Dana 30 or 44
#1
01-01-2009, 01:46 AM
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Everett, Wa
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dana 30 or 44
I have a dana 30 under my bronco with drum brakes. I'm getting geared up to put a 5.0L np 435 combo in. and I also want to convert to front and rear disks. I'm planning on a 5.5 lift and 35's should I find a Dana 44; or should I try to beef up the 30 and put on disks. The 30 has an ARB in it already. I Also have a Dana 44 in a 1977 F -150 would that be a good donor, or is it not worth messing with?
#2
01-01-2009, 02:22 AM
If you're going to wheel it, no question. You want a 44.
The full size 44 will work, but you will need to narrow it to match your rear end width. And there are a few modifications to be done so it will mount under your Bronco. You will need to narrow the F150 steering linkage or get tie rod spacers to use the Bronco linkage. And you will need to relocate the C bushing and track bar mounts. Be aware that some of the F150 44 housings of that time had the c-bushing mounts cast into the housing and can't be removed. Do some research before you decide. The advantages are that it will already have disc brakes and the high pinion diff design offers a strength advantage.
The Bronco 44 is pretty much a direct bolt in. Just slide the 30 out and bolt the 44 in its place. The 30 and 44 track bars are different. I ran the 30 track bar for several years with very minor rubbing on the diff cover. If you look around and can wait a bit, you can still find good deals on complete 44's.
Jason
The full size 44 will work, but you will need to narrow it to match your rear end width. And there are a few modifications to be done so it will mount under your Bronco. You will need to narrow the F150 steering linkage or get tie rod spacers to use the Bronco linkage. And you will need to relocate the C bushing and track bar mounts. Be aware that some of the F150 44 housings of that time had the c-bushing mounts cast into the housing and can't be removed. Do some research before you decide. The advantages are that it will already have disc brakes and the high pinion diff design offers a strength advantage.
The Bronco 44 is pretty much a direct bolt in. Just slide the 30 out and bolt the 44 in its place. The 30 and 44 track bars are different. I ran the 30 track bar for several years with very minor rubbing on the diff cover. If you look around and can wait a bit, you can still find good deals on complete 44's.
Jason
#3
01-01-2009, 03:32 PM
Junior User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Tucson,Az
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#4
01-01-2009, 08:30 PM
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Everett, Wa
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#5
01-03-2009, 07:42 PM
Senior User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: loveland, co.
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The 44 that's out of the truck is probably a low pinion, IMHO not worth the expense to narrow. A HP out of a later Bronco would be better but it's still wide. Go with a Bronco 44. Heck of a lot easier...(and sell me your ARB for my Jeep cheap! 
)
All measurements approximate due to freezing cold, darkness, and snow! Measured from the center of the knuckle bolt to same.
D30 stock Bronco 46"
HP D44 from late Bronco 52" 5 lug
LP D44 from '70 something F-250 53" 8 lug
)All measurements approximate due to freezing cold, darkness, and snow! Measured from the center of the knuckle bolt to same.
D30 stock Bronco 46"
HP D44 from late Bronco 52" 5 lug
LP D44 from '70 something F-250 53" 8 lug
