The Dana/Spicer Model 44 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Holding Corporation and is used extensively among automobile manufacturers and in the automotive aftermarket area as well. The Dana 44 was first manufactured in the 1940s and is still being manufactured today, both front and rear axle variants. The Dana 44 has been manufactured as a beam axle and independent suspension for both front and rear axle setups. There are also different variations of the Dana 44. Over a dozen automobile manufacturers have made vehicles that have Dana 44 axles, including Jeep which currently manufactures Four-wheel drive vehicles that have both front and rear Dana 44 axles.
- 4Rear Dana 44 solid axle
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General specifications[edit]
- Ring gear measures 8.5 in (216 mm)
- Ring gear measures 8.9 in (226 mm)
- OEM Inner axle shaft spline counts are 10, 19, 29, 30, 32, 33 and 35
- Pinion shaft diameter: 1.375' (most Dana 44s) 1.625' (JK rear 8.9' Dana 44s)
- Pinion shaft splines and spline diameter: 26/1.12' (most Dana 44s post 1970), 24/1.25' (JK), 10/1.12' (early pre-1970 Dana 44s)
- Gear ratios range from 2.72:1 to 5.89:1
- Carrier break: 2.72:1 – 3.73:1 and 3.92 – 5.89:1. 6.17:1 (Volvo C202)
On some differentials only the high speed 2.72–3.73 carrier is used for all gear sets up to 5.89 (JK, Nissan or when thick gears are used)
- Axle shaft diameter
- 1.175' front outer (19 spline)
- 1.20' rear (10 spline)
- 1.30' rear (19 spline)
- 1.31' front inner (30 spline)
- 1.31' rear (30 spline)
- 1.41' rear (32 spline)
Front Dana 44 solid axle[edit]
The Dana 44 Front axle first saw use in the 1950s and still in use today. Dana 44 Front axles were known for utilizing locking hubs or a center axle disconnect system. However, a permanently locked-in Dana 44 is not uncommon. The Dana 44 has seen use in 1/4-, 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-ton rated trucks. The Dana 44 was manufactured in kingpin and ball joint variations, as well as closed and open knuckle variations.
Independent front suspension (IFS) Dana 44 axle[edit]
In the 1960s, Jeep used a unique Dana 44 IFS setup, that was short lived. In the 1980s and 1990s, Ford used a form of IFS known as 'Twin Traction Beam' (TTB). This Dana 44 had no axle tubes but attached to the driver side traction beam, which also acted as a cover plate, and had 'open air' axles which traveled through the beams to the spindles. The axles had u-joints to allow for the independent action of the beams. Individual pivot points for the beams at greater than center made each beam longer than half the overall width crossing in the middle. This allowed for an independent front suspension design. Ford TTB Dana 44 axles all utilized locking hubs. The TTB set-up is based on Ford's highly successful Twin I-beam design on two-wheel-drive pick-up truck models.
Rear Dana 44 solid axle[edit]
Dana 41[edit]
The Dana 41 was the precursor to the Dana 44 and was used from the 1930s to the 1950s. The ring gear on the Dana 41 is nearly one inch smaller than a Dana 44.
Dana 44[edit]
The Dana 44 rear axle first saw use in the 1940s and is still in use today. The Dana 44 has a GAWR up to 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) and is a semi-floating type, having one bearing on the end of the axle shaft which carries the weight of the vehicle on the axle and also allows axle rotation.
There is an 8.9' diameter Dana 44 ring and pinion that is very different from the standard Dana 44. This ring and pinion is significantly stronger with a better pinion to ring gear tooth contact patch and angle. It was typically used in the back of jeep JKs, Isuzus and Nissan pickups. This ring and pinion does share some components and can be adapted into an earlier Dana 44 but requires some work, different bearings and spacers. The benefit is the larger ring gear, better angle cut on the teeth and Dana 60 diameter pinion shaft.
The Dana Spicer Max momentary output torque FT-lbs
- Low pinion Dana 44 30 spline............3460 [ft/lbs]
- High pinion Dana 44 30 spline...........4170 [ft/lbs]
- Low pinion rear 8.9' Dana 44 32 spline..5340 [ft/lbs]
Dana 45[edit]
The Dana 45 was introduced during the 1950s as an upgraded Dana 44 with larger 20 spline axle shafts. Since the Dana 45 is no longer being made you can use the Dana 44 gears in the Dana 45 housing if you use model 53 pinion bearings and plenty of shims.
