This is like one of those mysteries lost in the mists of time . . . I've seen all sorts of nomenclature used in referring to the Dana rearend used on F-1 and early F-100s. The most common misconception is that it's a 44, which it is not, at least not on the earliest F-1s. I've seen it called a 26, a 36, a 38, and -- probably correctly, a 41.

I've also heard that it did indeed become a 44 on the early F-100s ('53-'56), but my only experience with these has been to remove and replace them with Ford 9-inch rearends, relegating the Dana unit to the scrap pile.

I'd like to replace the original 3.73 rearend in my '48 F-1 this Fall with one with a bit taller gearing, and also without the power-robbing hypoid drive of the Ford 9 inch. As far as I've been able to determine, the 3.73 is the tallest R&P set available for the "41" rearend. I've learned that there are much taller gearsets available for the Dana 44, from 2.87 to 3.73 and lower. If the early F-100 rearend is indeed a 44 (which I kind of doubt) it would be a perfect choice for building a 3.31 or 3.42 rearend for my truck.

One final question about the early F-100 ('53-'56) rearend: Was it available with taller gearing than 3.73?

I'd really appreciate some expert information on this subject.

TIA

Mike Bishop

 

'51-56 used the Dana 44. The 48-50 used the Spicer 41. The Dana 44's came with 3.92 and 4.27. You can still get a new ring carrier that allows you to use the higher ratios. The Dana 44 is a good rearend for medium use. The 9" is prefered because you can throw anything at it. They still use the Dana 44 today but it has 31 spline axles instead of the original 19 spline axles.

 

From my information
48-52 were either labeled Ford for F1 or Rockwell 51524 for F2 & 3
53-56 Dana 44 for F100, Rockwell a150 or Dana 60 for 5k lbs and up use
Rockwell B150 for 7200 lbs and up in 53-55
1956 Rockwell B100 for 7200lbs up/

SOme 63 dana 44's came with 4.56 limited slip.

Hope this helps

Bubba

 

Thanks for the info, that's what I was looking for.

Mike

 

the dana 44 in my 56 is a 3.73 and i do believe i saw in this forum that almost all of the 56's are 3.73

 

Thanks, nixer. That rearend is easy to come by, and I'll start looking for one. With a new ring gear carrier I can build it with a taller gearset, as 51dueller says.