Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Questions about 4WDs and related topics

Moderators: FORDification, Doug Comer

Post Reply
User avatar
Doug F
Preferred User
Preferred User
Posts: 346
Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 8:44 pm
Location: H'ville, NC
Contact:

Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by Doug F »

Hey guys,

As you might know, I am pretty new to all this and appreciate your answers and input.

The numbers off my front axle are:

C7TA AH Axle# 44-7

602906-1 3.54


It's a 67 F100 High Pinion, beyond that I know nothing.

Is it an Open Knuckle or Closed Knuckle? How can I tell? What is the difference between them?
Do the ball joints etc interchange between all Dana 44s? If so, why do catalogs list those parts for certain years?
Who is a good place to deal with in regards to parts?

Now the reason for my attention on the front axle... The outer blocks on both my front tires are pretty well worn (evenly) and since I haven't driven it but 10 miles since I bought it, I know it isn't from me going hard around corners. :wink: I did my toe check and adjustment a couple days ago and yesterday (I know that it isn't related) I saw that it has noticeable positive camber; which I am guessing has to do with the worn tires.

How is camber adjusted on these axles?

Thanks guys.

Doug
Doug F
FALLOUT Grafix
Denver, CO

1967 F100 4wd 4spd

http://www.pinheadlounge.com/Pinecone
https://www.facebook.com/PineconeDesign
Doug Comer
Blue Oval Fan
Blue Oval Fan
Posts: 649
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2005 12:38 am
Location: California, Sonora

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by Doug Comer »

The axle Should be an open knucle. It is refered to as "open knucle" Becuase the u-joint used for the axle shaft is exposed. The closed knuckles have a ball at the end of the axle housing and the u-joint is inside of it. From what I remember the 67 front axles do not use ball joints. They use a tapered bearing top and bottom and a series of shims to set the bearing preload. As far as parts I've always had good luck with my local Napa dealer. As far as aligngment help I'm useless there :lol: . I always take mine in for that. I know a good old guy who always gives me a good deal. Don't take anything I,ve said as fact, this is the best of my knowledge :lol: .

Doug
1967 f100 4x4
1970 f250 4x4
olivof
New Member
New Member
Posts: 40
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 10:56 am
Location: Chiefland, Fl.

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by olivof »

If your Dana has one ball joint (upper) it is a 44, If it has upper and lower bearings it is a dana 30.
The camber is factory set positive. If it is negative after you replace the upper and lower bearings you will need to have the housing bent by a professional.
When replacing the upper and lower bearings if you have the Dana 30 be sure your preload is no more them 16 inch lbs.and no less then 10 inch lbs.
Be sure to use a high quality lithium grease.
You can purchase shim packs from early Bronco specialists.
Good Luck...
Doug Comer
Blue Oval Fan
Blue Oval Fan
Posts: 649
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2005 12:38 am
Location: California, Sonora

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by Doug Comer »

The Dana 30's only came in Bronco's didn't they :? I'd have to check but I'm almost positive I have a 44 with bearing top and bottom. It takes shims top and bottom I know that. Now you got me wondering. :roll:
Doug
1967 f100 4x4
1970 f250 4x4
User avatar
basketcase0302
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 6805
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2006 7:11 am
Location: Hawthorne, Florida

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by basketcase0302 »

Didn't the 30's come in the cheep jeeps too?
Here's a couple of good source for your axle parts:
http://www.drivetrainspecialists.com/
http://www.ringpinion.com/
Jeff
http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=46251
SOLD-71 F-350 dually flatbed, 302 / .030 over V-8 with a "baby"C-6, B & M truckshifter, Dana70/4.11 ratio, intermittent wipers, tilt steering, full LED lighting on the flat bed, and no stereo yet (this way I can hear the rattles to diagnose)! SOLD!
Many Ford bumps / one 76' EB / and several dents through the years.
A lot of "oddball" Ford parts collected from working on them for 34 years now!
2008 Ford Escape 4 x 4
olivof
New Member
New Member
Posts: 40
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 10:56 am
Location: Chiefland, Fl.

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by olivof »

This site led me to think the Dana 30 had upper and lower bearings and 44 had upper ball joint/

http://www.broncohio.com/tech/dana30dana44.html
cep62
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 2062
Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:06 pm
Location: West Michigan

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by cep62 »

In '72 F 100 Dana 44's got ball joints ,prior to that they had the king pin bearing set up.
Tapered shims are available to correct minor camber problems. they fit behind the spindle.
Broncos came with D 30's until '71? , then they went to D44's , around '76 they got disc brakes.
User avatar
71PA_Highboy
Blue Oval Fanatic
Blue Oval Fanatic
Posts: 923
Joined: Tue May 23, 2006 11:32 am
Location: Denver of the East

