FC-170 front D44 hub swap- 5 lug to 8?

I was trying to figure out if an 8 lug swap is possible and what all might be required to get my closed knuckle 5 on 5.5 front D44 on my FC to 8 lug. Will chevy D44 8 lug hubs swap over from the spindle out or do I have to swap the whole knuckle? Can I even do the swap since it is a closed knuckle design? Thanks for your input, Chris.

 

Uhh... you can't put open knuckles on a closed knuckle axle without removing the knuckle end from the axle tube. I think your only option would be the closed-knuckle spindles and maybe the axle ends from an early J-truck with the high GVWR option. It should be an 8-lug D44HD. Try posting on the full-size Jeep sites - somebody might have a take-off. If they fit, you'd want to go with a disk conversion, since these trucks were 12x2.25" drums ... the drums are purest unobtainium today.

 

I realize that you would have to take the closed knuckle ends off to get the open knuckle design installed. Just wanted to know if I could work with the closed knuckle spindle as you suggested above? I have heard that certain 44 parts were interchangeable between chevy, dodge, ford, and jeep. Just trying to see what would be easiest and cheapest in you alls opinion, thanks.

 

Welcome:
You can post this question on a site that is dedicated to the FC.
Just type in (thefcconnection.com). You should be able to get all your questions answer.
Goodluck
Cabover