Dana 44 Axle

Dana 44 Specs & Information

The Dana-Spicer model 44 is one of, if not the most mass produced (and widely popular) automotive axles ever brought to market. It has been produced as both a front and rear end in solid axle and independent front suspension variations throughout decades of production. The differential first appeared in the 1940s and remains in use today by select automakers. Due to the extent of its applications, the Dana 44 has been produced in a number of shapes, sizes, and spline counts. In all applications, the Dana 44 is a semi floating axle with either an 8.5 or 8.9 inch ring gear.

The 8.9 inch ring gear Dana 44 is a stronger and favorable design used in the Jeep JK (2007 - current), Nissan Titan, and some Isuzu pickups. Its pinion shaft diameter is equal to that of the Dana 60, and it has an improved ring-to-pinion gear tooth contact patch as a result of the unique cut pattern on the ring gear teeth. Both Jeep and Ford have used the Dana 44 as the backbone of their independent front suspension systems at one time or another - Jeep in the 1960s, and Ford in the 80s/90s in their TTB (twin traction beam) setup. Though not useful in the consideration of the Dana 44 for four wheel drive applications, the Dana 44 has also been used as an independent rear suspension system in high performance cars, such as the Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, and many Jaguar models. Dana-Spicer recommends a maximum 35 inch tire diameter for the Dana 44, but a properly built axle can safely turn larger tires.

 

Dana 44 Specs

Applications:

• 1967 - 2001 Jeeps (front), 1986 - current Jeeps (rear)
• 1959 - 1996 Ford pickups and Broncos (front)
• 1973 - 1993 Dodge Ramcharger (front), 1980 - 2001 Dodge 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton pickups (front)
• 1969 - 1975 International Harvester (front, select models), 1971 - 1980 IH Scout II (rear)
• 2004 - present Nissan Titan (rear)

Full/Semi Float:

Semi floating front/rear axle

GAWR:

up to 3500 lbs

Overall Width:

64.843" flange to flange

Ring Gear:

8.5" or 8.9"

Axle Spline Count:

10, 19, 29, 30, 32, 33, or 35

Axle Shaft Diameter:

• Front Outer - 1.175" (19 spline)
• Front Inner - 1.31" (30 spline)
• Rear 10 Spline - 1.20"
• Rear 19 Spline - 1.30"
• Rear 30 spline - 1.31"
• Rear 32 Spline - 1.41"

Axle Tube Diameter:

3.00", 0.25" wall thickness

Pinion Splines:

• 26 spline, 1.12 inch diameter (most common, post-1970)
• 24 spline, 1.25 inch diameter (Jeep JK)
• 10 spline, 1.12 inch diameter (pre-1970)

Pinion Diameter:

1.375" (most common), 1.625" for 8.9" ring gear Jeep JK

Ratios:

2.72 - 5.89 : 1

Carrier Break:

2.72:1 - 3.73:1 | 3.92:1 - 5.89:1

Fluid Type*:

Dana-Spicer recommends synthetic 75w-140 for their current crate axle. Manufacturer recommendations have varied over the years, largely dependent on the application.

Max Torque Rating:

• 3460 lb-ft | low pinion, 30 spline, 8.5" rear axle
• 4170 lb-ft | high pinion, 30 spline, 8.5" rear axle
• 5340 lb-ft | low pinion, 32 spline, 8.9" rear axle

Note - This is the maximum torque rating the axle is designed to withstand, NOT the maximum engine torque for a given application.

Strengths:

Broad availability, strong aftermarket support - no shortage of parts and/or upgrades for the Dana 44 front and rear axles.

Weaknesses:

Semi-floating, stock universal joints and axle shafts in high torque applications.

Identification:

Dana 44 differential identification

*Recommended fluid may vary with model year and application - refer to your vehicle's owner manual.