front axle swap options

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

i tried to search and did as much research as i could.

i have a 69 highboy with dana 24 TC and an 8 lug, 4.10 ratio, dana 44 closed knuckle up front. i would like to swap the entire axle out for an open knuckle axle that is just as strong or stronger, but i want it to be a direct bolt in and have the same width if possible. any suggestions and donors i should look out for?

[fordman]

i think i have a open knuckle d44 in my 4wd. it has a 1974 number on the tag of the rearend. the botls to the cover hold the tag on.

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

so a 1974 D44 would be a direct replacement? is that a 5 lug or an 8 lug, i need 8 lugs

[fordman]

mine is 5 lug. sorry.

[averagef250]

There is not an open knuckle axle the same width as yours. The open knuckle axles grew 1.5" to accomodate the larger knuckles. A 76-77.5 dana 44 from an F250 4x4 would be the closest to a bolt in you will find, but the wheels will sit out 3/4" further on each side.