Dana 44 knuckles redrilled?
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Edmonton, AB,Canada
Dana 44 knuckles redrilled?
Ok, I just want to run this by you guys that have more knowledge about the knuckles and anyone that has knowledge about cast metal strength.
We know regular knuckles will not fit on the inner C's because of the reversed ball joints in our Dodges.
What about drilling the bolt pattern for a spindle into our knuckles? That way we could mount a spindle onto our existing knuckles. Would it weaken the metal too much?
Any ideas would be great.
Or maybe getting spindles custom made for our knuckles? That way we wouldn't have to drill? Would the three bolts be strong enough to take the load with the older style spindle?
I think if we do a good brainstorming session, then maybe we could get a manufacturer interested in making some.
We know regular knuckles will not fit on the inner C's because of the reversed ball joints in our Dodges.
What about drilling the bolt pattern for a spindle into our knuckles? That way we could mount a spindle onto our existing knuckles. Would it weaken the metal too much?
Any ideas would be great.
Or maybe getting spindles custom made for our knuckles? That way we wouldn't have to drill? Would the three bolts be strong enough to take the load with the older style spindle?
I think if we do a good brainstorming session, then maybe we could get a manufacturer interested in making some.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
There is a kit out there to do just what you propose. Unfortunately, it runs north of a grand.... here's one example.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: NH
I would not fool around with the knuckles in that manner. At least not for on road . There would be all kinds of DIY's for that if there was not strength and legal issues involved for on road. That's why they sell the kits that cost over a grand.
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From: Edmonton, AB,Canada
While I agree there may be strength issues, but then again, there are many D44 outer knuckles with 5 or 6 holes for the spindle studs. The design can't be that different between them. After all, the knuckle still has to support the weight of the truck.
But, I am not likely to try it out, unless I had a spare set of knuckles that I could drill and do a load test on using hydraulics first.
I was actually looking on EMS offroad and their conversion kit is on sale now for the half-tons. 20% off. $796.00 aint too bad.
But, I am not likely to try it out, unless I had a spare set of knuckles that I could drill and do a load test on using hydraulics first.
I was actually looking on EMS offroad and their conversion kit is on sale now for the half-tons. 20% off. $796.00 aint too bad.
Champion
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: NorCal
For a Ram, this mod is not the norm. The norm is to do this for dodge dana 60 axle, then replace the outers with Ford spindle, knuckles, and rotors, etc.
However, for lighter vehicles like Jeeps and such mod has been similarly done. See these for reference. I personally would not want to waste time on a D44 conversion like this for a Ram.
http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/Mr.N44.htm
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...HybridAxle.htm
However, for lighter vehicles like Jeeps and such mod has been similarly done. See these for reference. I personally would not want to waste time on a D44 conversion like this for a Ram.
http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/Mr.N44.htm
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...HybridAxle.htm