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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: highland village, TX
Posts: 309
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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? |
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#2 |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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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.
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Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Cherry Valley,Ca
Posts: 468
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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.
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: highland village, TX
Posts: 309
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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. Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device |
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#5 |
Currently Blazerless
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: St. Joseph Mo.
Posts: 4,826
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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.
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1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Creighton Sask. Canada
Posts: 4,121
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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.
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