Dana 44 Front Axle Questions

[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. 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 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 . 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 .

Doug

[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]

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.
Doug

[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/

[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]

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.

[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...

[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]

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!

[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.

[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

[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.

[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:

[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 .
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