Split axle TTB Opinions
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 226
Likes: 1
From: IA
Split axle TTB Opinions
Hi all, I am looking for opinions about the twin traction beam dana 44. I know that everybody hates it, but i am looking for specific reasons why you might hate it. I always say i hate it too but can't think specific reasons why. I am in the process of building up my 88' F150 SB and am thinking about a SAS but don't know if its worth the hassel. I plan to use the truck for trail riding, moderate mud bogging, and driving to work a couple of times a month. If i can figure it out i will post some pics of the truck this weekend. Thanks guys!
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 21
From: Caracas, Venezuela
Alignement, articulation, availability and cost of parts. Those are the main issues for me, the TTB doesn't like to keep the alignement (sometimes even the camber), leading to shorter tyre lifespan, but having all the parts in perfect working order will prevent all of this. When articulating it doesn't stretch as much as a solid axle (wich hasn't been an issue for me so far when off-roading). SA counterparts are more widely spread, so there are a lot of those to be had, as with replacement parts, spares are easier and cheaper to come by. Also, lifting a TTB is a bit more complicated than lifting a SA.
Those issues aren't all that big, but you could keep them in consideration. On the good side, the truck with TTB will handle a lot better and will be way more comfortable.
Those issues aren't all that big, but you could keep them in consideration. On the good side, the truck with TTB will handle a lot better and will be way more comfortable.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 226
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From: IA
Thanks for the response Encho. I have herd of other people talk of premature tire wear and alignment issues. But in the 40k miles i put on mine (165-205) I only aligned it once and it never seamed to eat the front tires, but i did rotate them alot.
I think your comment about the availablity parts for the SA parts may have been true seveal years ago (or maybe your location) but when i went to a junk yard last week there were more than a dozen trucks like mine there with near complete drive trains and only 1 pre 1980 ford, and it was 2wd.
I agree that my ttb does handle well on road with BFG A/T and i think it also handles well off road. But i have never driven a half ton w/ a SA.
I hope it does not sound like i am just arguing with you, just typing out loud.
I think your comment about the availablity parts for the SA parts may have been true seveal years ago (or maybe your location) but when i went to a junk yard last week there were more than a dozen trucks like mine there with near complete drive trains and only 1 pre 1980 ford, and it was 2wd.
I agree that my ttb does handle well on road with BFG A/T and i think it also handles well off road. But i have never driven a half ton w/ a SA.
I hope it does not sound like i am just arguing with you, just typing out loud.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 11
From: Puyallup, WA
No complaints about either of the two trucks (one lifted, one stock) that I have had it on. So count me as not hating it.
In fact, I see a distinct advantage over a straight axle for on the road usage.
I have never had any problems with the TTB holding alignment, that is after I find a qualified person to get it into alignment in the first place!
David
In fact, I see a distinct advantage over a straight axle for on the road usage.
I have never had any problems with the TTB holding alignment, that is after I find a qualified person to get it into alignment in the first place!
David
Elder User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 970
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From: Northeast Ohio
They arnt bad axles for road duty and some light off roading but if you do any heavy duty off roading or run bigger tires they dont stand up to it very well. The f250s that came with the powerstrokes have more problems then the gas motors because of all that extra weight that comes with a deisel motor tends to chew them up pretty quick thats why it is almost a must if you want a long life out of your front end and not replace parts all the time.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,964
Likes: 2
From: Fort Worth
They arnt bad axles for road duty and some light off roading but if you do any heavy duty off roading or run bigger tires they dont stand up to it very well. The f250s that came with the powerstrokes have more problems then the gas motors because of all that extra weight that comes with a deisel motor tends to chew them up pretty quick thats why it is almost a must if you want a long life out of your front end and not replace parts all the time.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: IA
Not to get off topic but i think all F250's have a heavy duty dana 44 or dana 50 TTB. only F350's has the straight dana 60.
Back to the topic of the thread. I am really trying to put a plan or goal together for this truck and i want to stick with it. That is why i am asking your guys opinions for the ttb v.s sa. I would like to end up with 35 to 36" tires with a 4" of lift.
Back to the topic of the thread. I am really trying to put a plan or goal together for this truck and i want to stick with it. That is why i am asking your guys opinions for the ttb v.s sa. I would like to end up with 35 to 36" tires with a 4" of lift.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,183
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From: Pennsylvania Wilds
I've got nothing bad to say about the TTB fronts on the trucks that have survived life on my farm for many years. Mine goes straight as an arrow down the road, and while it does chew the outside of tires a little more than the inside, it isn't terribly bad.
When I put F-250 coils on, though, I'm probably going to be in need of camber bushings.
Heck, I plow snow with an F-150 TTB, and the plow weight doesn't seem to cause it any troubles.
When I put F-250 coils on, though, I'm probably going to be in need of camber bushings.
Heck, I plow snow with an F-150 TTB, and the plow weight doesn't seem to cause it any troubles.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,964
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From: Fort Worth
My father's 97 F250 powerstroke has a D60 in the front, from the factory. I find it hard to believe he has some magical unicorn of a truck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,964
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From: Fort Worth
It's a diesel. Any diesel I've seen has a live axle in the front.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 226
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From: IA
Hey guys, another question i have is about the 88' "flange style hubs. Does anybody else have those, what do you think about them, and have you broke yours? I've seen kits on jeffs bronco grave yard to convert them over to the standard hubs but don't know if it is worth it for $600-700. Does anybody know if you can just swap everything from the stering knuckels from another truck? (i need to do the ball joints at some point anyway).
On another note, I went to a junk yard yesterday and found a set of Stainless Magnaflow tips. I got those some new gas doors (dual tanks) a rear window latch and a new IAC for $40. I am going to clean this stuff up and try to post some pics.
On another note, I went to a junk yard yesterday and found a set of Stainless Magnaflow tips. I got those some new gas doors (dual tanks) a rear window latch and a new IAC for $40. I am going to clean this stuff up and try to post some pics.
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 21
From: Caracas, Venezuela
I would say: stick to your flange hubs until they fail, then swap for some good manuals, either Warn or Mile Marker. I've heard it's real hard to come by replacement parts for those flange hubs (in the US), and that they aren't very reliable.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,970
Likes: 595
From: Greater Austin, Texas
I love TIB/TTB. Never had any alignment issues, I put 95K on a set of Michelin LTX tires on my Bronco once. I always say if your TIB/TTB truck won't hold alignment, you need a better front-end guy. I do my own alignment so this is not an issue for me. I'm still mad at Ford for ditching TIB/TTB on the F150 in '97. TIB/TTB is what makes a Ford a Ford for me.