What do I have...Dana 44 or GM 10 Bolt

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

hoagster

Full Access Member
Joined
May 16, 2017
Posts
1,383
Reaction score
3,426
Location
California
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1973, 2000
Truck Model
K10, 1500
Engine Size
5.3l
Now thats what I'm talkin about!! Any mods to this guy? When I have it apart I am going to replace all I am capable of doing...without a shop or a welder. Great shot!
No mods, Just a new ARB cover and completely refurbished.
 

Kurnacopia

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2021
Posts
259
Reaction score
268
Location
Tucson, AZ
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
Scottsdale
Engine Size
383
No mods, Just a new ARB cover and completely refurbished.
I took everyone's advice and cleaned that sucker good this weekend. I found 44-81 stamped on the lower part of the axle. So Dana 44 it is. I've purchase Mile marker hubs, spicer U joints, and timkin bearings and races for a complete rebuilt next weekend. I also ordered a bearing and race driver set. I am chomping on the bit to purchase one of the new cross over steering Knuckles from Offroad design. Let the fun begin!!!
 

dvdswan

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2014
Posts
2,366
Reaction score
2,035
Location
Port Orchard, WA
First Name
Dave
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
350
10 bolt front axles are more rounded on the diff cover...

You must be registered for see images attach


Compared to a more angled diff cover of the Dana 44....

You must be registered for see images attach
 

Vbb199

B-rate Hillbilly Customs
Joined
Jan 12, 2018
Posts
9,003
Reaction score
15,257
Location
Salisbury NC
First Name
Vince
Truck Year
89, 79
Truck Model
89 Suburban R1500, 79 C10
Engine Size
350, 502
For what its worth, a dana diff can always be distinguished by its case seperator peg holes cast into each side of the diff cover

Corporate axles dont have such fancy things
 

Kurnacopia

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2021
Posts
259
Reaction score
268
Location
Tucson, AZ
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
Scottsdale
Engine Size
383
For what its worth, a dana diff can always be distinguished by its case seperator peg holes cast into each side of the diff cover

Corporate axles dont have such fancy things
Case separator peg holes..... now I'm looking for that as I type.
 

Vbb199

B-rate Hillbilly Customs
Joined
Jan 12, 2018
Posts
9,003
Reaction score
15,257
Location
Salisbury NC
First Name
Vince
Truck Year
89, 79
Truck Model
89 Suburban R1500, 79 C10
Engine Size
350, 502

Kurnacopia

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2021
Posts
259
Reaction score
268
Location
Tucson, AZ
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
Scottsdale
Engine Size
383

rpcraft

Full Access Member
Joined
May 31, 2016
Posts
1,333
Reaction score
512
Location
Texas
First Name
Robert
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
Jimmy
Engine Size
LS 6.0 364 CID
I hear the 10 bolt is almost a duplicate of the 44. Anyone know if the parts are interchangeable? I know the guts in the pumpkin aren't......just wondering about all the other external items....
The axles are essentially identical from the knuckles out but the 44 is commonly though to be stronger (especially by the guys who think they don't make things like they used to. It isn't necessarily stronger or weaker but it is more desireable for someone wanting to do a crossover steering setup.
 

CheemsK1500

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2022
Posts
831
Reaction score
1,471
Location
Texas
First Name
Paul
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K1500
Engine Size
305
I've only seen one D44 break under normal use and that was on a 2nd gen Dodge Ram truck with a CAD system.
 

Kurnacopia

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2021
Posts
259
Reaction score
268
Location
Tucson, AZ
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
Scottsdale
Engine Size
383
I've only seen one D44 break under normal use and that was on a 2nd gen Dodge Ram truck with a CAD system.
I live in AZ so the country can be very rocky. I want to build a strong axle, yet not overkill. Thinking about chromoly shafts and Yukon u-joints....then I will leave it at that.
 

CheemsK1500

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2022
Posts
831
Reaction score
1,471
Location
Texas
First Name
Paul
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K1500
Engine Size
305
I live in AZ so the country can be very rocky. I want to build a strong axle, yet not overkill. Thinking about chromoly shafts and Yukon u-joints....then I will leave it at that.
That should do it. I've seen stock D30s survive plenty of abuse before snapping, and those are considered "weak" by many. A D44 with upgrades will probably outlast the truck it's under.
 

75gmck25

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2016
Posts
2,250
Reaction score
2,186
Location
Northern Virginia
First Name
Bruce
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
K25 Camper Special TH350 NP203
Engine Size
5.7
My ‘75 GMC K25 has what is called a Dana 44 HD, 4.10 ratio front axle, but I’m not sure what makes it an HD. It may just be whatever is changed at the hub area to allow for the 8 lug wheels.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
44,068
Posts
948,744
Members
36,136
Latest member
j20owner
Top