Dana 44 Rebuild Questions. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Billhilly · 03-23-2007, 05:36 AM

So I've got my diff all apart (except diff head) and have a couple of questions for you all. I obviously have some seepage past the seals. The question is - is this amount minor, I won't do alot of 4X4ing, it will be fine for years, OR, this is a serious problem and should be fixed now as part of the rebuild? One point is I don't have a diff shop down the road that knows about these things, so would probabley have to make a spreader and do the job myself (headache + $$).
Also the PO obviously overtightened the bolts holding the hubs on and has damaged, cracked the 'Actuating Knob Retainer'. They are no longer flat on the underside, but have six 'raised' areas where the bolt holes are. Could this be sanded flat on a surface plate or something, and reused? Or again, do they really need to be replaced, can you still buy new ones?
Can't get my words between the photos, but here they are.

Bill.

cableguy0 · 03-23-2007, 05:59 AM

you can get the hubs for that thing anywhere.the dana 44 was probably the most common 4wd front axle used. a set of warn hubs probably wont kill you on price. and seeing as how yours are cracked i would get new ones. those cracks will begin to run and eventually will make a mess of that hub.

cableguy0 · 03-23-2007, 06:01 AM

i just realized your in new zealand your probably going to have to order the hubs and have them shipped i dont know who is going to be willing to ship to you though.somebody here on the board might be willing to ship you a used set depending how much of a pita customs is

Billhilly · 03-24-2007, 06:15 AM

Thanks cableguy, I had a quick look around, and I should be able to pick up some second hand hubs from somewhere for sure. Nobody alse want to comment on my diff seals? Anyone ever replaced them themselves?

Eichorst69 · 03-24-2007, 03:27 PM

Replace them while you already have it apart. I just replaced mine, they only cost me $7.88 ea. Very easy !!!

**jerry moss** · 03-24-2007, 05:10 PM

to replace those inner seals, you need a "case spreader", otherwise it's a pain in the a$$. i did the ones on my 72 super several years ago and it was not fun.if you decide to tackle them----be extra careful not to damage the new seals while you're installing them.

Billhilly · 03-25-2007, 12:24 AM

Thanks Guys, looks like I'm making a spreader and finding some seals! Well, when your truck is in a thousand pieces, whats a few more bits........ I'll post some more pics soon.

03-23-2007, 05:36 AM	#1
Billhilly Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand. Posts: 782	Dana 44 Rebuild Questions. So I've got my diff all apart (except diff head) and have a couple of questions for you all. I obviously have some seepage past the seals. The question is - is this amount minor, I won't do alot of 4X4ing, it will be fine for years, OR, this is a serious problem and should be fixed now as part of the rebuild? One point is I don't have a diff shop down the road that knows about these things, so would probabley have to make a spreader and do the job myself (headache + $$). Also the PO obviously overtightened the bolts holding the hubs on and has damaged, cracked the 'Actuating Knob Retainer'. They are no longer flat on the underside, but have six 'raised' areas where the bolt holes are. Could this be sanded flat on a surface plate or something, and reused? Or again, do they really need to be replaced, can you still buy new ones? Can't get my words between the photos, but here they are. Bill. Attached Images __________________ 1972 K2500 Long Box 400/350

03-23-2007, 05:59 AM	#2
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Dana 44 Rebuild Questions. you can get the hubs for that thing anywhere.the dana 44 was probably the most common 4wd front axle used. a set of warn hubs probably wont kill you on price. and seeing as how yours are cracked i would get new ones. those cracks will begin to run and eventually will make a mess of that hub. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

03-23-2007, 06:01 AM	#3
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Dana 44 Rebuild Questions. i just realized your in new zealand your probably going to have to order the hubs and have them shipped i dont know who is going to be willing to ship to you though.somebody here on the board might be willing to ship you a used set depending how much of a pita customs is __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

03-24-2007, 06:15 AM	#4
Billhilly Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand. Posts: 782	Re: Dana 44 Rebuild Questions. Thanks cableguy, I had a quick look around, and I should be able to pick up some second hand hubs from somewhere for sure. Nobody alse want to comment on my diff seals? Anyone ever replaced them themselves? __________________ 1972 K2500 Long Box 400/350

03-24-2007, 03:27 PM	#5
Eichorst69 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: South Florida Posts: 158	Re: Dana 44 Rebuild Questions. Replace them while you already have it apart. I just replaced mine, they only cost me $7.88 ea. Very easy !!!

03-24-2007, 05:10 PM	#6
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,915	Re: Dana 44 Rebuild Questions. to replace those inner seals, you need a "case spreader", otherwise it's a pain in the a$$. i did the ones on my 72 super several years ago and it was not fun.if you decide to tackle them----be extra careful not to damage the new seals while you're installing them. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

03-25-2007, 12:24 AM	#7
Billhilly Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand. Posts: 782	Re: Dana 44 Rebuild Questions. Thanks Guys, looks like I'm making a spreader and finding some seals! Well, when your truck is in a thousand pieces, whats a few more bits........ I'll post some more pics soon. __________________ 1972 K2500 Long Box 400/350

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