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

[Originalthor]

Here's a good video of the two axles compared.

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[Kurnacopia]

You guys are the best...thanks very much for the help and comments.

 

[hoagster]

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]

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]

10 bolt front axles are more rounded on the diff cover...

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

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[Gardendelite]

This will help.

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[Vbb199]

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]

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]

VEVOR Differential Housing Spreader for Dana Axles Fits for 30 44 60 70 80 Series | VEVOR US

VEVOR Differential Housing Spreader simplifies carrier assembly jobs with durable steel construction, mechanical screw precision, and compatibility for Dana axles 30-80.

www.vevor.com

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[Kurnacopia]

VEVOR Differential Housing Spreader for Dana Axles Fits for 30 44 60 70 80 Series | VEVOR US

VEVOR Differential Housing Spreader simplifies carrier assembly jobs with durable steel construction, mechanical screw precision, and compatibility for Dana axles 30-80.

www.vevor.com

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Ahhhh yes!! I do have those. Thanks for the visual!!

 

[rpcraft]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.