I need a axle ? answered real fast

[Derrick C.]

Everyone has heard about my stuff being stolen so I need another axle. I'm not sure what the year was on my last one but I have found a 72 dana 44 for $300 and I'm curious if this year is still a good axle? Thanks!!!!
studdedx

 

[Clint]

yeah that's a good axle.....good price too

 

[Kampy]

Depends what it's out of? It's possible it could be a coarse spline axle, and it has to be a regular low pinion diff. It's probably got drums also right?

I think I'd look for a high pinion with discs and end up with a better driveline angle and better brakes. Should be able to find one even cheaper than that if you look for a while.

 

[Clint]

oh i assumed it was out of a bronco in that case it would be a RC44 wich woudl be a good axle for 300

 

[Derrick C.]

Its out of a 72 bronco. It has drum brakes but I'll do a disk brake conversion on it. CMartin91, What is this RC44 that your talkin about? I just need to know if this is a good axle to run or not. I'm moving the axle forward a few inches and doing a spring over set up. Basically what Oknut has on his. Not as high though.

 

[tiessen]

The EB axle is not as strong as the later full size Bronco axles but are the right width to start. The RC is reversecut ring and pinion, which is about 30% stronger. The big Bronco's are also high-pinion. If you lift high, the EB axle will give you pinion angle/driveshaft troubles. The big Bronco's have disc's, big axles, bigger ujoints, bigger steering, higher steering mounts on the knuckles. BUT they need to be cut down to size.

My preference is to buy a Big Bronco/F150 axle and cut it down. Cheaper in the end.

Cheers

Dale

 

[Derrick C.]

So is there any way to beef this axle up?

 

[tiessen]

Yup, aftermarket HD axle shafts from Warn or other will solve the axleshaft and ujoints. The knuckles can be swapped for any Dana 44, I heard the Chevy's are the easiet to put a highsteer setup on because they have a flat top. Disc brake swap is straight forward. But the RC and highpinion are not upgradeable.

Good Luck.

Cheers

Dale

ps. Be aware that you don't do a solid swap Dana 44 for strength. The ujoints are the same as Dana 35, the wheel bearings are smaller (one is same), the spindles are the same size, and the RC Dana 35 is about as strong as an EB Dana 44. FOod for thought.

 

[tdavis]

My choice of axles I went looking for was in order:

1) 1976-1977 Early Bronco
- no cutting, already has disk brakes
2) 1989-1979 Big Bronco
- needs cutting, but has disk brakes, HP D44
3) D44, 1972-1975 Early Bronco
- no cutting, but needs a disk brake swap - could cost more than #2.
4) D44 from anything else. (lots of work!)

I found a #2, which also include the radius arms, complete axle, trackbar mount, and radius arm brackets.

As for strength - the components aren't any stronger, but there are aftermarket parts to beef things up, and it's way easier to fix than the TTB front end (my gear guy will work on the d44 for 1/3 of the cost of the TTB front end)

Oh, and the parts are cheaper. Loosing the ABS rotors (for the big bronco rotors, which are beefier than explorers) isn't breaking my heart.. or wallet! I can do a complete brake job using brand new parts for about $125. (calipers, rotors, shoes, bearings). My Navajo it was closer to $250 (rotors are ~$90 EA!)

 

[tdavis]

Saw this the other day:

and

Just something to remember..

 

[Randall]

Originally posted by tdavis
My choice of axles I went looking for was in order:

1) 1976-1977 Early Bronco
- no cutting, already has disk brakes
2) 1989-1979 Big Bronco
- needs cutting, but has disk brakes, HP D44
3) D44, 1972-1975 Early Bronco
- no cutting, but needs a disk brake swap - could cost more than #2.
4) D44 from anything else. (lots of work!)

My first choice would be from a 78-79 Full Size Bronco. It has to be cut, but I beleive that it is the only one with disc brakes and a high pinion. Correct me if I am wrong here. I definately do not want one with a low pinion.

 

[Steve A]

78-79's F-150's too!

Studdedx, Guys I also own a 78 Big Bronco.
The D44 in the 78&9's are high pinion, reverse cut gears which makes them stronger than the earlier Bronco units. Also remember you can get the same set up out of a F-150 of the same year. I have seen an F-100 though that had different length radius arms than my Bronco. Bronco/ F-150 78-79's should be the same however MAKE SURE the F-150 has Disc brakes as i'm not sure it was standard in the pick ups yet.
I Hope this helps, Good luck.
Ps The Dana 35 is not a bad axle Dale, however when comparing to a TTB Dana 35 Aluminum case. Versus a Straight axle Dana 44. The Dana 44 is the winner IMHO.
Also when running a TTB Dana44 i think anything over 36" tire off road is pushing it to the limits! So run the striaght axle IF you make the change.

 

[Derrick C.]

So everyone thinks screw the 72 dana 44 and keep looking for a 78-79 full size dana 44. If I find one of these what is a good price range to pay for one? Also does anyone know where to get a axle cut? Thanks guys!!!

 

[Sandy]

A Dana44 in any trim is a good idea but for a jeep the high pinion in the front would be a blessing. IF, it does not cost too much then go with the 78-79 D44 and cut the long end down.

What about using Dana 60s front and rear, ha ha...

Good Luck on your search, keep the forum informed of your progress.

 

[Randall]

You should cut both ends down or your front driveshaft will look like this /. I would recommend making the driveshaft angles the least severe as possible.

 

[tdavis]

Originally posted by Mudd*****
You should cut both ends down or your front driveshaft will look like this /. I would recommend making the driveshaft angles the least severe as possible.

you haven't seen the d44 from a 78/79 Bronco/F150 have you?

There's almost no space to cut off on the drivers (short) side of the axle.

 

[jimbo74]

tom, if i could find a # 1 should i go for it? what else would i need besides the axle? as in susp parts and the related?

 

[tdavis]

Originally posted by jimabena74
tom, if i could find a # 1 should i go for it? what else would i need besides the axle? as in susp parts and the related?

You got a place to do it Jim?

I know of where a 78 Bronco D44 is.. Just need to get it off, and buy a few parts. Right next to it was a older Early Bronco, with a d44 w/drums.

But, since you've got time, and if you've got the money, sure, start looking..

 

[Sandy]

Cutting the D44

I am not positive but I think that the long side is all that need to be cut.

 

[Randall]

Originally posted by tdavis


you haven't seen the d44 from a 78/79 Bronco/F150 have you?

There's almost no space to cut off on the drivers (short) side of the axle.

I admit, I haven't seen one personally, I am just relaying what I have been told by others. My apologies if I am mistaken.