Dana 44 big axles
 

I want to swap out my small front axle shafts for larger set when I install my 4 inch lift and crossover/high mount steering. I think stock ones will work for me because it will be on road most of the time but with 35s I think they should be bigger axles installed. Questions are where to buy some good used axles? What years will fit my 71 blazer?

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

Any GM D44 axle from late 70's to early 90's should bolt right in. (Blazer, Jimmy, Suburban, Pickup, Cab/Chassis) You need to make sure the axles have flat top nuckles for crossover steering. The D44 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton are the same housing with different components hanging off the ends. I believe the axle shafts are the same. Any aftermarket axle will be stronger then stock, but watch the spline count. It might be difficult finding used aftermarket axles.

Depending on your budget, you can buy new Reid Racing outer knuckles as well....

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

For strength you are stuck with the factory 30 spline count unless you upgrade the center section to increase spline count.

You can still increase strength however by getting rid of the stock shafts and going aftermarket. Stock is made of 1040 carbon steel and is tapered at the spline.
An aftermarket piece from places like Randy's Ring and Pinion or American Driveline starts with better material and keeps a uniform diameter throughout. That's the best route to take without changing other major parts.

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

Keep in mind GM quit using dana 44 axles in 1976 (some say 77, I guess its a gray area), after that the 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons were GM corporate 10 bolt axles. They are similar to a Dana 44 and can even swap a handful of parts but are not the same. The D44 is considered by many to be slightly stronger then the corp 10 bolt.

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

So I guess from what I just read i need 73-76 dana 44 axles? I am not planning on beating this rig up its my daily driver just want to make sure the axles are strong enough. I already have the spicer u-joints 5-760x my plans were to just find a set of used bigger diameter shafts but not sure what to get now. I found some on ebay that say are a set of used dana 44 axles 85 a side plus shipping. They are bigger, so they say, than the 1969-72 axles and are an upgrade.

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

I have always ran 73 and up axles in my 72 d44. They use a larger u-joint, and I don't think they taper down like the earlier ones do. I used to rock crawl with mine with 36" swampers. I don't think you'll have to worry much on the street.

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

So thats what I want then 1973 and up dana 44 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton axles. Any for sale out there? By chance?

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

From my understanding the axles are all the same. The spindle comes in small bearing and large bearing. The best is to use a set of chrome molly axles. The real weak link is the U joint. I used to break axles regularely until I put the chrome molly's with the CTM style u joints Randy's sells. Was just under a thousand dollars, But I beat on them harder than the stock stuff with no issues.

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

Pumpkin is correct. You aren't going to accomplish anything in terms of strength by purchasing another set of used dana 44 axles other than having a spare set when one of them breaks.

If you want stronger you'll have to go aftermarket like I described above.

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

I realized I worded my post incorrectly above. GM didn't necessarily quit using Dana 44s in 76, but they started using corporate 10 bolts in 77. The D44 carried over until 1980 I believe. So from 77-80 both axles were being used. Just wanted to clarify that.

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

And to make things even more confusing, Jeep/Chrysler has been using Dana 44's (not to be confused with the Dana 30) in wranglers, wagoneers, and such, and still do to this day :lol:
My 05 Rubicon had Dana 44's front and rear.

Re: Dana 44 big axles
 

That is actually were I got my front posi was from a jeep.
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