Stovebolt.com Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 1954 Front axle swap for 4x4?

Hey all,

Im currently working on a 1954 3/4 ton (3600) Chevy. At this point i am just focusing on getting the truck back to driving condition (about a week out!) but am trying to keep an eye to the future.

I would ultimately like to make this truck into a 4x4, nothing to drastic, more to be able to drive in snow and some light/medium off roading.

I have already swapped the stock rear end out for a '71 Dana 60 with 4:10's. Thinking about using a divorced t-case for the whole setup, though not sure which one yet.

Anyway....If i measured right I'm getting about 52" WMS-WMS for the front axle on my 54?
Ive read several posts about conversions using 1/2 ton axles etc but I would like to keep the 3/4 ton (8 lug) rating if possible.

Im looking for any ideas as to a 3/4 ton 4x4 front axle that is close to the same width, that i can use to swap out the stock one (if it can have discs that'd be a nice bonus).

I realize that simply shortening a more modern axle is an option but would prefer to avoid that if possible.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Chooglin

Try a Dana 44 from a Jeep J20. It's narrower than the Ford, GM counterparts.

Chooglin

Hsrd to find but look for early NAPCO axles. Go research what years fit your WMS requiremnts

chooglin, find a shop that specializes in 4x4 rock crawlers and the like.
Here in Greenville, S.C. there is such a shop that has foundry axle pieces and can cut one any way you want it. I go in that shop a lot and they do fantastic work....or I should say Bruce is a dang good machine shop guy. I can get their number if you would like to call and talk to them. Just let me know by PM.

Something to consider when hunting axles, for the most part on later model trucks, the only difference between a 1/2 ton axle and a 3/4 ton axle are the knuckles and brakes, and perhaps the gear ratio depending on year. That will open up what you can use, especially if you look for a Spicer 44F axle. The spindles are directly interchangeable between 1/2 and 3/4, and even between GM and Dodge. There may also be some interchange between those 2 and Jeep, perhaps look for a J10 axle if you can't find a J20, then swap the knuckles from a K20 GM truck for 8 lug.

Thanks all for the replies.

That gives me a few more places to look for sure.
I actually happen to be home for the holidays in Oregon right now and managed to find a junkyard in Portland that is parting out a 77 J20. Im planning to go take a look at that today so we'll see what the old tape measure has to say. Ill keep everyone posted on my findings.

Thanks again for the replies, any other suggestions are still appreciated as well.

Chooglin

you also may be able to get a dually dana 60 front and swap the outers. dana fronts are expensive but nobody want duallys.

No one wants the dually Dana60 front, because the outers cost about 600 bucks to replace from the spindles out. the casted spring perch spacing is not compatible with the 54'frame.

dually on the left / single on the right.