Independent rear suspension (IRS) Dana 44 axle[edit]
The Dana 44 has seen use in Chevrolet Corvettes and Dodge Vipers. This axle is referred to as a Dana 44 ICA or Dana 44 IRS. All 1980–1982 Chevrolet Corvette C3 and manual transmission equipped 1985–1996 Chevrolet Corvette C4 had this axle. A rear transaxle was used starting with the Corvette C5. The 2005–06 Pontiac GTO, The Dodge Viper has always used a Dana 44 IRS setup. The majority of Corvette and Viper Dana 44 IRS set ups use a limited slip differential.
Jaguar first used the Dana 44 in an IRS in 1961 for the Jaguar E-type as well as other models. It was used through 1996 (Jaguar IRS Article). There are some differences in the Jaguar Dana 44, however. The differential (possibly the entire axle assembly) was made by Salisbury, a U.K. division of Dana Corporation. The ring gear in the Salisbury version uses slightly smaller mounting bolts and the pinion shaft is a different diameter than the common version. Naturally the cast housing is also unique to the IRS model. Standard 8.5' Dana 44 ring and pinion gear can be used in the IRS model through the use of a special installation kit which includes special shouldered bolts to mount the standard ring gear to the IRS carrier and a special pinion bearing set to fit the standard pinion shaft to the IRS housing. Gear distributors with knowledge of the Jaguar IRS should be able to get the installation kit. US Dana 44 gears are slightly stronger than Jaguar gears, and Jaguar gears are higher priced, but once the installation kit price is added to the lower US gear, prices cost is about the same. If Jaguar makes the needed gear ratio, there isn't much difference in strength. The consensus in the hot rodding community is that the Jaguar IRS is good for up to 500 hp from the factory. Most V-12 Jaguar and E-type six-cylinder models used limited slip versions, other models (mainly the XJS) used a standard differential stock with limited slip as an option.
Common applications[edit]
Front Axle
GM
- 1972-1976 K5(Blazer/Jimmy)/K10/K20 (Passenger side) Some 1977 K5 Blazers came with Dana 44s in the front, others came with a Corporate 10 bolt solid front axle. Dana 44s were also used as front axles in 4x4 converted full size Chevrolet and GMC vans by Pathfinder Equipment Company from 1973 to 1989.
Dodge
- 1974–1993 Ramcharger (Passenger side)
- 1980–2001 ½ Ton (W150/1500) (Passenger side 1980-1993, Driver side 1994-2001½)
- 1988–1995 ¾ Ton (2500 Light Duty) (Passenger side 1988-1993, Driver side 1994-1995½)
- 1972–1980 (W200) (Passenger side)
Ford
- 1959–1979½ Ton (F-100/F-150) (Driver side)
- 1980–1996½ Ton (F-150, TTB) (Driver side)
- 1959–1987¾ Ton (F-250 light duty, TTB 1980-1996½) (Driver side)
- 1972–1979 Bronco (Driver side)
- 1975–1980 Scout II (4X4)
- 1974 Travelall (100 4X4)
- 1969–73 1200/1210 4X4 Pickup/Travelall (Closed knuckle HD)
- 1974–75 200 4X4 Pickup/Travelall (Open knuckle HD)
Jeep
- 1967–1973 Jeepster Commando and Commando
- 1974–1991 Wagoneer (Passenger side 1974-1979, Driver side 1980-1991)
- 1974–1983 SJ
- 2003–2006 TJ Wrangler Rubicon (Front and rear)
- 2007-2018 JK Wrangler Rubicon (Front and rear)
- 2018-2019 JL Wrangler Rubicon (Front and rear)
- 1987–2001 Venezuelan XJ (Front and rear)
- 1996-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee made on Venezuela
Rear Axle
GM
1967-1968 1/2 Ton Pickups
Jeep
- 1948-1975 CJ
- 2003–2014 Wrangler Rubicon
- 2006–2010 Grand Cherokee SRT8
- 2004–2006 Wrangler 'LJ' Unlimited
- 1997–2006 Wrangler (optional: available starting 7 July 1997)
- 2007–2015 Wrangler (optional on 2007, standard '08-present)
- 1987–1990 XJ (tow package)
- 1987–1992 MJ (Big-Ton/Burly Package)
- 1986 CJ-7
- 1996–2004 ZJ/WJ Grand Cherokee (aluminum center section, referred to as the 'D44A')o
- 1996-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee made on Venezuela
- 1971½–1980 Scout II
- 1974 Travelall (100 4X4)
Isuzu
- 1993–2004 Rodeo (Honda Passport, Holden Frontera)
- 1994–1997 Rodeo (Honda Passport)
Nissan
- 2004–2007 Titan (32 spline)
- 2008–Present Titan (35 spline)
- 2005–Present Frontier/Xterra NISMO, Off-Road, Pro-X models, and all manual transmissions.
Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero
- 2000–2010 installed in some of the Venezuelan Dakar models.
Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
Corvette
- 1980–1982 C3
- 1985–1996 C4 with manual transmission
Pontiac
- 2005–2006 – GTO
Dodge
- 1992–present Viper
- 1961–1975 E-type
- 1961–1965 Mark X
- 1963–1968 S-type
- 1966–1970 420G
- 1966–1969 420/Daimler Sovereign
- 1968–1992 XJ6
- 1968–1992 XJ12
- 1975–1996 XJS
- 1986–1994 XJ40
There was a change in design of the Jaguar IRS after 1985. The 61–84 unit is in a stamped steel 'cage' that is self-contained and easily removed as a single unit (see photo in this article). This makes it relatively easy to adapt to other vehicles. The 1986 and later unit uses a subframe/lower wishbone design that is not easily adaptable to other vehicles.
Notes[edit]
External links[edit]
- Mr. N's Dana44 Article [1]
- How to install the 9' dana 50 ring and pinion into a HP dana 44 housing (jana 54)[2]
The Dana/Spicer Model 60 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Holding Corporation and used in OEM pickup and limited passenger car applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ford and Land Rover. There are front and rear versions of the Dana 60. It can be readily identified by its straight axle tubes, 10 bolt asymmetrical cover, and a '60' cast in to the housing. Gross axle weight ratings are often lowered by the vehicle manufacturer for safety and tire reasons. They are also lowered to reduce loads on other powertrain components such as transmissions and transfer cases.Dana 60 Axles are also increasingly swapped into many custom offroad applications to accommodate larger tires and deep compound gearing with locking differentials.
- 2Dana 60 front steer axle
- 5Dana 60 rear steer axle
General specifications[edit]
Every Dana 60 that was originally manufactured by Dana Corp (i.e. not aftermarket) is stamped with a build date and bill of materials on the back of the right hand axle tube.
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) 6500 lbs.
- Ring gear measures 93⁄4'.
- OEM Inner axle shaft spline counts are 16, 23, 30, 32, 33 and 35.
- 40 Spline inner axle shafts and carriers are made for after market, high performance Dana 60 axles.
- Pinion shaft diameter: 1.625'
- Pinion shaft splines: 10 and 29
- Gear ratios: 3.31:1 - 7.17:1
- Carrier break: 3.31:1 - 4.10:1 and 4.56:1 - 7.17:1
- Axle Shaft diameter
- 1.41” Front (32 spline)
- 1.46” Rear (32 spline)
- 1.50” Front (35 spline)
- 1.50” Rear (35 spline)
Dana 60 front steer axle[edit]
History[edit]
In the mid-1970s the Big Three all started using this axle. GM began phasing it out in 1988 in favor of Independent suspension, while still offering it in some higher GVWR trucks (V-30) until 1991. Dodge used a Dana 60 up to 2002. 3rd Generation Dodge Rams dropped the Dana 60 in favor of AAM axles. Ford still uses the Dana 60 front axle. Manufactured in both Kingpin and Ball joint variations, 'standard' (low pinion) and 'reverse cut' rotation (high pinion) variations and open and limited slip, and locking variations. The housing material is Gray iron in early axles and Ductile iron in later axles. GM and Ford Dana 60 axles utilize locking hubs. Dodge Dana 60 axles utilized locking hubs until 1994 when a Center Axle Disconnect (CAD) system was adopted. However, model year 2002 Rams phased out the CAD system leaving some 2002 Dana 60 axles permanently locked in.
Big Three variations[edit]
- Ford versions are driver's side differential drop, reverse-cut gears, and kingpin knuckles up to 1991. The later axles have ball joints. Ford Dana 60 axles mostly feature 35 spline inner axle shafts, but some are 30 spline. Larger brakes and 35 spline outer shafts were made standard in 2005.
