What axle is a Dana 44?
The Dana 44 axle is one of the most popular and versatile axles in the automotive world, known for its durability and adaptability. Whether you're an off-road enthusiast or simply curious about vehicle mechanics, understanding the Dana 44 can help you appreciate why it has become a staple in many vehicles over the years.
Overview of the Dana 44 Axle
The Dana 44 is a medium-duty axle manufactured by Dana Incorporated, a company renowned for producing high-quality drivetrain components. First introduced in the 1940s, the Dana 44 has been used in a wide variety of vehicles, including Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs. Its robust design and ability to handle moderate to heavy loads make it a favorite among off-roaders and vehicle manufacturers alike.
Key Features of the Dana 44
The Dana 44 axle stands out due to its unique features, which include:
- Ring Gear Size: The Dana 44 typically features a ring gear diameter of 8.5 inches, providing a balance between strength and weight.
- Axle Shafts: It comes with either 30-spline or 19-spline axle shafts, depending on the specific model and application.
- Housing Design: The axle housing is designed to be durable and resistant to bending, making it ideal for off-road use.
- Customization Options: The Dana 44 is highly customizable, with a wide range of aftermarket parts available, including lockers, gears, and upgraded shafts.
Applications of the Dana 44
The Dana 44 axle has been used in a variety of vehicles over the decades. Some common applications include:
- Jeeps: Many Jeep models, such as the Wrangler and Cherokee, have featured the Dana 44 as a factory option or upgrade.
- Trucks: Light-duty and medium-duty trucks from manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge have utilized the Dana 44 for its strength and reliability.
- Off-Road Vehicles: The Dana 44 is a popular choice for off-road builds due to its ability to handle rugged terrain and heavy loads.
Why Choose a Dana 44?
There are several reasons why the Dana 44 remains a top choice for vehicle owners and builders:
- Durability: Its robust construction ensures it can withstand significant stress and strain.
- Versatility: The Dana 44 can be adapted to a wide range of vehicles and applications.
- Aftermarket Support: With a vast array of aftermarket parts available, the Dana 44 can be easily upgraded to meet specific needs.
Conclusion
The Dana 44 axle is a testament to engineering excellence, offering a perfect blend of strength, versatility, and reliability. Whether you're upgrading your off-road rig or maintaining your daily driver, the Dana 44 is a solid choice that has stood the test of time. At Kevin's Autos, we have years of experience working with axles like the Dana 44, and we're here to help with all your vehicle maintenance and repair needs. Feel free to reach out to us for expert advice or service!
Frequently Asked Questions
What size shaft is a Dana 44?
Starting in 1972, modern factory Dana 44s had 30-spine axleshafts with a thickness of 1.31 inches (earlier axles were 10- or 19-spline), although the rear next-generation Dana 44 found on the 2007-present Jeep Wrangler JK has 32-spline shafts.
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.
Is a Dana 44 a 1 ton axle?
Front Dana 44 solid axle
The Dana 44 has seen use in 1/4-, 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-ton rated trucks. The Dana 44 was manufactured in kingpin and ball joint variations, as well as closed and open knuckle variations.
What is a Dana 44 axle?
The Dana/Spicer Model 44 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and is used extensively among automobile manufacturers and in the automotive aftermarket area as well. The Dana 44 was first manufactured in the 1940s and is still being manufactured today, both front and rear axle variants.
How do I identify my axle?
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.
What is so special about Dana 44?
The Dana 44 has a GAWR up to 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) and is a semi-floating type, having one bearing on the end of the axle shaft which carries the weight of the vehicle on the axle and also allows axle rotation. There is an 8.9" diameter Dana 44 ring and pinion that is very different from the standard Dana 44.
What year did Jeep start using Dana 44?
Improvements with the first civilian Jeep in '46 included a stronger Dana 25 up front and the short-used Dana 41 in the rear. With 1949 came the ubiquitous Dana 44, and things stayed that way until 1975 when there was a switch to the AMC axle and then back to Dana around 1987.
What vehicle has a Dana 44?
The Dana 44 has seen use in Chevrolet Corvettes and Dodge Vipers. This axle is referred to as a Dana 44 ICA or Dana 44 IRS. All 1980–1982 Chevrolet Corvette C3 and manual transmission equipped 1985–1996 Chevrolet Corvette C4 had this axle. The 2005–06 Pontiac GTO, The Dodge Viper has always used a Dana 44 IRS setup.
Which is better, Dana 35 or Dana 44?
It may not sound like a big difference, but it's actually a pretty big. Although the Dana 44 has a larger differential, and stronger axle shafts, it shares the same weak axle tubes with the Dana 35. You could always truss the axle to make it stronger, but at the end of the day, it'll still have really weeks tubes.
How do I identify a Dana 44 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.
