Is a Dana 60 better than a Dana 44?
The Dana 60 and Dana 44 are two popular rear axle designs used in various trucks and off-road vehicles. While both are reliable and capable, the Dana 60 is generally considered the superior option for heavy-duty applications and demanding off-road use.
Comparing the Dana 60 and Dana 44
The Dana 60 and Dana 44 are both manufactured by Dana Incorporated, a leading supplier of automotive and truck components. The key differences between the two axle designs lie in their size, strength, and intended applications.
Size and Strength
- The Dana 60 is a larger and more robust axle design, with a larger ring gear and differential case compared to the Dana 44.
- The Dana 60 has a higher weight capacity, typically ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, while the Dana 44 is rated for 2,500 to 3,500 pounds.
- The Dana 60's larger components and heavier-duty construction make it better suited for heavy-duty applications, such as large trucks, Jeeps, and off-road vehicles.
The increased size and strength of the Dana 60 also come with some trade-offs, such as a higher overall weight and larger physical footprint compared to the Dana 44.
Applications and Use Cases
- The Dana 60 is often found in full-size trucks, such as the Ford F-250 and F-350, as well as in Jeep Wranglers and other off-road-focused vehicles.
- The Dana 44 is more commonly used in lighter-duty applications, such as Jeep Cherokees, Ford Rangers, and other mid-size trucks and SUVs.
- The Dana 60's increased strength and durability make it a better choice for heavy-duty towing, hauling, and off-road use, where the extra capacity and robustness are essential.
While the Dana 44 is a reliable and capable axle, the Dana 60 is generally considered the superior option for those who require the highest levels of strength and durability, particularly in demanding off-road or heavy-duty applications.
What is the strongest rear end?
What Makes the 9-inch Ford Rearend So Great? From the archives: Legendary tech guru Marlan Davis explains why the 9-inch Ford is the strongest rearend out there—it's all due to “hypoid distance.”
Is a Dana 60 stronger than a Ford 9 inch?
The Ford 9-inch pinion is mounted lower in the carrier and has the greatest hypoid offset, which causes it to consume more power to drive it than the Dana 60 or GM 12-bolt. The Dana 60 has so much mass it too consumes a lot of power to drive (although many say it feels slightly less than a 9-inch Ford).
Why upgrade to Dana 60?
Less parts to wear out, tighter turning radius, likely better tire wear, easier to lift without the need for offset ball joints. Also a stronger axle overall.
What is the difference between Dana 44 and Dana 60 diff cover?
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 does a Dana 60 do?
Dana Super 60 (Dana S 60)
Larger ring and pinion which increase the contact area and overall strength. Some use larger ("1550") Universal Joints which increase strength and steering angle. Net formed spider gears for increased strength.
Is Dana 60 stronger than Dana 44?
The Dana 60 has a larger ring gear, larger axle tubes, larger axle shafts, and overall is much stronger. All that extra strength, however, add a lot of weight. Adding more unsprung weight to your rig will make it handle worse on and off the road.
What size tires can a Dana 60 handle?
A modern Dana 60 front axle comes stuffed with much stronger 1.5-inch-diameter, 35-spline axleshafts (center), which can safely handle 37-to-44-inch tires.
How much torque can a Dana 60 handle?
Axletube diameters range from 2.5 inches to 3 inches, and semi-floating models have a gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of 3,500 pounds and an output torque rating of 3,460 lb-ft.
