What is the main reason you would not use this rearend in a F-100 truck. I assume it is realiable and I have checked the differential replacement prices and they do not appear to be that bad. Is there a specific reason? I am going to have at least a 351 in my truck but I hear that some of the y-blocks put out over 250HP with the original rear end and no problem. What is the reason to change it to a 9" rear if these things are easy to upgrade. Ed

 

Convenience. The 9" rears are easier to change ratios. Pull the carrier intact, drop in a different one and as long as the axle spline count is the same you're good to go.

44's are good rear ends, but you need to adjust gear lash on the ring and pinion. Most guys are afraid of it, but if you're capable around the shop and willing to fiddle with the adjustments, go for it.

 

I thought the rear ends werent actual dana 44s, something similar though, but with not much/or any aftermarket or replacable parts. Or was that only for the 48-52 F1's?

 

From my research there is a welath of parts for the Dana 44 and they are the same Dana's. Ford did not make these ones, but there are some that ford did make. Ed

 

I have a Dana 44 in my 60...its gotta go! I prefer the 9" myself, as mtflat stated the gears are easier to change, Im sure there are more ratio's available as well. and look through all of the car magazines...most of the C***y guys end up with a nice 9" setup in their rides as well...housings are easy to shorten and modify. Just my preference

Glack

 

The Dana 44 is a good unit and is the preferred axle of choice for most Jeepers. However the unit in the early Fords have 19 spline axle shafts and they are the weak part. If you have good axle shafts and the axle seals have not worn a groove in them, and you are not running too much HP then you should be happy with the unit. They are not that difficult to change the ring and pinion though I agree a 9" is easier, but how often do you plan to change gears? If you plan to do it alot Maybe a quick change would be better. Having said all that, I swapped my D44 for a Ford 8.8" w/ disc brakes, (after completely rebuilding the D44 unit). I never got over fear of a broken axle shaft. Just could not put a whole lot of faith in the badly pitted ones I had, plus I needed to change my lug pattern anyway to match the front axle. The 8.8" unit is very similar in design to the D44 but is a c-clip design. I'm using the same axle on my Jeep and have found it to be plenty strong, even with 35" tall tires. If you go with a 9" make sure your get 31 spline axles. The 28 spline axles are OK for light duty but if you push it, they can snap easily. All 3 units can be built to be very strong axles and all have good aftermarket support. Decide what you want your axle to do then build/buy to satisfy that goal. If you plan to run the higher horsepower, you should plan to change your axle shafts to 31 spline along with your side gears (or add a 31 sp. locker). Once done the D44 should be plenty fine.
Hope this helps.

 

I looked into what it would take to modify the Spicer 44 for what I wanted. First problem is you'd have to change the carrier to get below 3.77 ratio. If you're gonna change stuff out, why not just change out the whole rear axle?

And changing the ratio of a Ford 9" is swapping out the differential. I've got three pumpkins I can use; 3.25, 3.5, and the third I haven't pulled the rear out of the Torino yet. I'm hoping for a 3.00.

Trac-Loc are pretty cheap to buy for the 9". And it's not hard to modify the bolt pattern (swap shafts).

 

That is true. A big advantage to the Ford units (both the 8.8" and 9") is that the carrier is a one size fits all gears. I do like the Ford's over the Dana in that the shims are outboard of the bearings. I use the adjustable shim pack but a box full of the Ford shims would be nice indeed and even easier. Strengthwise my personal opinon is that both of the Ford axles are stronger than the D44 but if the D44 is strong enough for your application then it has an advantage of being lighter.
As I said, decide what you want the axle to do then setup for that. The 9" definitely has the edge when it comes to aftermarket support and upgrades, but if you don't need that much strength then the D44 or 8.8" may be appropriate.

 

I am convinced. I will have a 9" in my truck. Ed