wheeler · 02-15-2002, 01:28 PM

Quote:

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.

Lloyd · 02-15-2002, 02:22 PM

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.

tv_larsen · 02-15-2002, 07:24 PM

Oops, missed the 3/4 ton part.

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.

02-08-2002, 07:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
DM Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Member # 8021 Location: Boise ID Posts: 673	3/4 ton D44 knuckle question 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!

02-09-2002, 06:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
hy_desert_4wheeler Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Member # 2790 Location: Stinnett Tx USA Posts: 1,629	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. __________________ Russ hy_desert_4wheeler 46 Dodge WC15--67 M715--85 Jeep CJ10A--06 Dodge Ram2500Quad cab Cummins--94 Suburban--06 Ridgeline-

02-09-2002, 07:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
DM Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Member # 8021 Location: Boise ID Posts: 673	Thanks 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!

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02-15-2002, 12:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
tv_larsen Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Member # 5395 Location: Logan, Utah Posts: 706	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.

02-15-2002, 02:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
Lloyd * Join Date: Mar 2000 Member # 538 Posts: 1,795	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.

02-15-2002, 07:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
tv_larsen Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Member # 5395 Location: Logan, Utah Posts: 706	Oops, missed the 3/4 ton part. 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.