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Source for 1976 F150 D44

markw

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Bronco Guru
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Sep 10, 2009
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I didn't put this in the want to buy section as I'd like to get as much information on sources as possible. I'm going to need to build a new front axle for my NORRA racer and want to use the '76 / 77 axle as a starting point.
Any leads would be much appreciated. Mark
 

sykanr0ng

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Aug 11, 2014
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5,363
What's the difference between a 76 or a 79?

On the '76 the wedges are welded on like on our Broncos.

On the '79 ('78 too) the wedges are cast as a piece with the inner C part of the knuckle and the tube does not go through it all the way. This makes it much harder to shorten or change one thing without changing everything.
 

mrdrnac

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Feb 6, 2010
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I got LUCKY! I found a almost complete 1977 F150 in a local wrecking yard in rural Eastern Arizona last summer. I think the truck had been in someones yard or barn for years before it was sold to the wrecking yard. It was at the front end of a row of various Fords and apparently had just arrived at the wrecking yard when I found it. Axle was in decent shape with 4:09 gears and the 1/2" thick axle tubes, which all 76's had and only some 77's had.

I paid $250 for it and they gave it to me complete, with the radius arms, springs, white spoke wheels and rotted tires. Sold the radius arm set for $150. and the gears for $50, still trying to sell the axles, then used the housing to shorten to add a HP 44 to my Bronco.

I've also seen a few 76/77 housings or complete axles show up on Craig's List and Ebay but they are usually listed at $500 or higher. Good luck in your search, they are out there still. Of course, for a PRICE, Currie can build a new HP 44 Bronco width axle for you with the heavier duty Dana 60 style Pinon.
 

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markw

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You scored! I may have to go with Currie if I can't find a donor for conversion.
 
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markw

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Called Currie for a quote. Yikes.
With E-locker and RCV axles, about $7K. More with Baer or Wilwood brakes.
Center section casting is $895 if I want to piece one together. Didn't ask price for center section loaded up with gears and E-Locker.
 

mrdrnac

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Also Tom's Bronco parts sells the Currie HP and LP axle under the 44 Mag name, the axle housing is sold with gears and basic locker.
 

Apogee

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Nov 26, 2005
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I got my '76 HP D44 along with a full, rough running truck for $600 off CL, then sold the engine (351M/400), NP435 transmission, NP205 case and got the axles more or less for free. I see those axles come up for sale every couple of months here on CL or Marketplace, usually for $250 to $500 depending on condition and level of completeness...usually some Jeeper or Yota guy who changed directions midway through the project.
 
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markw

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Thanks Apogee, that's a good resource. I'll check local P N P as well.
 

mrdrnac

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Feb 6, 2010
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I have a 74 150 complete truck I've been trying to decide what to do with, besides discs what are the other improvements with the 76/77?

The 74/75 drum brake axle is the same from the C's in as the 76/77 disc brake models. The later outer parts can be swapped onto the drum model to make it a disc model. The axle tubes are also 1/2" thick like the 76/ early 77 ones instead of the thinner 3/8" thick ones used in later 77 ones and 78/79 models.
 

gnpenning

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Bronco Slave
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Dec 26, 2011
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2,190
Loc.
I have more questions than answers.
The 74/75 drum brake axle is the same from the C's in as the 76/77 disc brake models. The later outer parts can be swapped onto the drum model to make it a disc model. The axle tubes are also 1/2" thick like the 76/ early 77 ones instead of the thinner 3/8" thick ones used in later 77 ones and 78/79 models.

Thanks..
 
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