Narrowing Dana 44
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Junior User
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Narrowing Dana 44
I built a 54 ford 1/2 ton with 78 Bronco Dana 44 front axel. I am trying to narrow a 5 bolt front axel so I can run 10" wheels. Has anyone narrowed this axel, or even the F250 Dana 44? With the cast on C-notches, it is going to be difficult on the driver side to get it 3" narrower on each side. The pass. side will be easy by removing the tube from the housing and shortning it. I am going to try to find an F250 axel to see if it would be easier. Any suggestions from someone who has narrowed this axel would be appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sunny Florida
I have not narrowed but but the later D44 with the cast on end will make it very hard to do as you already mentioned. I second the idea of obtaining an F250 housing which will have thicker axle tubes anyways making it a tad stronger. I have a bare D44 F250 housing at the shop.
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I have measured the housing many times, I will probably make an attempt at it with a spare that I have. If I can find a F250 locally, (central Ill) then may try that one. I know it is easy to convert the HD housing to 5 bolt. Am going to scan the local yards to see if there is another 44 from a jeep or ?? that would fit the bill. I have narrowed 9 inch rear ends before with no problems, just wanted some more advise from someone who has done this. Alot to go through just to get the deeper wheel look tucked into the fenders, but have spared no expense or time with the build so far. Thanks for your input.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
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The 76-77 F150 d44 housing has thick tubes and welded on wedges, so it would be easy to modify. Just another option for shopping.
It would seem to me that your best bet would be to shop for an axle that is close to the width you want, like the jeep, or maybe a scout. Then add small wheel spacers to make the width what you want.
It would seem to me that your best bet would be to shop for an axle that is close to the width you want, like the jeep, or maybe a scout. Then add small wheel spacers to make the width what you want.
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The ideal axel that I am looking for is 71-72 dana 44 housing, would be the correct width, then add my disc brakes to it in place of drums. They are getting very hard to find. Have been searching, have not come up with any. Is the 76-77 disc brake like the 78-79? Have not run across any of those yet, will keep looking. Thanks for the input. Great help !
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sunny Florida
The Early model Broncos started to get disk brake D44 axles in 74. So from 74 to 77 you could find a D44 with disk brakes. Even the drum versions can be swapped to disk.
These axles are not as wide as the full size trucks/broncos but share the same center section and from the knuckles out. The only difference is the axle is not as wide so the inner axle is shorter as well.
I do not know the width of the EB axles but I bet this is very close to what you need.
These axles are not as wide as the full size trucks/broncos but share the same center section and from the knuckles out. The only difference is the axle is not as wide so the inner axle is shorter as well.
I do not know the width of the EB axles but I bet this is very close to what you need.
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