- Dodge versions were passenger side differential drop, standard rotation gears, kingpin knuckles and 35 spline axle shafts in early models. The 2nd Generation axles were driver's side with ball joints. 30 spline axle shafts were used instead of 35 splines, except 2000, 2001 and 2002 models which were equipped with 32 spline axle shafts.
- GM versions are passenger side differential drop, standard rotation gears, kingpin knuckles and 35 spline axle shafts.
Dana 60 aftermarket[edit]
The Dana 60 front axle has a great deal of aftermarket/third-party support, including many upgrades. Stronger axle shafts, universal joints and ball joints are widely available, as well as a large selection of traction-control devices such as locking differentials and limited slip differentials. Axle shafts, universal joints and carriers made from chromoly steel are even available. High capacity differential covers are available that increase the amount of oil the differential holds. These covers also feature heat sinks that help keep the axle cool.
Dana Super 60 (Dana S 60)[edit]
The Dana Super 60 is an upgraded version of the Dana 60 axle.
Differences in the Dana Super 60 versus the regular Dana 60:
- Larger and thicker diameter steel tubes (3.75 inches diameter and ½ in thick)
- Larger ring and pinion which increase the contact area and overall strength.
- Some use larger ('1550') Universal Joints which increase strength and steering angle.
- Net formed spider gears for increased strength.
- The Dana Super 60 housing is also found on 2005+ F250/F350, but the internals are 9.75' ring gear and smaller universal joint.
- All made with 37 spline axle shafts.
- 2019 Ram 1500 option a Dana Super 60 only with the max tow package, rear drive only.
Dana 60 rear axle[edit]
The Dana 60 rear axle was first introduced in 1955 as a full floating axle in Ford F-250's and is still used today.
- Manufactured in both full float and semi float variations. The semi float axles have GAWR up to 5,500 lbs and the full float axles were rated up to 6,500 lbs.
- Full floating variants are common while Semi-floating axles exist, but are less common. Axle spline count varies, with 30 spline being the most common.
- For 1967, GMC introduced a semi-float Dana 60 to accompany the optional 396 big block engine in their C15 (half-ton) line of trucks. This axle used a traditional Dana 60 center section (typically cast with '60-2' in the top center position) but with Dana 44 shaft bearings and brakes. Open differentials as well as the Dana Powr-Lok system were available.
Dana 60 rear steer axle[edit]
Quadrasteer[edit]
Quadrasteer was an option in 2002–2005 GM full size, single rear wheel trucks. Constant-velocity joints were used instead of universal joints.
Dana 61[edit]
A variation of the Dana 60 known as a Dana 61 was made to accommodate gear ratios that allowed for better fuel mileage. This was done as a direct result of the 1973 oil crisis. A 3.07:1 gear ratio was common for these axles and unachievable in a regular Dana 60. To allow for the different gearing, the Dana 61 had a greater pinion offset. This offset meant that a different carrier and a different ring and pinion had to be used.
Dodge Cummins pickups from the 'First Generation' that are not equipped with an overdrive transmission commonly have the 3.07:1 Dana 61 front axle because the higher gears are necessary to achieve reasonable road speeds at the low 2500 rpm governed speed of the Cummins engine in those pickups.
The Dana 61 was made in semi-float and full-float axles for select 4×2 and 4x4 Ford 3⁄4-ton and 1 Ton Pickups and Vans from 1974 to 1987. A Dana 61 front axle was selectively used in Dodge 4×4 3⁄4-ton and 1 Ton pickups from 1987 to 1993. Although 3.07:1 and 3.31:1 gear sets are common for a Dana 61, lower gear sets deeper than (4.10:1 on down) are not.
Dana 61 external case is similar to Dana 60 HD in its use of dual ribbing: a reinforcement truss extends from the tube all the way around the differential case, in addition to raised cover flange. This is better than on Dana 60 “standard duty” where tube reinforcement extends diagonally to join with the cover flange.
Some Dana 61s shared a common carrier with the Dana 60 part #706040x,[2] which means the gearsets (3.07-4.10) will interchange between the two. Dana differential case #706400[3] (3.07-3.73) shows in Dana's parts catalog to be Dana 61-specific[citation needed]. The 706040x carrier can be purchased relatively inexpensively and used to install lower gears in a Dana 61 axle, such as when replacing a broken or damaged Dana 60 with a Dana 61 while retaining the factory gear ratio.
