So all I have to do is find a Dana 70HD, swap in the 4.56 and Detroit Locker, convert to discs (just 'cause) and swap the front hubs for "dually" hubs. Easy-Peasy. But $$ might be a bit much unless someone is parting out a M1028 A2 or A3... Any takers?
You might get lucky and find a 70 HD at a junk yard. The "camper special" dually chevy pickups/motor homes have them. You can identify one by measuring the axle tube diameter. If it's four inches, it's a 70HD. if it's three inches, it's a regular 70.
The disk brake conversion on a 70 HD is more complicated to do. You have to buy weld on brackets and use 14 bolt hubs on it. Alot of work.
On the other hand,a regular Dana 70 is super easy to convert to disks. ruffstuffspecialties.com sells bolt on brackets that use chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 calipers,pads,and rotors.go this^ route and it's all bolt on.
If your dead set on disk brakes, go with a regular 70.you'll save money and time and a regular 70 will hold just as much weight as your 14 bolt. The only down side is you won't have an e brake. You can use Cadillac eldarado calipers instead of the chevy 3/4 ton calipers and they have an e brake hookup. you can ask dan at ruff stuff if you can use them with this setup.
If you want the stronger axle, go with the 70HD and stick with the drum brakes. They are alot bigger than the drums on your 14 bolt and will work just fine. Plus you will have an e-brake.you can probably completely rebuild a 70HD and put all new grease and gear lube in it and not spend half of the money you will on a regular 70 with disks and eldarado calipers.