Is the Dana 50 a good axle?
The Dana 50 axle is a topic of much debate among off-road enthusiasts and truck owners. Known for its use in heavy-duty applications, this axle has its strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of the Dana 50, its common applications, and whether it’s a good choice for your vehicle.
What Is the Dana 50 Axle?
The Dana 50 is a medium-duty axle manufactured by Dana Incorporated. It is commonly found in Ford Super Duty trucks and some other heavy-duty vehicles. The axle is available in both solid axle and independent front suspension (IFS) configurations, depending on the vehicle model and year.
Strengths of the Dana 50
The Dana 50 has several advantages that make it a popular choice for certain applications:
- Durability: The Dana 50 is designed to handle heavy loads, making it suitable for towing and hauling.
- Availability: Since it is commonly used in Ford Super Duty trucks, replacement parts are relatively easy to find.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to heavier-duty axles like the Dana 60, the Dana 50 is often more affordable while still offering decent performance.
Weaknesses of the Dana 50
Despite its strengths, the Dana 50 does have some limitations:
- Weaker Than the Dana 60: The Dana 50 shares many components with the Dana 60 but has a smaller ring gear (9 inches compared to the Dana 60's 9.75 inches), making it less robust under extreme conditions.
- Limited Aftermarket Support: While parts are available, the aftermarket support for upgrades is not as extensive as it is for the Dana 60.
- Weight: The axle is heavy, which can impact fuel efficiency and handling in some vehicles.
Is the Dana 50 Right for You?
Whether the Dana 50 is a good axle for your needs depends on how you plan to use your vehicle. Here are some considerations:
- If you primarily use your truck for towing, hauling, or moderate off-road use, the Dana 50 can be a reliable and cost-effective choice.
- If you’re planning on extreme off-roading or heavy modifications, you might want to consider upgrading to a Dana 60 or another heavy-duty axle for added strength and durability.
- For daily driving and light-duty applications, the Dana 50 offers a good balance of performance and affordability.
Conclusion
The Dana 50 is a solid axle for medium-duty applications, offering durability and affordability for truck owners who don’t need the extreme strength of a Dana 60. However, its limitations in terms of strength and aftermarket support mean it may not be the best choice for extreme off-road enthusiasts or heavily modified vehicles. As always, consider your specific needs and consult with a trusted mechanic or axle specialist to make the best decision for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What years did Ford use the Dana 50 front axle?
The Dana 50 front axle was found in Ford trucks from the 1980s through the early 2000s, particularly in F-250 and F-350 Super Duty models. While it wasn't standard in Bullnose trucks (1980-1986), it's a popular swap for those seeking an upgrade from a lighter axle without jumping to the heavier Dana 60.
How much 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. Aggressive drivers can take their Dana 60 a step further with aftermarket 1.70-inch-diameter, 40-spline axleshafts (left).
Is a Dana 70 better than a Dana 60?
While a . 2″ difference in diameter between the Dana 60 and the Dana 70 doesn't seem like it would matter much, it matters a great deal. The torque rating for a stock Dana 70 axle shaft is 8966 ft/lbs, which is almost 50% stronger than the stock Dana 60 axle shaft, which has a rating of 6044 ft/lbs.
Is a Dana 50 good?
Dana 50's were made as front axles only until it was revived in rear solid axle configuration in the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor. The Dana 50 has a "50" cast into the housing and is regarded to have more strength than a Dana 44, but not as much as a Dana 60. It was only produced in a reverse cut gear set aka a high pinion.
Is a Dana 60 better than a 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.
What Dana rear end is the best?
Dana 60 Rear End Assemblies
If you want a big brute of a rear end under your car, look no further than a Dana 60. Even in the heyday of muscle cars, Dana 60 rear differentials were renowned for their strength, along with their difficulty to locate.
How big of tires can a Dana 50 handle?
As you may infer from its name, the Dana 50s overall size and strength rest between that of a Dana 44 and Dana 60. For those looking to run up to a 37-inch tire, the Dana 50 is well-suited. The weak points usually don't begin to appear until you break into the 38-inch-plus knobbies.
Is Dana 80 stronger than 14 Bolt?
By the numbers, the load-carrying and therefore torque capacity of the three axles from weakest to strongest is: 14-bolt, Dana 70, and Dana 80.
Is a Dana 70 stronger than a Dana 60?
While a . 2″ difference in diameter between the Dana 60 and the Dana 70 doesn't seem like it would matter much, it matters a great deal. The torque rating for a stock Dana 70 axle shaft is 8966 ft/lbs, which is almost 50% stronger than the stock Dana 60 axle shaft, which has a rating of 6044 ft/lbs.
Is a Dana 60 a good axle?
In an attempt to get this back on topic... Allan, The Dana 60 front is a great axle. However, you need to take into consideration that it was originally used in trucks with 32 inch tires and 150-200 hp engines. As trucks have gotten heavier and more powerful, the axle has evolved.
