Had a 55 pickup that was mostly stock a few years ago but had to sell it and looking to get back into the hobby. Have been looking at the truck magazines and checking out the board and it seems like most buildups I see on these trucks has had a rear end swap, usually a ford 9 inch rear. I thought the originals were dana 44's which are plenty strong. Why the trouble of swapping rears when the stock rear is plenty stout? Not criticizing anybody who does swap rears, but was wondering if there is an issue with the stock units like durability or parts availability. I know bolt pattern can be an issue.

 

Im keeping my original dana 44,

 

For a better gear ratio.

 

And if you want a different bolt pattern, like 4.5" or disc brakes. If you are going to the darkside...

 

I'm keeping my dana 44 in my panel truck. If I were to go with a BB with monster torque I would have to rethink the plans but a mild V8 should not be a problem for the small dana.
brian...

 

Dana 44 are great setups. They are still being used in today's vehicles (variations that is). If you want a better gear ratio, you can easily swap out a new ring/pinion. Randy's ring and pinion sells them in a variety gear ratios. I love my trucks with the 9" ford but if you aren't swapping in a large motor the Dana 44 is a great option.

 

Hi there,

I am going to rebuild my stock Dana 44 and use it in my truck. I'm running a 5.0 with an AOD and will not be getting too wild on the HP. Likely around 350, so my D44 should be just fine! No hassles with re-fitting another rear end - brakes, lug patterns, perches, shock towers, Etc.

Since my front end is stock, all my lug patterns stay the same.

Joe

 

Another reason some swap rears is thet the early Dana 41'/44's had 19 spline axles that won't handle a lot of torque
I am keeping my 41/44 in my 48 Panel with a gear change.

 

There are several reasons for popularity: the 57-60 trucks have a bolt-in swap for 53-56's, changing ratios is much less work by simply removing axles and remove bolts around the center section, 3 teeth are always engaged at ring and pinion making it a very strong setup, almost any ratio you will ever need is available, limited slip differentials are available, 28, 31, 35 spline axles can be had depending on your pocketbook and plenty of drag racers are always selling high performance pieces and parts.

 

Gear swapping in a dana axle isn't really all that hard. If you're not comfy doing it, 4x4 shops change gears in them all day long.

 

1957/67 F100's have 11 x 1 3/4" rear brakes as do 1948/51 F1's and 1953/56 F100's. 1968/72 F100's have 11 x 2 1/4" rear brakes.

1957/67 F100 9's have 28 spline axleshafts, as do some 1968/72 F100 axleshafts. Right/Left is the same / Passenger Car 9" axleshafts are right'left specific.

Some 1968/72 F100 9's have a 9 3/8" ring gear and 31 spline axleshafts. Only 5 parts are the same as a 1957/72 9 inch.

One pinion bearing and cup, housing gasket, pinion seal and pilot bearing retainer. EVERYTHING else is different!

No such thing as 35 spline 9" axleshafts in any Ford product. Not in Passenger Cars, F100/150's, Bronco's or E100/150's.

And, Limited Slip was not available in F100 9's until midyear 1968. 1959/67, early 1968: If optional Limited Slip was ordered, Ford installed Dana 44's.

Also available as an option for 1963/68 F100's were Dana 60.2's (1963/66) & 60.3's (1966/68) with Limited Slip. These are not Dana 60's-were only installed in F250's and E250/300's.