How do you tell if I have a Dana 44 or 60 front axle?
To determine whether your vehicle has a Dana 44 or 60 front axle, there are a few key visual and physical characteristics you can look for. The Dana 44 and 60 are two of the most common front axle designs used in off-road and heavy-duty vehicles, and knowing which one you have can be important for maintenance, upgrades, and replacement parts.
Identifying a Dana 44 Front Axle
The Dana 44 front axle is a popular choice for many 4x4 and SUV models. Some identifying features of the Dana 44 include:
- Axle tube diameter: The Dana 44 has an axle tube diameter of 3.188 inches (81 mm).
- Differential cover: The Dana 44 differential cover is typically round or oval-shaped.
- Brake components: Dana 44 axles often use drum brakes or disc brakes with a 5-lug wheel pattern.
- Gear ratio: Common Dana 44 gear ratios range from 3.07 to 4.88.
The Dana 44 is a robust and reliable axle design, making it a common choice for many off-road and towing applications.
Identifying a Dana 60 Front Axle
The Dana 60 is a heavier-duty front axle design often found in larger trucks and SUVs. Some key features of the Dana 60 include:
- Axle tube diameter: The Dana 60 has a larger axle tube diameter of 3.75 inches (95 mm).
- Differential cover: The Dana 60 differential cover is typically square or rectangular in shape.
- Brake components: Dana 60 axles commonly use disc brakes with a 6-lug wheel pattern.
- Gear ratio: Common Dana 60 gear ratios range from 3.54 to 5.38.
The Dana 60 is known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it a popular choice for heavy-duty off-road and towing applications.
Knowing whether your vehicle has a Dana 44 or 60 front axle can help you select the right replacement parts and make informed decisions about upgrades or modifications. If you're still unsure, consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified mechanic for a definitive identification.
How to tell Dana 44 from 60?
Measure Your Axle
Although the Dana 44 and Dana 60 differential covers look similar, their sizes are significantly different. The Dana 44 differential cover will measure about 9 1/2 inches wide and 10 1/2 inches tall, while the Dana 60 differential cover will measure about 11 1/4 inches wide and 12 inches tall.
How to identify 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.
How to identify a Chevy Dana 60?
First, you want to the number of bolts are holding the drum backing plate onto the axle. If there are 7 bolts, then you have a GMC/Chevy or Jeep Dana 60 axle. These axles are all exactly the same. If there are 4 bolts, then you have either a Dodge or Ford Dana 60 axle.
What Jeep has a Dana 44 front axle?
Like previous Jeep Wrangler models, Rubicon JLs are equipped with a new design Dana 44 in the front and rear. All Gladiator JTs also have the new design Dana 44 axle in the front and rear.
How can you tell a Dana 44 from a Dana 60?
Measure Your Axle
Although the Dana 44 and Dana 60 differential covers look similar, their sizes are significantly different. The Dana 44 differential cover will measure about 9 1/2 inches wide and 10 1/2 inches tall, while the Dana 60 differential cover will measure about 11 1/4 inches wide and 12 inches tall.
What is the difference between Dana 44 and 60 axles?
Like we said above, the Dana 60 is the stronger axle. If you want to run big tires or big power you need a Dana 60 axle. At the same time, the Dana 44 is a great axle if you don't need giant tires or big power. Most people don't realize how heavy a Dana 60 is and how much unsprung weight affects handling.
Where do I find my axle size?
You should find it on the driver's side of the trailer. A second way to determine the size axle you need is to measure the diameter of your existing axle. The tube in our video example measures at 2 and 3/8ths of an inch. You can use this measurement to identify the axle.
What vehicles have a Dana 60 front axle?
The Dana/Spicer Model 60 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Holding Corporation and used in OEM pickup and limited passenger car applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ford and Land Rover.
How do you tell what type of axle you have?
Sprung and Torflex axle labels can be found on the side of the axle facing your rear bumper. The axle label provides critical manufacturing information, including the axle serial number, axle capacity, and axle build information. Locating your axle label will help ensure that you identify your axle correctly.
How do I know 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.
