Is the Ford 9 stronger than the Dana 44?
When it comes to off-road enthusiasts and gearheads, the debate between the Ford 9-inch and the Dana 44 axles is a hot topic. Both are legendary in their own right, but which one is stronger? In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, strengths, and weaknesses of these two axles to help you make an informed decision for your vehicle.
Understanding the Basics of the Ford 9-Inch
The Ford 9-inch axle is renowned for its strength and versatility. Originally introduced in the 1950s, it has become a favorite among drag racers, off-roaders, and custom car builders. Here’s why:
- High Torque Capacity: The Ford 9-inch is designed to handle high torque loads, making it ideal for high-performance applications.
- Removable Third Member: This feature allows for easy gear ratio changes and repairs without removing the entire axle assembly.
- Aftermarket Support: The Ford 9-inch has a vast aftermarket, offering a wide range of upgrades and replacement parts.
Its design includes a larger ring gear (9 inches in diameter, hence the name), which contributes to its strength and durability. Additionally, the pinion gear is supported by a third bearing, reducing deflection under heavy loads.
What Makes the Dana 44 Stand Out?
The Dana 44 is another iconic axle, commonly found in Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs. It has been in production since the 1940s and is known for its reliability and versatility. Key features include:
- Wide Availability: The Dana 44 is found in many factory vehicles, making it a popular choice for upgrades and replacements.
- Lightweight Design: Compared to the Ford 9-inch, the Dana 44 is lighter, which can be an advantage in certain applications.
- Solid Performance: While not as strong as the Ford 9-inch, the Dana 44 is more than capable for moderate off-roading and daily driving.
The Dana 44 typically features a smaller ring gear (8.5 inches in diameter) and uses a two-bearing pinion support system. While this makes it slightly less robust than the Ford 9-inch, it is still a reliable choice for many vehicles.
Ford 9-Inch vs. Dana 44: Which Is Stronger?
When it comes to outright strength, the Ford 9-inch has the edge over the Dana 44. Its larger ring gear, third pinion bearing, and robust design make it better suited for high-stress applications like drag racing and extreme off-roading. However, the Dana 44 is no slouch and is often sufficient for lighter-duty applications or vehicles that prioritize weight savings.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Strength: Ford 9-inch wins due to its larger components and additional pinion support.
- Weight: Dana 44 is lighter, which can be beneficial for certain builds.
- Aftermarket Support: Both axles have excellent aftermarket support, but the Ford 9-inch has a slight edge due to its popularity in high-performance builds.
- Ease of Maintenance: The Ford 9-inch’s removable third member makes it easier to service and modify.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Axle for Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between the Ford 9-inch and the Dana 44 depends on your specific needs and vehicle setup. If you’re building a high-horsepower drag car or tackling extreme off-road trails, the Ford 9-inch is the stronger and more durable option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a reliable, lightweight axle for moderate off-roading or daily driving, the Dana 44 is a solid choice.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’ve worked on countless vehicles equipped with both axles. If you’re unsure which axle is right for your build or need professional installation and maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you get the most out of your vehicle!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.”
