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Old Jul 1, 2003 | 05:10 PM
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Daniel Moran
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From: North West Austin
Question 74 front diff

Please Help????

I'm new too early model fords, My brother-in-law beening
a typical 18 year old tore up his christmas present from me!
The price was perfect 1974 3/4 ton 4speed, 460, 35's
gutted step side. Now I need to know more about the front
diff. I believe it's a d44, but I'm not sure, & it's not like most
front ends I've seen it doesn't mave ball joints it's different.
If anyone can lend a hand please!!!! I would be very
apppiciative!!!
 
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Old Jul 2, 2003 | 01:56 PM
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Torque1st
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74 front diff

Bump
 
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Old Jul 2, 2003 | 02:29 PM
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RRMike
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From: Roseburg OR.
74 front diff

It sounds like it could be a low pinion closed knuckle dana 60. Is the center section (Pumpkin) the same as others you've seen or is it bigger? Can you see the axle u-joints? Is it the same as the rear diff? That is a Dana 60 or at least it should be.

How is it different than others you've seen. Are you comparing it to a high pinion model out of a half ton or a 78-79 3/4 ton?

Do you think the truck has been modified? Could this front axle be out of something else?

More info!
 

Last edited by RRMike; Jul 2, 2003 at 02:32 PM.
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Old Jul 2, 2003 | 04:10 PM
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heep70
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From: Bonney Lake,WA USA
74 front diff

Its a 3500LB closed knuckle Dana 44 w/ an open carrier 4:09 R&P. They call them "Big Ball" Dana 44. I put one in the front of my '71. They are not as strong as an open knuckle D44 and the turning radius is also not as tight as the open knuckle D44. Parts are still available. Axles, I am told, you have to steel from a cheby D44. I like mine, I totally rebuilt it. The price was right for me. If I had the option I would rather have a Dana 60.
 
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Old Jul 8, 2003 | 04:55 PM
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Daniel Moran
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74 front diff

Whats the difficulty in swapping it with a dana 60?
 
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Old Jul 9, 2003 | 09:38 AM
  #6  
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heep70
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From: Bonney Lake,WA USA
74 front diff

For me the trouble was time and money. I have never swapped a D60 into the front of a ford like mine, so I am not sure if there are problems. I have built several trail Jeeps and it was never much of a big deal to swap drive trains. There are allways mods to be made, but that is expected.

I like my D44, it does what I want it to do. If I was going to use my pickup on a 4xing trail I would use a D60 up front.

Try putting in a thread asking about swapping in a D60 into the front of your Ford. I am sure there are a few people here that has done it. Let me know if you find out any problems with putting one in.

 
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Old Jul 9, 2003 | 02:57 PM
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Daniel Moran
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From: North West Austin
74 front diff

Thanks Greg for the info!! a Dana 44 marking #'s are on the houseing correct? Because I've found a 3/4 ton front diff in a
j-yard about a 1976 model.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2003 | 03:05 PM
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heep70
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From: Bonney Lake,WA USA
74 front diff

Yes, They are casted into the center. 44 for Dana 44 and 60 for Dana 60.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2003 | 03:20 PM
  #9  
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Daniel Moran
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From: North West Austin
74 front diff

Hey Greg the diff I have , has a big ball on the end that the spindle turns /pivits on does that help in identifing it?
 
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Old Jul 10, 2003 | 10:30 AM
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heep70
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From: Bonney Lake,WA USA
74 front diff

If there is 12 1/2" bolts surrounding the "ball" then you have the 3500lb "Big Ball" Dana 44 open carrier w/ 4:09 R&P. If you want email me a couple pics.
 
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