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Axle ID

Hello all,

I purchased a '73 highboy recently. Surprised to see disk brakes but wondering about what disks to purchase once started on a renovation. I would like to know something about the axle. Chrome cover so no info there. Excited but very green at this point.

Hoping my five pictures attached; my first post!

Thanks in advance
 

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dustybumpers

don't play well w others
I see ball joints, so I'm betting it's a 79 dana 44 from a f 150. Last year for the straight axle, first year for ball joints and disk brakes

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Blue-Truck-Nut97

crank polisher
551
18
Looks like a Dana 44 to me. When you go to the parts store for brakes look them up for a 1979 F-250 4x4. Was probably changed to get away from the closed knuckle and drum brakes.

Couldn't tell in the pics, did they remove the power assist steering and stuff too?

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Thanks for the replies.

The power assist is all there but I plan to upgrade. Wish they would have done that when the swapped the axle.
 

Blue-Truck-Nut97

crank polisher
551
18
I don't mind the power assist, until it starts leaking anyway. I like the heavy steering feel, the full power trucks steer too easy in my opinion.

I struck out on brake pad part numbers, and caliper part numbers, should be easily found by application, hopefully. I did find the hardware kit # from my last job. I had fits with mine trying to keep the slides in.
7ea1d8ac9b879b0cff184887a2416367.jpg


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You guys are awesome! I get what you mean about the assist. I have a crappy shoulder (61) so looking to the future thinking the conversion makes sense.

You guys ever experience the electric PS?

Mark
 

fatherdoug

Tonto Papadapolous
I see ball joints, so I'm betting it's a 79 dana 44 from a f 150. Last year for the straight axle, first year for ball joints and disk brakes

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Charlie, my '78 has disc brakes?
 

dustybumpers

don't play well w others
Check the build date on the door jamb. I bet it has ball joints too.
Probably a late 78, say August or September

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Blue-Truck-Nut97

crank polisher
551
18
Guess I don't get updates anymore.......

Never heard of electric power steering. Sounds interesting, wouldn't mind hearing more.

Doug, my 78 has discs also, but it's a late production 78. I think the 2wd trucks had discs starting in 71 or 72??

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fatherdoug

Tonto Papadapolous
Check the build date on the door jamb. I bet it has ball joints too.
Probably a late 78, say August or September

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Jan '78 build date and yep it has ball sacs. :D

Guess I don't get updates anymore.......

Never heard of electric power steering. Sounds interesting, wouldn't mind hearing more.

Doug, my 78 has discs also, but it's a late production 78. I think the 2wd trucks had discs starting in 71 or 72??

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My coworkers '17 F150 has electric power steering. Granddaughters POS HHR has electric steering.. I think the 2wd did have front discs in the mid 70's, as you suggested.
 

dustybumpers

don't play well w others
All the new trucks have electric power steering. Started in 15

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