How much hp is too much for my axles and axle u-joints?
 

So my front end is carrying a 1971 Dana 44. I am rebuilding everything from the pumpkin out, ball joints, bearings, etc. I am dropping a 504 hp 383 in it and started to question if that may be a bit much for the stock axles and u-joints at the axles.

I won't be doing any rock crawling, just hauling and an occasional mud run.

I am in no hurry and I have it all apart so should I upgrade to some after market axles and joints? Is it worth the extra cash?

Re: How much hp is too much for my axles and axle u-joints?
 

Auto or stick? What gears, and what size tires? all of those will have an impact on what will break first.

Re: How much hp is too much for my axles and axle u-joints?
 

Dana 44 is a decently strong front axle, that engine I'm sure makes enough power to break something inside but it'd have to be in a pretty abusive situation to happen. Id run it stock and see what happens, especially if your going to leave it with a open differential and aren't going to go too crazy with tire size. Typically the front drive shaft is the weak link.

Re: How much hp is too much for my axles and axle u-joints?
 

Thanks guys.

35" mud radials with 4.10 gears. Turbo 350 tranny.

She's tore apart now and I would hate to do it again. It does make sense to wait and see though.

Thinking about upgrading the u joints and leaving the axles stock.
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Re: How much hp is too much for my axles and axle u-joints?
 

You can swap in the 1973 up Dana 44 axle and stub shafts, the axle shafts dont neck down like pre 73 shafts and they use a slightly larger u-joint. Its a small upgrade but you should be able to source out the parts pretty cheap and definatly worth doing while your in there.

Re: How much hp is too much for my axles and axle u-joints?
 

Don't see it being a big deal, used to mud race with 39" Boggers on my last truck with over 500hp and my new (old) 71 1/2 ton has over 500hp running 35" tires and I do abuse my trucks regularily, but not full blast off idle, just work my way into it. They are strong diffs and by what you stste should last you a long time. As mentioned the front drive shaft is the main weak link.

Re: How much hp is too much for my axles and axle u-joints?
 

With 35's and 350 hp If I got on it I break axles and or u joints. I went to chrome molly axles and a CTM style ujoint and no more trouble. In a straight line there was no problem, but as soon as a bit of power was applied with the wheels turned,,,,,snapp. Chrome mollies fixed that,,,,,,,,,for now.