How do I identify my Chevy Dana 44 front axle?
The Chevy Dana 44 front axle is a popular and durable axle used in many Chevrolet trucks and SUVs. Properly identifying your Dana 44 axle is important for maintenance, upgrades, and replacement parts. Here's a detailed guide on how to identify your Chevy Dana 44 front axle.
Identifying the Dana 44 Axle
The Dana 44 axle can be identified by several key features:
- Axle Tube Diameter: The Dana 44 has an axle tube diameter of 3.15 inches (80 mm).
- Differential Cover: The Dana 44 differential cover is typically round in shape, unlike the more rectangular cover of the Dana 35 axle.
- Brake Backing Plate: The Dana 44 uses a larger brake backing plate compared to other axle models.
- Differential Carrier: The Dana 44 differential carrier is larger and more robust than other axle models.
To further confirm the Dana 44 identification, you can also look for the "Dana 44" casting on the differential cover or the axle housing.
Locating the Dana 44 Axle on Your Chevy
The Dana 44 front axle is commonly found on the following Chevy models:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1999-2013)
- Chevrolet Tahoe (1995-2013)
- Chevrolet Suburban (1995-2013)
- Chevrolet Blazer (1995-2005)
To locate the Dana 44 axle on your Chevy, you can visually inspect the front axle or consult your vehicle's service manual for specific details.
Verifying the Dana 44 Axle Specifications
Once you've identified the Dana 44 axle, you can further verify its specifications by checking the following details:
- Gear Ratio: The Dana 44 axle typically has a gear ratio between 3.73:1 and 4.10:1.
- Locking Differential: Some Dana 44 axles may be equipped with a locking differential for improved traction.
- Spline Count: The Dana 44 axle has a spline count of 30 on the driver's side and 29 on the passenger side.
Knowing the exact specifications of your Dana 44 axle will help you select the right replacement parts and accessories for your Chevy vehicle.
Which TJ came with Dana 44?
Rubicon
Wrangler TJs have a few different options. The Sport/Sahara trim will always have a Dana 30 in the front whereas the rear has the option for a Dana 44 or Dana 35. The Rubicon option will always have a Dana 44 in both the front and rear.
How to identify Dana 44 front axle?
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.
How do I tell what Dana differential I have?
The Bill of Material (BOM) number is used to identify Dana differentials. The BOM will identify the model number, the gear ratio, the type of differential, and all component parts. Traditional BOM's are 6 digits followed by 1 or 2 digits and start with the numbers 60 or 61.
What years did GM use Dana 44 front axle?
Dana 44s were also used as front axles in 4x4 converted full size Chevrolet and GMC vans by Pathfinder Equipment Company from 1973 to 1989.
How do I know if my TJ has Dana 44?
This axle version can be identified through its oval-shaped differential cover that is wider than its height. Lastly, Dana's 44 axle can be found under the front or rear end. And the differential cover on this one will not change from front to rear; consisting of flat sides and an angular top and bottom.
How to tell a Dana 44 front axle?
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.
What vehicles came with a Dana 44 front axle?
The Dana 44was introduced after World War II and is commonly found under the front and rear of a wide variety of Jeeps, as well as International Harvester, Dodge, Studebaker and Ford trucks, and even under the rear of Isuzu Rodeos and Honda Passports up until the mid-'90s.
How do I know what Chevy differential I have?
Visual Differential Identification
Without an ID tag, differentials are identified by the number of cover bolts, the distinctive shape of the cover, the number of ring gear bolts, and ring gear diameter. They can also be identified by whether the center section is an integral or dropout design.
How to identify Chevy front differential?
If the ID tag or stamp is missing or unreadable, differentials can be identified by the number of cover bolts, the distinctive shape of the cover, the number of ring gear bolts, and ring gear diameter. They can also be identified by whether the center section is an integral or dropout design.
How do I identify my Chevy Dana 44?
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.
