Dana 44 Open Vs. Closed
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 79
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From: Belleville, MI
Dana 44 Open Vs. Closed
I am currently in search of an F250 4x4 chassis to swap under a really nice 2wd truck that I've come across. In my search I keep hearing a lot of contradicting stories in regards to the open versus closed knuckle front ends. A friend of mine has a '72 with the closed knuckle, and he advised against it. Said they have problems with staying sealed, and oil leaks out and dirt gets in, and they just get torn apart. I can see already that they are more expenive to repair.
But, I don't see how it can't be way stronger than the standard open u-joint, plus i think it looks cool.
Is it worth it?
This is something I plan to make nice enough to drive on the highway and tear the mud up on weekends. What do you guys recomend?
But, I don't see how it can't be way stronger than the standard open u-joint, plus i think it looks cool.
Is it worth it?
This is something I plan to make nice enough to drive on the highway and tear the mud up on weekends. What do you guys recomend?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
From: Delavan, IL
I personally think that the concept behind them is awesome. And it looks really freaking cool. I would say that you should find a chassis and worry about the front axle situation later. If you want to swap to a standard (open) axle you could pick one up for cheap and have it in in a day, so I don't see too much hassle there.
Best of luck,
Aaron Weyhrich
Best of luck,
Aaron Weyhrich
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From: lino lakes, mn
the closed knuckle are all drum brakes the open knuckles are all disc brakes the closed knuckles dont turn as tight as the opens and the steering pivots are smaller on the closed knucke front ends there are a lot of reasons they quit using them
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Delavan, IL
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I haven't bought a closed knuckle front end yet. Our fire department has a '77 F-150 that they use as a brush truck which has the closed knuckle. It's in perfect shape too. I'd love to have the truck, but I'm not sure it will be for sale soon or for cheap.
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From: Delavan, IL
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Infidel
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Elkhorn WI
The oil leaks out? Leaks out of where? Your not supposed to put oil in the cavity where the u-joints are...supposed to put grease in there. The only problem ive had is it dosnt turn as tight as the open knuckles...but its stronger then the dana 44 open knuckle...if the 6x6 concrete trucks they make in Oshkosh WI use the same style then there made to last. But its no match for the dana 60 
K.C.
K.C.
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From: spartanburg, SC
Our FD has a 73 F250 4X4 that was brush truck. That CK D44 put up with 30 years of brush truck abuse. It's now a squad truck(removed tank and pump). It's one of two emergency trucks in the county that can haul someone out of the woods on a back board.
http://www.supermotors.org/registry/...=21606#content
http://www.supermotors.org/registry/...=21606#content
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