Dana 44 vs Corp 10 bolt front axle

[RoryH19]

As part of my K5 build I found a SF 14 bolt 6 lug 3.73 gov lock differential which I will be installing soon.

I need to at least change the gears in my front since they are 3.08 from the factory.
I started looking at options and thought about just changing the axle to one that is already 3.73 with locking hubs instead of the auto ones.

Now the question, is the dana 44 that much better than the corp 10 bolt?
I read the knuckles out are the same parts, interchangeable.
Dana 44 has 30 spline and 10 bolt 28 but they both have the neck down at the ends.

Thoughts?

 

[eskimomann209]

I’d go with whatever one you find first.
They’re pretty equal. I believe the agreed thoughts on them were housing is stronger on the 44. Axles are stronger on the 10. I have ran both with 35s. Muddin was never an issue with them or my super sweet 14bsf rear.
That being said. I’ll speak for @Arkansas_V8

You need a 14bFF back there and a Dana60 up front to last

 

[RoryH19]

I’d go with whatever one you find first.
They’re pretty equal. I believe the agreed thoughts on them were housing is stronger on the 44. Axles are stronger on the 10. I have ran both with 35s. Muddin was never an issue with them or my super sweet 14bsf rear.
That being said. I’ll speak for @Arkansas_V8

You need a 14bFF back there and a Dana60 up front to last

That's what I was thinking after researching, just go with the one I find the best deal on.
Switching the rear end from 10 bolt to 14BSF is the real upgrade.

HAHA, right, I'm not dragging a suburban with 37"+ tires so no need for the 60 and FF

 

[dvdswan]

Figure this... gear change for both is roughly 225 for parts (give or take) + labor if you're not doing it yourself.

Junkyard axle depending on your area 125 to 200 (give or take).

1st: decide what you're going to use the vehicle for; mall cruiser, weekend trekker, or challenging off-roader.

Then you can decide what to do with the axle. For a lot of weekend trekking or challenging off-roading I would find another axle with the 3.73s in it and build it. You don't need to go all out but it would be a great time to add a locking device of sorts and just go through it. If you want a hard core wheeler then go dana 60 and spend the money on that.

When I went through my D44 on my play toy I put some money into it and couldn't be happier. I did purchase some used items like the locker and gears to keep cost down but with new bearings seals and axles I kept it below 750 with an ARB, chromoly axles, etc. If I bought new stuff it would have been 1200 to 1800 IMO.

 

[RoryH19]

Right on the estimate for the parts. That's why I'm looking into a front with 3.73's already.

I'm not crawling boulders or running KOH but a solid weekend trekker would be great.
I was thinking of a locker or some type of LSD front and back. I know the G80 optioned gov lock I have in the 14BSF won't last forever.

 

[dvdswan]

You should be able to find a good dana 44 or 10 bolt in the junkyard for a decent price then.

 

[shiftpro]

Right on the estimate for the parts. That's why I'm looking into a front with 3.73's already.

I'm not crawling boulders or running KOH but a solid weekend trekker would be great.
I was thinking of a locker or some type of LSD front and back. I know the G80 optioned gov lock I have in the 14BSF won't last forever.

Sounds good but beware, a locker on the front is a liability. Yes if you want traction there is nothing like a true 4x4... Steering doesn't self-center with a locker (up front). And they tend to help break axles or blow open the steering knuckle U joint.
Backing up out of a hole be very gentle and don't turn the steering too much.

 

[eskimomann209]

Sounds good but beware, a locker on the front is a liability. Yes if you want traction there is nothing like a true 4x4... Steering doesn't self-center with a locker (up front). And they tend to help break axles or blow open the steering knuckle U joint.
Backing up out of a hole be very gentle and don't turn the steering too much.

And that’s all we have for today’s show of 4x4101 with @shiftpro
Tune in next week for more tips and tricks to get your rig muddin!

Seriously good info tho

 

[dvdswan]

Agreed!, LSD or selectable locker for the front axle. You do get torque steer as well from a locked front axle and can be hard to turn. I've only engaged the ARB when I've been seriously in a jam in the snow.

 

[shiftpro]

Agreed!, LSD or selectable locker for the front axle. You do get torque steer as well from a locked front axle and can be hard to turn. I've only engaged the ARB when I've been seriously in a jam in the snow.

Yeah you don't let your girlfriend drive your truck with axles locked...
Actually even if the truck is on jackstands with both axles out... don't let your girlfriend sit in the drivers seat.
Sorry Goldie...

 

[Arkansas_V8]

I have put my 10 bolt in some pretty bad spots, and it's still hanging tough.

6,000lbs, and 37s.

 

[shiftpro]

I have put my 10 bolt in some pretty bad spots, and it's still hanging tough.

6,000lbs, and 37s.

They don't break until you really are far from home with hungry kids and wife on the rag and you have to pee.

 

[shiftpro]

I have put my 10 bolt in some pretty bad spots, and it's still hanging tough.

6,000lbs, and 37s.

Did you weigh your rig?
AFAIK, a one ton cabby 4x4 is 6000ish... more with a bb.

 

[77 K20]

If you want more traction without any weird tire wear or steering issues put an Eaton Truetrac in the front. That is what I have in mine. Can't even tell it is there- other than the additional traction.

Could put one in the rear too for that matter. Then you would have a 100% streetable truck.

 

[shiftpro]

If you want more traction without any weird tire wear or steering issues put an Eaton Truetrac in the front. That is what I have in mine. Can't even tell it is there- other than the additional traction.

Could put one in the rear too for that matter. Then you would have a 100% streetable truck.

Yes your right. I just passed over clutched or the limited slip type. They are kinda Beta male compared to a locker but much better than nada. But they eventually wear out! And lockers don't wear out but... one mistake and there goes a knuckle!