Dana 44s

[Seth]

Well I finally have some money coming in, and I need to do some research on front axles for my truck. Nothing complicated, just basics that I don't know. I want to use a Dana 44 out of a 70s full-size ford. Does anyone know what years are the best, what axles came what years, and what years the good axles came? For example, open vs. closed knuckle (as well as what the hell that means) What other differences are there between various Dana 44s? At least as far as those years go (not jeep or scout or new dodge etc) Any links or explanation would be appreciated.
Seth

[Doug Krebs]

i think 78-79 fords are the best. Hi-pinion, reverse rotation??(I think), and open knuckle. You most likely want open knuckle, closed knuckles pivot on at sphere looking contraption. I'll try to find a pick....

[Doug Krebs]

here this took me all of a minute to find....asdfasgfadft342523523 (http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/AxleGeneral.html#knuckles)

[eight]

Ford axle info. You want 76 to 79. High pinion, open knuckles, disc brakes.

http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/web_rs44.html

Check with the guy that goes by BroncoCustom, he had one a few months back.

[fbronco86]

hey i have dana 44 from 74 ford pick up closed knuckle 8 lug. with 4.10 gears it would be really cheap. really cheap just want to get rid of it

[BigRedFord04]

Originally posted by fbronco86
hey i have dana 44 from 74 ford pick up closed knuckle 8 lug. with 4.10 gears it would be really cheap. really cheap just want to get rid of it
dont buy that hunk 'o crap. they changed the frame width on ford trucks sometime in the mid 70s and if you got one of the narrower ones it be a big PITA to make it work. 78-79. Open knuckle, disc brakes which gives you a 297 size u-joint, high pinion, factory coils bolt right up. you'll need the radius arms too and you can use the factory TTB radius arm mounts, but you have to move 'em back ~4". Superlift makes an adjustable track bar for the late 70s trucks that you should get, makes setting up the track bar mount a ****load easier. Tubing and heims would make setting up the steering a lot easier. Not much else to it...holla if you need anything or have any questions. I might be able to come help/watch/drink whenever you get around to it.

[fbronco86]

:flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

[Seth]

ok folks - educate me on the diff between king pin and ball joints -- which is better?

Seth