10 bolt gears into Dana 44?

[RShaips]

I bought a set of axles with a 373 gear ratio for my 72 Jimmy. They were out of a 79 1/2 ton the rear is the same as mine but the front is the newer 10 bolt. Will the gears swap with my Dana 44? I don't know if i will use the rear, mine is in better shape. How much of a hassle is it to swap out the gear set? Thanks for the help

[Walts_restoration]

10 bolt and 44 will not swap the inner gear sets, although should be able to interchange everything from the c's outward. Why do you want to keep the 44 in the truck if you want 3.73s? small 44s are just like the 10 bolts and the only thing above the 10 bolt they have is a 30 spline vs 28 spline (on the 1978-1988 versions). The 89-91s had 30 spline versions, but you already said yours is a 79.

[RShaips]

That's what I thought. I just kinda wanted to keep it mostly stock. If I swap it what would I have to change?

[Walts_restoration]

your outers should stay the same, so brakes the same. the only thing that may be an issue is your front driveshaft, but I think half ton to half ton the yoke should take the same u joint. Im thinking a 72 outer should bolt up and a 73-91 inner should be the same width, hopefully someone will chime in here who has tried it before.