Help ID front axle

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Apr 13, 2004 | 11:32 PM

Faithful Old Road Dog

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From: california

Help ID front axle

Hi! Can anyone help me ID a front axle? The tag says:
4.09 D8TA AGC
610040-4

Or at least that's what I could read from the tag. It does look like a Dana 44 and I'm assuming the 4.09 is the gears.

Apr 14, 2004 | 04:35 PM

averagef250

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From: Portland, OR

I would guess it's a 78 or newer axle by the date code, and it should be a dana 44. AFAIK, the 4.09 ratio was only used in the D44's as the D60's got 4.10's. It would have had an extra metal tag on it cautioning to use posi lube if it were a posi axle. Also, D60's typically have a big 60F cast into the center chunck to denote a 60 front housing. If the breather is in an axle tube, remove it and gauge the tube thickness with a screwdriver. If the tube is only 1/4 inch wall, the axle is fords 78 and newer "economy" D44 that's prone to bending.

Apr 14, 2004 | 11:35 PM

Faithful Old Road Dog

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From: california

Thanks for the info. It does look to be a dana 44. I'll have to check the thickness. I spotted the axle at the boneyard and I'm more interested in getting the disc brake set up on my truck. The high pinion is a plus as well as the gearing matching my existing 4.09 gears. I think I might get it even if it is the thinner wall. My guess is if you're hard on the truck it may bend. But this is my work truck as well as daily driver so I'm easy on it. About how much thicker is the stronger tube?

Apr 15, 2004 | 05:38 PM

averagef250

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From: Portland, OR

Is the axle 8 lug or 1/2 ton? If it's 8 lug and high pinion, it will be the heavy wall axle. The 78 and newer 1/2 ton and light 3/4 ton axles were the thin tube design. All ford dana 44 and dana 60 front axles have 1/2" DOM tubes except for the 78-79 1/2 ton and light 3/4 ton versions.

Apr 15, 2004 | 11:32 PM

Faithful Old Road Dog

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I should have mentioned that it has 8 lugs. I'm heading back there tomorrow to pick it up. It'll be nice to have disc brakes and the high pinion. I figure there's no way I want to spend the $ on a Dana 60 high pinion. I've asked around some bone yards and they said if they did have one, it'll be about $1500. Now if I can only find a Dana 24 transfer case...

Apr 16, 2004 | 01:47 PM

averagef250

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From: Portland, OR

The only thing to watch out for with the high pinion axle is clearance with some hedder brands (like heddman). I'm runing a 60 front and heddman elite hedders and the pinion yoke hits the collector on big bumps even with a 6" lift. I've got a few extra 24 cases. Make an offer if your interested. I'm in oregon.

Apr 16, 2004 | 10:13 PM

Faithful Old Road Dog

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From: california

I picked up the axle today and I'll be cleaning it up tomorrow. I'm going to open up the cover and check for anything obvious, ie. broken teeth, bits of metal... I'm planning on replacing the axle u-joints and seals. The rotors look great and the pads have lots of meat left. I'll check out the wheel bearings as well. It has the Ford locking hubs. Funny thing, I bought my truck in Portland. I'll e-mail you about the 24's.