2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission drum to disk swap

[jabird]

Hope this comes out correctly, its the first time Ive tried this. I have located an entire Dana 80 off of an 03 4+4 dually and would like to swap it for my Dana 70. The 80 has disk brakes, the 70 has drums. Can i just swap out the entire rear end and redo the brake lines? Or would there be more to it with the master cylinder. . ect... going from drum to disk. I would really like to convert the truck over to a dually and i have an excellent price on this rear end complete. Any info would be great. Thanks

 

[JGheen]

I don't see why it wouldn't work. You should just have to hook the brake lines up to your new axle, bleed 'em and run it! Maybe someone else has some reasoning why it wouldn't be a quick swap out... ... .

 

[B KIRK]

If it came out of an 03, it's an American Axle, not a Dana. If thats the case, 3:54 gears weren't offered. 3:73 & 4:10 only. Would also need the master cylinder and proportioning valve. May also be issues with e-brake cables. Did it come off of a cab and chassis or a pick-up? Width would be different on a cab & chassis truck. I just did a Dana 80 disk swap on my 94 Dana 70 drum. Came out of a 2002 2500. If I didn't have a lift, I would also have to shorten my driveshaft. Also going to a Dually you would have to cut the bed and get the fenders. Would need the adapters to convert front axle to accept Budd type rim.

Hope this helps.



Brad

 

[jabird]

I found out I had this post wrong 1hr. after i put it up... ... with this part being an American axle, not a dana. would the u-joints be the same? or would i have to have a new end put on the drive shaft. The E-brakes might be a pain but I would think they could be worked out. A far as the master cylinder and proportioning valve go, are you saying that they need to be changed because of the brand swap (Dana to American) or because of drum to disk?

 

[B KIRK]

My u-joint was the same for the 70 and 80 axle. Don't know about yours. Check with a parts store for #'s to see if they match. Reason for the master cylinder and proportioning valve swap is going from drum to disk. You would still have the issue of gears. Your sig says you have 3:54. Would have to change out the front gears to match the rear.



Brad