closed knuckle drive axle

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Mar 9, 2002 | 06:29 PM

ford_nut

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closed knuckle drive axle

i know i asked this before, but no one seemed to provide me with an answer so im gonna try again. i have a 1973 F250 with a closed knuckle frontend. however, this axle has HUGE knuckles----ive seen the standard closed knuckle 44 and the 'ball' shaped ends are signifivcantly SMALLER than the ones i have on my truck. did ford ever put out a closed knuckle frontend with HUGE knuckles??? i have some #'s off a tag and they are kind of hard to read but i think they are
603396-1 4.09 D3TA
thanks again!

Mar 9, 2002 | 06:37 PM

alpo23

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closed knuckle drive axle

It is the HD D-44 , also called the #3500 axle. Bigger u-joint and large external hub, Ford had these as an option for the higher GVW F-250s from '65-'75.

Eric

Mar 9, 2002 | 08:31 PM

proeliator

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From: Oregon

closed knuckle drive axle

Yup, I have the same one. Some people knock the closed knuckle design but this is a tough axle that will last as long as you keep it lubed.

Mar 10, 2002 | 02:51 PM

jsworkman

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From: Sandy USA

closed knuckle drive axle

You have a Standard 4.09 axle that Ford installed in the 1973-1/2 to 1975 ford F-250 HD pickup w/ part time Transfer case The same knuckle was used on the 1974-75 F-250 HD pickup w/ the full time transfer case So yes it is a factory Ford Axle

Mar 25, 2002 | 05:37 PM

bigoldblue

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From: tucson usa

closed knuckle drive axle

Mar 26, 2002 | 07:26 PM

gregdatech

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From: Sapulpa

closed knuckle drive axle

Sounds like a dana 60 axle and not a hd dana 44. The knuckles on the 60 were alot bigger, and theres a 60 in the tag code, that I think identifies it as the dana 60. Very desirable axle from what I have read.

Mar 26, 2002 | 11:43 PM

jsworkman

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From: Sandy USA

closed knuckle drive axle

AXLE Dana 44
Model & Year
1973.5-75
F250 3/4 Ton Heavy Duty Pick-Up
(Part Time Transfer Case)
Axle Type RATIO & (Tooth Combination) Bill of Material
(1)

Trac-Loc 4.09 (45:11) 603396-1,-2
Standard 4:55 (50:11) 603396-3

Information from the
March 1990 Spicer / Dana Front & Rear Axle Kit 1967-1978 Published by Spicer / Dana Corp.