Knuckles/spindles help

[moats31]

Are the knuckles the same from a k10 to a k20? I went to price some on eBay and they seam to be interchangeable?


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[dvdswan]

they should be, but you need to pay attention to the steering arm some yrs were high and some were low on the dana 44.  also, dana 44 to dana 44 and corp 10 bolt to corp 10 bolt, not dana 44 to corp 10 bolt or vice versa.

on a side note:  if you are working with a dana 44 the early years up to 76 had flat top knuckles on the pass. side as well, something to look for if you think you may go high steering some day.

[moats31]

     The axels are a 10 bolt front and a 14 bolt ff rear off of a 79 k20. I was just curious because I have a 79 k10 sitting out back with almost perfect knuckles/spindles.


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[moats31]

Which knuckle would I need if I want to go high steering? I thought about doing that, but I have no idea where to even start!!!!


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[dvdswan]

after reading this, you can put dana 44 knuckles on the 10 bolt axles...  near the bottom of the page.

http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Dana44crossover.htm

[Captkaos]

All the D44 parts will pretty much interchange, the 10bolt is basically a copy of the D44.

[moats31]

Is my 10 bolt on my 79 k10 the same as the 79 k20 10 bolt? Other then the spindles? I was just curious because the pitting on the k10 one isn't half as bad!


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[moats31]

Off the k10



Off the k20


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[moats31]

And if they are the same the only diffencw will be the spindle and wheel hub?


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[Jason S]

The first photo you posted looks like a Dana 44, the second photo looks like a GM 10-bolt. 

You shouldn't have any issues with swapping out spindles. The difference is the hub/rotor being 6-lug or 8-lug. Steering knuckles on early 70's trucks differ from the late 70's trucks. 

If you're talking about swapping the entire axle assembly then 1) make sure the gearing will match the rear and 2) swap parts from the steering knuckles out.

Per previous discussion, here is a link discussing '70's truck steering setups:
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=24136.msg201836#msg201836

[moats31]

Ok I know what  going to do now! Thanks guys. Now that I figured that out. What is the best brand ring and pinion for Dana 44? Something that won't rape my wallet!!!!!


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[dvdswan]

dana 44 gears are plentiful, you should be able to find a set very reasonable.  as far as what brand is better than the other... IDK.

[moats31]

What's your guys  opinion on 4.11 gears?


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[dvdswan]

what size tire are you planning on running.  4.11s work great for towing so you will see higher RPMs at highway speeds with 31s and lower, larger tires will bring you closer to stock.

[moats31]

I'll be running 37s


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