Dana 44 question
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Benson,NC
Dana 44 question
Has anyone ever put a dana 44 under these old body style trucks and if so how did they hold up? I have a 97 crew cab 4x4 power stroke and I need to replace my dana 50 TTI crap. The dana 60's are just so expensive and scarce down here in NC. Thanks for the responses!
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From: Benson,NC
I haul loads of hay and livestock that are weighing in around 26-30 thousand pounds. I use this truck on the farm and I want a solid front end. I do not care about the Independent Front suspension on this truck. My truck only has 136K on it but they have been mostly working miles. I want a straight axle and can find D44 axles easier and cheaper but if they will be a pain then I will pay a little more for the D60.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Orrville, Ohio
You need a D60 then. A D44 won't hold up to that kind of abuse. It's fine for Jeeps and F-150's but the engine alone in your truck weighs almost 1,000 pounds and if you're putting the truck to work like that, you need a D60. Sorry, there's just no way around it. Either rebuild the D50 (they're typically just fine unless you are running a lift or bigger tires) or buckle down and get a D60. You won't regret it.
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From: Maysville, Kentucky
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From: Benson,NC
Thanks guys! Does anyone have one laying around that is close to NC? I am about to call a guy in Raleigh, he has a set of 2001 axles with the D-60 and a 10.25 rear for 800 bucks. Just wanting to see what else may be out there. Thanks Again!!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
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From: Orrville, Ohio
Nope, I am no help there, but remember that if you go with the SD axles (which those are, and I think that should be a 10.5 rear) you will have to get different wheels since the lugs are spaced differently.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,793
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From: Richland, WA
The SD frames are also wider, so you will have to move the spring pearches. The front drivers side pearch is cast into the housing. Not easy to move, and I can't say that I have seen anybody do it either. Most people that go to the SD axles use 05+ for the coil springs, but that's even more fab work.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
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From: Thomasville, GA
His user name is "Neal 97 250"
Here's a link to his profile, send him a PM and he might be able to help you out.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Profile: Neal 97 250
Here's a link to his profile, send him a PM and he might be able to help you out.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Profile: Neal 97 250
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10,008
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From: Austin, TX
The SD frames are also wider, so you will have to move the spring pearches. The front drivers side pearch is cast into the housing. Not easy to move, and I can't say that I have seen anybody do it either. Most people that go to the SD axles use 05+ for the coil springs, but that's even more fab work.