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by 71PA_Highboy »

read the appropriate parts of this:

http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/web_rs44.html

If you don't know what is appropriate, read it all... :lol:
Got Ford?
2 EarlyBroncos (68,69)
2 Classic Mustangs (69,70)
1 F250 4x4 (71) - OB - 360, NP435, D24, HPD60 4.10, D60,
1 94 Ranger, 2.3, 5spd
1 Lincoln Mark VIII
User avatar
Doug F
Preferred User
Preferred User
Posts: 346
Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 8:44 pm
Location: H'ville, NC
Contact:

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by Doug F »

Thanks guys! Since the place I ordered my service manual from has them back-ordered, I am not going to do any major operations yet.
Doug F
FALLOUT Grafix
Denver, CO

1967 F100 4wd 4spd

http://www.pinheadlounge.com/Pinecone
https://www.facebook.com/PineconeDesign
User avatar
Doug F
Preferred User
Preferred User
Posts: 346
Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 8:44 pm
Location: H'ville, NC
Contact:

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by Doug F »

OK... I got my service manual and am thinking about tackling the inner axle seals... Is it as "easy" as pulling both axles, unbolting the saddles and sliding the ring gear assy out and pressing the new seals in? I know that is overly simple in description... The service manual doesn't go into detail on it.

Thanks!
Doug F
FALLOUT Grafix
Denver, CO

1967 F100 4wd 4spd

http://www.pinheadlounge.com/Pinecone
https://www.facebook.com/PineconeDesign
User avatar
Wes
Blue Oval Fan
Blue Oval Fan
Posts: 732
Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 6:04 pm
Location: California, Southern& Lake Havasu Az

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by Wes »

I did the axle seals in my 44 and essentially the steps you list are correct. I had a case spreader to remove the center section. I made tool from Al-thread some huts and flat washers, to press the seals into the housing.
Wes

http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... ?cat=10402
67 F250 High boy
69 Bronco

If you can't see fit to stand behind Our Troops...Please stand in front of them :)
User avatar
Doug F
Preferred User
Preferred User
Posts: 346
Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 8:44 pm
Location: H'ville, NC
Contact:

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by Doug F »

Thanks! A case spreader huh... I remember reading recently about them, is it absolutely necessary?
Have you rebuilt your king pins too? My whole front end seems rather tight, as though it had been rebuilt not too long ago.

Doug
Doug F
FALLOUT Grafix
Denver, CO

1967 F100 4wd 4spd

http://www.pinheadlounge.com/Pinecone
https://www.facebook.com/PineconeDesign
User avatar
Wes
Blue Oval Fan
Blue Oval Fan
Posts: 732
Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 6:04 pm
Location: California, Southern& Lake Havasu Az

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by Wes »

The case spreader makes very easy to remove and esp install the ring carrier. No I didn't rebuild my king pins, I opted for later model open knuckle disc brake axle.
Before you get to deep check and see how available the parts are. You may find a whole disc brake axle for less $$$ and get the correct gear ratio.
Wes

http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... ?cat=10402
67 F250 High boy
69 Bronco

If you can't see fit to stand behind Our Troops...Please stand in front of them :)
User avatar
zakt
Blue Oval Fanatic
Blue Oval Fanatic
Posts: 807
Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 9:16 pm
Location: San Diego, California

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by zakt »

going to regear a D30 in front of our 98 wrangler... the case spreader is much easier then using a mallet to hammer the carrier in and the shims could get messed up depending where they are (some axles different) Has to go in relatively hard to preload the bearings. Many...many articles out there. I also wanted to regear the back but ended up putting a new/used axle in the rear with the new gear ratio for about the same price and was D35 and upgraded to a D44.

case spreader:
Image
1972 Ford F350 crewcab
Image
User avatar
eggman918
Blue Oval Guru
Blue Oval Guru
Posts: 1098
Joined: Fri Nov 20, 2009 12:56 pm
Location: Paulden,AZ.

Re: Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

Post by eggman918 »

The last time I did my dana 60 I put the assembled carrier in the freezer for 2 hours then it will slip in by hand . :2cents:
At work we would use liquid nitrogen to shrink things all the time,to deal with shrink/press fits.
At home I use the extra freezer all the time,it is easier than the hammer :thup:
Steve

The"Filthy Beast"- '68 F-250 Crew Cab 131"W/B 4x4 4BT compounds hx30/Wh1c,5x.012" sac injectors/ZF 5/NP203-205 /3.54 44 trutrack front/60 trutrack rear on 33's. 2nd owner

"Beauty is only skin deep....Ugly is to the bone"
It is more important to understand what you don't know than what you do know,because then you can start to learn..???
"you must deal with the attaboys and the ass chewing s with your head up and looking them in the eyes" T.J.E. aka My Dad
There are only three types of people wolves, sheepdogs, and sheep. What are you?
Post Reply