Front axle identity

[slim811]

Anyway to tell if this front axle is a Dana 30 or 44? Seller said it’s from a 1971.

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[toddz69]

That's a 44 - I can tell by the shape of the diff and I see a castle nut on the pass side which means ball joints.

Todd Z.

 

[slim811]

That's a 44 - I can tell by the shape of the diff and I see a castle nut on the pass side which means ball joints.

Todd Z.

Thanks Todd!


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[slim811]

Rear 9 inch has been sold. So how can the gear ratio be determined on the Dana 44?


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[Broncobowsher]

There should be a tag under one of the bolts on the front cover. If it is there, that is how it was built new.

As it sits, lock one hub and try to turn the driveshaft yoke. Doesn't want to turn, there is a limited slip. Does turn, open diff. Count the number to turns the pinion yoke takes to rotate the unlocked U-joint 2 times. For the limited slip, go back to unlocking the hubs and how many pinion turns for one turn of a wheel U-joint (they will both be moving).

Check the condition of the oil via the fill plug. should look like oil, not a milk shake. Milk shake, chocolate pudding, that is water contamination. Can't answer how bad it is.

 

[slim811]

There should be a tag under one of the bolts on the front cover. If it is there, that is how it was built new.

As it sits, lock one hub and try to turn the driveshaft yoke. Doesn't want to turn, there is a limited slip. Does turn, open diff. Count the number to turns the pinion yoke takes to rotate the unlocked U-joint 2 times. For the limited slip, go back to unlocking the hubs and how many pinion turns for one turn of a wheel U-joint (they will both be moving).

Check the condition of the oil via the fill plug. should look like oil, not a milk shake. Milk shake, chocolate pudding, that is water contamination. Can't answer how bad it is.

Great information! Thank you.


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[kyle]

The ring gear and pinion gear tooth count will be stamped on the outer edge of the ring gear. So for example 42/12 = 3.50 gear ratio

 

[MarsChariot]

And it looks like somebody was really serious about detaching that front axle from its associated frame. Radius arms are chopped in half.

 

[Broncobowsher]

And it looks like somebody was really serious about detaching that front axle from its associated frame. Radius arms are chopped in half.

Standard salvage yard work. Why fight a rusty nut and a part that will have so much rust it can't be used anyway. Just torch it, out in a minute instead of an hour. I'm more surprised they saved the springs. can't see the end of the track bar.

 

[slim811]

There should be a tag under one of the bolts on the front cover. If it is there, that is how it was built new.

As it sits, lock one hub and try to turn the driveshaft yoke. Doesn't want to turn, there is a limited slip. Does turn, open diff. Count the number to turns the pinion yoke takes to rotate the unlocked U-joint 2 times. For the limited slip, go back to unlocking the hubs and how many pinion turns for one turn of a wheel U-joint (they will both be moving).

Check the condition of the oil via the fill plug. should look like oil, not a milk shake. Milk shake, chocolate pudding, that is water contamination. Can't answer how bad it is.

Can any information be available from this tag?

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[kyle]

3.50 gears

 

[slim811]

3.50 gears

Thanks that’s what I thought.


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[Broncobowsher]

Most of them were the 3.5 gears. Looks like there might be an "L" which would make it a limited slip. If the price is right pick it up. I you are hoping to find 4.10 gears you could be waiting a long time. Those don't come up that often and when they do they are generally not near you. Considering it is nearly a 50 year old axle anyway it is probably due for a rebuild. You can put in the gears you want at that time.

 

[Seventee]

Rear 9 inch has been sold. So how can the gear ratio be determined on the Dana 44?


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You didn't miss out on anything because that was not a 9".

 

[bmc69]

You didn't miss out on anything because that was not a 9".

Good eye, Jon. Looks like it might be a 44. I had an F-100 with a D44 in the rear.

 

[slim811]

You’re right! I was hoping it would match my 4.11 rear. So I’ll pass on this one. If anyone is interested I can pass on sellers info.


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