F250 Front Axle Swap

[rlhenry61]

I have a '69 F250 4X with the Dana 44 closed-knuckle front end and drum brakes. I'm not sure if it's the 3000 GVW or the 3500. I'm looking to swap in a newer, open-knuckle version with disc brakes. Are there any years that had the Dana 44 (or 60) that would be close to a bolt-in swap? I'd like to maintain overall width, pinion location, and spring perch locations.

Any help would be appreciated.

[averagef250]

You will not be able to maintain overall width, all disc brake axles grew 1.5" overall because of the open knuckles. the closest bolt in you will find is a 76-77.5 F-250 4x4 with it's low pinion disc brake 44. The 78-79 F-250 and 350 4x4's had high pinion 44's and 60's which are close to bolt in, but have high pinion and may interfere with your headers if you have a V8.

[rlhenry61]

Thank you very much for the info.

The truck currently has the 360 FE but no headers. I've been toying with the idea of installing some since the 360 seems to need all the help it can get.

Do you know if the perches retained the same location on your suggested axles, or are they different as well?

[fordman]

they are probably ok in the same postition. my F100 has a 74 drum brake high pinion 44 in it. and there are no problems with the perches locations on that truck. it also has a 360 in it.

[rlhenry61]

Excellent.

I've got a few calls in to local junk yards to see what I can find.

Thank you both for the info...saved me a lot of manual research!

[skuby4]

What did you end up doing for your front Axle swap? I have a 70 F-250 4x and I'm looking to do the same thing. I'm curious what actually worked for you. I appreciate any specifics you may have.

Thank you

[Tpdaniels]

What did you end up doing for your front Axle swap? I have a 70 F-250 4x and I'm looking to do the same thing. I'm curious what actually worked for you. I appreciate any specifics you may have.

Thank you

I'm not the OP but I have done this switch on my 72 F-250 4X4, I used the front axle from a 76-77.5, it's a low pinion, direct bolt in, no modifications needed to make it work. You do have to change the flexible brake lines. As another poster said the overall width is wider, it made the truck look unbalanced so I just bought spacers for the rear and now front and rear are even. I included a few pictures for reference. I must add I did rebuild this axle from Hub to Hub, Every moving part was replaced. (Apx. $2000.00) Just so you have a idea if yours needs this.





These two pictures were made before I put the spacers on the rear, if you look close you can tell there is a difference between the front and rear

[72BahamaBlue]

Beautiful truck you have there, Tpd!