How do I know if I have a Dana 44 or Dana 60?
In most cases, you can identify a Dana 44 from a Dana 60 by a handful of physical cues like tube diameter, ring-gear size, the number of bolts on the differential cover, and the spline count on the axle shafts. For absolute certainty, check the housing markings or cross-reference the vehicle’s model and year with Dana/Spicer catalogs.
Quick physical cues you can check without disassembly
These are practical, at-a-glance indicators you can verify with a quick measurement or inspection.
- Axle tube outer diameter: Dana 60 tubes are noticeably thicker than Dana 44 tubes. D60 tubes are roughly 3 inches in outside diameter, while D44 tubes are typically around 2 to 2.25 inches.
- Ring-gear size: The ring gear diameter differs between the two. A D44 usually uses an 8.5-inch ring gear, while a D60 typically uses a 9.75-inch ring gear.
- Differential cover bolt pattern and size: While patterns vary by year and exact model, a D60 cover is generally larger and often has more bolts than a D44 cover on similar-era axles. This is a helpful cross-check but not definitive on its own.
- Axle shaft spline count: Dana 44 front axles commonly use 30-spline inner shafts; Dana 60 axles commonly use 35-spline inner shafts. You can often see the spline count where the axles exit the differential or by removing a CV/axle once safely accessible.
- Overall axle width and mounting arrangement: In some vehicles, the wider, heavier-duty axle housing and mounting points on a D60 are visible when you compare side-by-side with a known D44, especially on trucks and full-size SUVs. This is less precise but can help in context.
If any of these cues point toward one model or the other, you’ve got a strong clue. However, because there are multiple variations over decades, use these indicators together rather than in isolation.
Reading markings, numbers, and catalogs
Manufacturers stamp and cast identifying numbers on the axle housing and covers. Decoding these markings is the most reliable way to confirm the model.
- Check casting numbers on the center section and the axle tubes. Look for explicit references such as "D44" or "D60" in the cast numbers, or a Dana/Spicer part number that you can look up in catalogs or online databases.
- Examine the differential cover and the ring-gear area after removing the cover: look for a ring-gear bolt pattern count and any stamped or engraved identifiers on the ring gear itself or around the cover edge.
- Count the axle shaft splines near the inner ends of the axles. As noted above, 30-spline shafts are typical of Dana 44, while 35-spline shafts are common on Dana 60. The spline count is a strong, practical differentiator when visible.
- Cross-reference with the vehicle’s model/year and service manuals: Jeep Wranglers and many mid-size trucks used D44s in certain years, while a D60 was adopted for heavier-duty front axles in many configurations. The VIN or axle code (if present) can also point to the correct model.
For accuracy, combine markings with the physical cues. If you still can’t confirm, consult a dealership parts database or an axle specialist who can verify by casting numbers and geometry. In some cases, you may need to partially disassemble to view the ring gear or axle shaft ends, but start with the markings and measurements described above.
Vehicle context and practical tips
Understanding when a Dana 44 or Dana 60 is likely to appear can help set expectations when buying a used vehicle or planning upgrades.
- Front axles: Dana 44 fronts are extremely common in mid-size Jeeps (e.g., several Wrangler generations) and some pickups, whereas Dana 60 fronts appear in heavier-duty trucks and select high-performance builds. The presence of coil springs vs leafs can also hint at the era and the likely axle model, but this is not a definitive rule by itself.
- Rear axles: Dana 60s are also used in some rear applications (especially in heavy-duty trucks and certain Jeeps) because of their higher strength rating. If you’re shopping a vehicle, look for the same identification cues on both sides to confirm the family of the axle.
Knowing the likely origin can help, but rely on markings and measurements for confirmation. If you’re planning a build or a swap, confirm the exact model to ensure compatibility with gears, brakes, and suspension components.
Summary
To determine whether you have a Dana 44 or Dana 60, start with physical cues: measure the axle tube diameter, inspect the ring-gear size, count the axle shaft splines, and compare the differential cover’s bolt pattern. Then verify with casting numbers and part numbers on the housing and cover, cross-referencing with reliable catalogs or manuals. In practice, the combination of a thicker D60 tube, a larger 9.75-inch ring gear, and 35-spline axles is the strongest giveaway for a Dana 60, while thinner D44 tubes, an 8.5-inch ring gear, and 30-spline axles point to a Dana 44. When in doubt, consult the exact casting numbers and manufacturer databases to confirm the model and avoid guessing.
How do I identify my Dana axle?
Dana Steer Axle products are identified with serial tags, tags that vary generation to generation. Below are illustrations showing the common locations of the Steer Axle tags and typical information data shown on them. Thru the generations, Dana's numerous assembly part numbers and model designations vary.
How do I tell if my axle is a Dana 60?
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 to tell a Dana 44 from a Dana 60?
You can tell a Dana 44 from a Dana 60 by looking at the size of the differential cover, center section (pumpkin), and axle tubes. The Dana 60 is physically larger, with a more squared-off and bulky cover, a larger pumpkin, and thicker axle tubes, while the Dana 44's cover is more oval-shaped and its components are smaller.
You can watch this video to see the differences between the Dana 44 and Dana 60 axles, including the pumpkin and cover: 1mVentures Truck PartsYouTube · Jan 3, 2023
How to identify the axle
- Differential cover:
- Dana 44: Generally oval-shaped and smaller.
- Dana 60: Larger, more squared-off, and bulkier.
- Center section (pumpkin):
- Dana 44: Smaller, with an 8.5-inch ring gear.
- Dana 60: Significantly larger, with a 9.75-inch ring gear, which provides greater torque capacity.
- Axle tubes:
- Dana 44: Thinner tubes.
- Dana 60: Thicker tubes to handle more stress.
- U-joints and axle shafts:
- Dana 44: Smaller U-joints and axle shafts. U-joints measure about 2.18 inches from snap ring to snap ring.
- Dana 60: Larger U-joints and axle shafts. U-joints measure about 3 inches from snap ring to snap ring. The shafts are also stronger, with 35 splines in the most common versions, compared to 30 splines for a common Dana 44.
- Wheel hub:
- Dana 44: The outboard end of the wheel hub is approximately 3-5/8 inches.
- Dana 60: The outboard end of the wheel hub is approximately 4-3/16 inches.
- Bill of Materials (BOM) number:
- You can find a BOM number stamped on the axle housing, usually on the right-hand side or the longer axle tube. This number can be used to identify the exact model, year, and components of the axle.
How can you tell if you have a Dana 44?
30 a lot of people. Don't know how to tell the difference between a Dana 30 and Dana 44 but it's actually quite simple uh there's a tailtale. Sign if your if your axle.
