Floating Axle in Dana 44 - Should I replace it?

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Apr 27, 2026 | 05:04 PM

joaquin1970

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Floating Axle in Dana 44 - Should I replace it?

Hello everyone,

I am back at working in my 1969 Ford F-100, and I’ve noticed that the rear axle has been swapped for a floating axle setup.

I’d appreciate some guidance on the following:

Would you recommend switching back to the original rear axle, or is it better to keep the current floating axle (see picture 1 and 2) ?
If I keep the floating axle, I’ll need to get compatible wheels.
- What wheels or hubs would you recommend for this setup? Can I mill/enlarge the original wheel to the diameter of the floating axle end (pic 3) ?
- Any suggested wheel and tire size combinations that work well?
My initial plan was to go with the original wheels and hubs (see picture).
- Is it possible (or practical) to adapt those original-style wheels to the current floating axle (pic 3 and 4) ?

I’m new to this, so any advice or recommendations are really appreciated, I was aiming to get something like pic 5.

Thanks in advance!

Picture of current wheel setup with floating axle (picture 1)

Current axle setup (pic 2)

Original wheel 1969 f100 - F100 made in Argentina variant (pic 3)

Wheel hubs F100 1969 Argentina variant (pic 4)

What I am currently going for. (pic 5)

Apr 28, 2026 | 07:54 AM

fe390pc

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Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Minnesota

That could be an original dana 60.3. It was a rare option. I like the wheels and hub caps though.

Apr 28, 2026 | 09:44 AM

manicmechanic007

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Joined: Jul 2020

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From: Near Salt Lake City

Looks like an OLD 5 lug 3/4 or 1 ton axle (probably a real good axle)
I'd run that axle until you wear out those old split rim bias ply tires
Then switch to a 9 inch rear end and some conventional tubeless tires (or buy some non-split rim wheels that fit that axle)
Nobody really plays with those split rims for cheap anymore, just finding tubes and tires for the split rims will cost as much as a junkyard 9 inch rear end with tires on it

Apr 28, 2026 | 02:04 PM

Crop Duster

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Joined: May 2015

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From: Tri Cities, TN

I agree with fe390 that is most likely a Dana 60.3 it should be limited slip keep it they are rare. They only came in two ratios 3.54 or 4.10-1.

Apr 30, 2026 | 08:36 PM

joaquin1970

Thread Starter

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Joined: Oct 2019

Posts: 23

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Thanks everybody for the answers!
I will keep it as is then - Looks like it is a dana 60.3 mod they do here in Argentina to carry 1 ton on the bed

.
I just measured the hub and it measures 3.4 in. Looks like I will have to take the old wheels to the town mill shop to enlarge the hole diameter to make it fit, It will need like ,2 inches off, any thoughts here I should be aware of?

Measure of hub in CMs. (Diameter:≈3.7 inches (94 mm))

I also noted that the original wheels are fitted with a 650-16 tyre. Which is the recommended modern tyre size for this wheel from your experience?
would a 245 x 65 x 16 fit? is it too wide?