Scout II SOA

YubaGrey

New member
So I'm looking for a GM Dana 44 for the front SOA on my 78 Scout II. Does it matter whether the axle is 6 or 8 lug?...if it makes a different I am considering using the GM brakes. Is it possible to just use the flat knuckles on the Scout axle?
 
No as far as the housing goes it really doesn’t matter. However some of the 8 lug or ¾ ton housings have thicker tubes making them more desirable. If you are planning on switching over to full width then just go with the 8 lug and be done with it. Find a donor with the older version 14 bolt rear and do the whole thing. If you plan on staying with the 5 lug stock width rear end then you will obviously need to narrow the front to match. It is also not a simple matter of bolting on Chevy breaks either; you will need the Chevy backing plates, and the short version of the Chevy spindle and Ford hubs and rotors. Best to call Jeff, the Ford hub rotor combo is getting hard to find. Another benefit of this combo is that you end up running the internal locking hub which is a stronger locking hub. IH Parts America always recommends running the flat top knuckles and high steer components when doing a spring over. It is simply the strongest safest way to go. Steering is not something you want to go cheap on.
 
Thanks. I probably should have specified that I am looking to retain factory width and bolt pattern. I just wanted to confirm that I will be able to use the above mentioned rotor/hub combo with either 6 or 8 lug. Also, once the new axle is complete will I be able to re-use the stock axle shafts until I can afford replacements?...is this affected by the modified hubs/rotors?
 
No, you will need to change your outers to Chevy. The stock Scout outers will no longer work. They are fairly cheap though, once again it would probably be in your best interest to give Jeff a call and have him quote you a price for a package deal.
 
It always helps to be specific on what you're trying to do.

Like Chad said, the Scout Dana 44 spindles do not work on other Dana 44's. I believe the spindles from a Scout Dana 30 with disc brakes will transfer over. Otherwise, you're basically doing the same swap that old Jeep and Bronco owners do. You need the backing plate, caliper and smaller spindles found on 6-lug Chevy Dana 44's, along with the hub, rotor and bearings from a Ford f150. This will get you the right lug pattern.

You can swap the flattop GM knuckles in place of your Scout knuckles, or you can cut down the GM axle to Scout width and have the benefit of the cast in spring perch. Either way, all the disc brake stuff I mentioned is the same.
 
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