What are the differences between the dana 44 and dana 50? Are all LD 250's dana 44's, and HD 250's 50's? Is there any ditinguishing differecces betwee the two. My brother has a 90 F250 LD (6800 GVW) with a 302, the semi float 10.25 rear and IFS in the front. We don't know if it is a 44 or a 50, can't see any numbers cast into the casing. He just bought a 3/4 ton Dana 44 front axle from a 76 F250, he is hoping to use the original IFS parts from the spindle out. Will this work?
What can you tell me?
Tyler

 

From what I have read in my Haynes manual and my Ford truck Bible, the difference is mostly just physical size and load rating. On the 350 series you will see the Dana 60 solid axle which is obviously different from the 50 and 44.

You will need different spindle nut wrenchs for the 44 versus the 50 but otherwise from what I can tell they are very similar.

I am not an expert, I have only worked on my front axle once so far. You might post your question to the drivelines and transmission section. You are more likely to get some answers there, and from people who know.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

 

The difference is this: the D-50 has the same ring gear diameter, and housing as the 44. What's different is the thickness. The gears in the 50 are thicker than the 44 and the internal parts are stronger. As far as a swap.....no idea.