dana 44

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Jul 17, 2014 | 01:15 AM

#16

moonley

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 425

Likes: 3

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowrollerzcustoms

im building off a 2wd frame but have my 4wd frame to fabricate the 2wd into a 4wd im trying to figure out if my front suspension currently on my 78 will bolt up to the 77

No, a 4x4 suspension will in no way bolt up to a 2 wheel drive frame. You would be much better off using 4x4 frame, and if you want a dually converting the axles on the 4x4 frame.

There are a LOT of threads on here about 4x4 conversions, do some searches and you'll begin to see why a lot of people have problems with this.

Some of the issues you will run into include coil spring vs leaf spring suspension changes, the engine cross members being entirely different and interfering with the 4x4 front axle, steering systems are completely different and transfer case mounting issues. None of these swaps are bolt-on and all will require extensive fabrication.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowrollerzcustoms

will there be weakness in the d44

Yes there is weakness, a Dana 44 is like...16 less than a Dana 60. But seriously, there is a reason why 1 ton trucks came with Dana 60s. A 44 has a weight rating of up to something like 3,500 lbs while a 60 is rated up to 6,500 lbs. It may be OK if you go easy on it, but yes, there is a weakness.