Dana 53[edit]
The Dana 53 first appeared in the late 1940s and is much like a Dana 60. Although all Dana 53s are semi-floating, rear axles, 9.25' ring gear diameter. It was used as OEM in 1960s full-size (C-body) Chrysler passenger cars equipped with the 440 CID engine. The Dana 53 was phased out in the late 1960s, replaced by the Dana 60.
Common Applications[4][edit]
Front axle
- 1975 1300 Camper Special <-- A Dana BOM number series was created but no record of any Dana 60 front axles being used by International has been proven.
Chevrolet
- 1977–1991 1Ton (K30/V30)
- 1984–1988 Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle
Dodge
- 1975–2002 3⁄4-ton (D-600/W-250/2500)
- 1975–2002 1 Ton (D-700/W-300/W-350/W-400/3500)
Ford
- 1974–1979 F-250 (optional)
- 1999–2011 F-250 (optional)
- 1979–2011 F-350 (optional)
- 2000–2004 F-450/F-550
Dana 'Super 60'
- 2005–2012 F-450/F-550
- 2011–2012 F-450(Class 3)
Kaiser/Jeep
- 1967–1969 Kaiser Jeep M715/725/726
Land Rover
Dana 60 is known as a Salisbury 60 in the UK. In 1919 Spicer purchased the Salisbury Axle Company (US). In 1939 Spicer's UK license holder created a company named 'Salisbury Transmission Limited.' With permission to manufacter a British model of the Dana 44. Land Rover Salisbury axles are compatible with some but not all parts related to their American counterparts, including differential covers, bearings, and some shafts. Many Land Rover applications used 10 or 24 spline shafts. Defender applications were a right-hand drop.
- 1971–1977 Land Rover Series 2B Forward Control
- 1971–1977 Land Rover Series 3 1 ton (both front and rear axles)
- 1971–1985 Land Rover Series 3 Military Spec (rear on series III 109s)
- 1972–1978 Land Rover 101 Forward Control
- 1983–2001 Land Rover Defender 110
Military Spec
Rear axle
Studebaker
- 1956–1964 E123⁄4t and E14 1t
Dodge
- 1966–1970 Coronet & R/T
- 1966–1972 Charger & R/T
- 1968–1972 Super Bee
- 1970–1971 Challenger
- 1963–1993 Dodge Ram 250 and 350
- 1994–2002 Dodge Ram 2500 (V8 only)
- 2004–2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10
Plymouth
- 1966-1967 Belvedere
- 1966 Satellite
- 1968–1972 Road Runner
- 1967–1971 GTX
- 1970–1971 'Cuda
Ford
- 1955–1985 Ford 3⁄4-ton trucks
- 1955–1979 Ford 1 ton trucks
- 1980–2012 Ford E200/E250/E350 vans
Ford UK
- 1973–1982 Ford A0406 Truck (option)
Chevrolet
- 1964–1977 Chevrolet and GMC 3/4-ton pickups
- 1975–1987 Chevrolet and GMC 1-ton pickups and Suburbans
- 1979–2012 Chevrolet and GMC 1-ton vans
- 2002–2005 Chevrolet and GMC 1/2-ton pickups and Suburbans with Quadrasteer
International Harvester
- 1966 1/2 Ton 4X4 Pickup Truck (1100A 4X4)
- 1969-75 3/4 Ton Pickup Truck and Travelall. (D1200, 1210 and 200 series)
Jeep
- 1968–1973 Jeep J3800/J4800 Camper Truck (full float 30 spline)
- 1968–1970 Jeep J-2600/J2700/J3600/J3700 (semi float 30 & 35 spline)
- 1971–1973 Jeep J4000/4600/J4700 (semi float 35 spline)
- 1974–1988 Jeep J20 (full float 30 spline)
Land Rover
- 1971–1977 Land Rover Series 2B Forward Control
- 1971–1977 Land Rover Series 3 1 ton
- 1971–1985 Land Rover Series 3 109
- 1972–1978 Land Rover 101 Forward Control
- 1979–1985 Land Rover Stage One V8
- 1983–2002 Land Rover Defender 110 (up to VIN ending in 2A622423)
- 1983–2002 Land Rover Defender 130 (up to VIN ending in 2A622423) [5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Ford Dana 61 Bill of Material'. Dana Holding Corporation. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^'Dana 706040X catalog listing'. Dana Holding Corporation. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^'Dana 706400X catalog listing'. Dana Holding Corporation. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^Incomplete list. Common applications only.
- ^https://www.landroverworkshop.com/axles-differentials/axlecodes