A traditional Dana 44 axle uses an
8.5-inch ring gear
. However, JK Wrangler rear axles use an 8.8-inch ring gear with a Dana 60-sized pinion shaft.
What gear ratios are available for a Dana 44?
New ratios available for the Dana 44 and 60 axles include
4.56, 4.88, and 5.13
, adding to existing ratios of the Dana 60 axle that range from 3.54 to 7.17 and the Dana 44 axle that range from 3.07 to 5.13.
Are all Dana 44 gears the same?
Not all 44s are equal
. The Dana 44 has been manufactured for nearly 70 years, and was original equipment under Jeep, Ford, GM, Dodge, International Harvester and Studebaker vehicles, and even the Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport. And almost every one of these had some unique, funky specification just for that model.
What is so special about a Dana 44?
The Dana 44 rear axle first saw use in the 1940s and is still in use today. The Dana 44 has a
GAWR up to 3,500 lb (1,600 kg)
and is a semi-floating type, having one bearing on the end of the axle shaft which carries the weight of the vehicle on the axle and also allows axle rotation.
Is a Dana 44 a 1 ton axle?
Yes,
D60s are widely considered “one ton axles
” but the fact of the matter is, they made many 3/4 ton trucks with D60 front axles and many 1 ton trucks with D44 front axles.
How big is the ring gear in a Dana 44?
Ring gear diameter is 8.5 inches
, while next-generation axles go up to 8.8 inches. The available gear spreads for the Dana 44 range from 2.72:1 to 5.89:1, and both five- and six-lug versions were used in OE applications.
Is Dana 44 better than Dana 30?
The only difference between the JK Dana 30 and Dana 44 is ring gear size, electronic locker, and bigger shafts. You’re better off just starting with an
aftermarket Dana 44
that is a “true 44”. With the cost difference between a base Wrangler and a Rubicon, you could get aftermarket Dana 60 axles with lockers.
What is the difference between Dana 44 and Dana 60?
The Dana 44 axles use u-joints that measure
2.18 inches
from snap ring to snap ring. The Dana 60 axle uses u-joints that measure three inches from snap ring to snap ring. The Dana 60 has a larger ring gear, larger axle tubes, larger axle shafts, and overall is much stronger.
How many bolts does a Dana 44 have?
Spicer (Dana) 44 axles use an 8-1/2-inch ring gear bolted to the carrier by
10 bolts
that are 3/8 x 24 right-hand thread. The case itself is 9-3/8 inches in diameter.
What does differential carrier break mean?
Defining Differential Carrier Breaks
As
the numerical ratio of a gear set increases, the diameter of the pinion gear gets smaller
. … The illustration above indicates the different carrier deck heights for a Dana 44 differential. The point at which a different carrier is needed is referred to as a “Carrier Break”.
Can a Dana 44 handle 40s?
For a daily driver or a non wheeling rig,
44 and 40’s are fine
.
Is Dana 44 strong?
It used to be that the Dana 44 was considered to be a fairly
stout
axle. But as trails got tougher and tires got larger, the 44 got dumped in favor of even stronger hardware. But the Dana 44 is a pretty stout piece, and many companies offer parts to make your 44 even stronger than it now is.
What is a high pinion Dana 44?
The advantage to a high-pinion axle in a front application is the gears mesh on the drive-side of the ring gear, not the coast side. The pinion entering the housing above the centerline also helps protect the driveline from damage in the rocks. See all 22 photos. A traditional Dana 44 axle uses an 8.5-inch ring gear.
Why are axles called tons?
Tip: Saying You Have A “1 Ton Axle” Doesn’t Say Much. … Most trucks that came from the OEM with a Dana 60 in front were paired with a Dana 70 or 14 bolt axle in the rear, and they were both called 1 ton axles. This is most likely
because the rear axle in a truck carries more weight than the front (when loaded)
.
What does the 44 mean in Dana 44?
The numbers with 2 zeros added indicate the maximum output torque. Ex. 44 is rated for
4,400 ft.lbs.
; a 60 is rated for 6,000 ft.lbs. That’s max torque, continuous rated torque is quite a bit less. Load rating for a Dana 44 is 3,300 lbs.
What Dana 44 do I have?
Many Dana axles have the model ID cast into the fins or centersection. Look for a “44” or “60” cast into the reinforcement ribs. The number can usually be found
on the lower right side rib below the differential cover
, but it may also be found on other ribs or on top of the main cast structure.
