Is the Ford 9 stronger than the Dana 44?
The Ford 9 and Dana 44 are two popular rear axle designs used in a variety of vehicles, but which one is stronger? The short answer is that the Ford 9 is generally considered to be the stronger of the two axles.
Comparing the Ford 9 and Dana 44 Axles
The Ford 9 and Dana 44 are both solid rear axle designs, meaning they use a single, solid shaft to transmit power from the differential to the wheels. However, there are some key differences between the two that contribute to the Ford 9's superior strength.
Ford 9 Axle Advantages
- Larger Ring Gear: The Ford 9 uses a larger ring gear, typically 9 inches in diameter, compared to the 8.8-inch ring gear found in the Dana 44. The larger ring gear provides more surface area for the ring and pinion gears to mesh, resulting in greater load-bearing capacity.
- Thicker Axle Tubes: The Ford 9 axle tubes are thicker and more robust than the Dana 44, making them less prone to bending or breaking under heavy loads.
- Stronger Differential: The Ford 9 differential is generally considered to be more durable and capable of handling higher torque loads than the Dana 44 differential.
These design differences contribute to the Ford 9's reputation as a stronger and more reliable axle, particularly in high-performance or off-road applications where the vehicle may be subjected to significant stress and strain.
Considerations and Limitations
It's important to note that the relative strength of the Ford 9 and Dana 44 axles can vary depending on the specific application, modifications, and usage. Additionally, both axles can be upgraded and reinforced to increase their strength and durability. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the vehicle and its intended use.
How strong is the Dana 44 axle?
It used to be that the Dana 44 was considered to be a fairly stout axle. But as trails got tougher and tires got larger, the 44 got dumped in favor of even stronger hardware. But the Dana 44 is a pretty stout piece, and many companies offer parts to make your 44 even stronger than it now is.
Which gear is the strongest?
The gears determine the amount of power available from the engine. First gear provides the most pulling power but the least potential for speed, whilst fifth gear which provides the least pulling power allows the greatest range of speed.
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.”
Why is the Ford 9-inch so strong?
The size of the ring gear is another key element of the 9-inch's strength. At 9 inches in diameter (hence the name), it is larger than many other factory rearend options, such as the GM 10-bolt or 12-bolt rear axles, giving it a larger surface area to distribute the forces of torque.
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).
Is a Ford 9-inch stronger than a 12-bolt?
The Ford 9.000-inch ring gear has a size advantage over the 12-bolt's 8.875-inch ring gear, though not by that much. The Ford's larger ring gear, in addition to its greater offset relative to the pinion, yields a tooth contact area deeper than a GM 12-bolt, making the Ford stronger.
What is the best rear end for a hot rod?
Undoubtedly, the most sought after rearend for hot rodders is the Ford 9-inch, which was produced between 1957 and 1985. The stock housings and centersections can tolerate good power and are easy to upgrade.
Is a Ford 9-inch stronger than a 12 bolt?
The Ford 9.000-inch ring gear has a size advantage over the 12-bolt's 8.875-inch ring gear, though not by that much. The Ford's larger ring gear, in addition to its greater offset relative to the pinion, yields a tooth contact area deeper than a GM 12-bolt, making the Ford stronger.
How strong is Dana 44?
It used to be that the Dana 44 was considered to be a fairly stout axle. But as trails got tougher and tires got larger, the 44 got dumped in favor of even stronger hardware. But the Dana 44 is a pretty stout piece, and many companies offer parts to make your 44 even stronger than it now is.
How much power can a Ford 9-inch handle?
The power handling in these custom cases more than triples to the 1,200 range. Add in big bearing cases with 10-bolt pinion supports and thru-bolted caps, and you see many 9-inchers that hardly notice 2,000 horses being thrown at them.”
