Will the steering knuckles from my 1998 dana 44 front axle fit on a 2001 dana 44?

I am searching for a used front dana 44 for my 1998 ram 1500. I found one out of a 2001 off road edition. I noticed the brake calipers were different on the 2001 so I bolted on one of my wheels to check clearance. My 15 inch wheels did not fit well around the brakes of the 2001. They rubbed and knocked off the balancing weights.

So the question is, can i use my 1998 steering knuckle and brake set up on the 2001 axle? And by doing so I could keep my existing steering set up? And wheels.

Any other unforeseen issues? I do realize I will need to re gear since the off road axle comes with 4.10

 

I would be tempted to regear the rear.

Check part numbers on ball joints. If they are the same numbers for the two years, then the knuckles should fit...... I think. Either that, or maybe it would be a good excuse to get some larger wheels?

 

Thanks for that. It looks like the lower ball joints don't match up. Also the brake lines are different part numbers. I guess the search continues

If I didn't have new tires I would be more tempted to go with a little bigger wheel, but the 15's stay for now!

Thanks for the help