dif b/t front corp. 10bolt and D44??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dale DuBose · 10-30-2002, 10:22 AM

I have the corp 10 bolt with Warn hubs. I know they were interchanged with Dana 44s it the late 70s (77-80). And I know the knuckles are interchangable. But my question is; What are the differences between the front corp. 10 bolt and the Dana 44??? Such as spine count, ring size and strength.

Thanks alot.

Mike C · 10-30-2002, 03:16 PM

They are virtually the same. The outer axles (which usually are the ones that break) are the same. Bigger difference is between 3/4 ton and 1/2 ton assemblies. 3/4 ton has thicker tubes, and bigger brakes at minimum.

Blazer1970 · 10-30-2002, 03:33 PM

Also, pre-'89 10 bolts have 28 spline inner axle shafts, while all Dana 44s (at least since the early '70s) have 30 spline. The 10 bolt is basically GMs copy of a Dana 44.

Dale DuBose · 10-30-2002, 04:25 PM

Can I get bigger inner axles for the 10 bolt? Like the 30 spline in the d44. I'd like to have at least a 31 spline.

powermad · 10-30-2002, 05:28 PM

Actualy the Corprate 10 bolt is made by Dana and about the same strenghth as a D44.
here is a little info for ya.
.
1. Backing plates are ALL diffferent. Both 1/2 and 3/4 ton for both designs are NOT the same thing. 3/4 tons are larger diameter than the 1/2 tons. There are currently 6 different types of backing plates. The 1/2 ton has the 73-76, 77-80, and 81-91. 3/4 ton is the same years, but only bigger around.

2. Bearing hub and rotors are different. There are 4 types. 73-76 use a smaller wheel bearing on both the 1/2 and 3/4 ton. The 1/2 ton bearing hub is an internal drive. 3/4 tons were available in both the internal and external drives. 77 and newer bearing hubs are the same size wheel bearing. 1/2 and 3/4 tons are all internal drives. The differences in the rotor diameter is the fact that the 3/4 tons are larger around than the 1/2 tons. This is why the backing plates are larger around than the 1/2 tons. If you use a 1/2 ton backing plate on a 3/4 ton rotor, the caliper will NOT even align up with the bolts. If the 1/2 ton rotor is used with the 3/4 ton backing plates, the caliper will NOT have enough pad contact with the rotor.

3. Spindles. 73-76 are one type only. They are "first design" small bearings. 1/2 and 3/4 ton spindles are interchangable. 77-91 spindles are "second design" and all interchangable between 1/2 and 3/4 tons. You cannot use a first design spindle with a second design bearing hub & rotor. The hub will wobble in place. If the second design spindle is used with a first design bearing hub, the hub will not even go on at all.

4. D44 and 10B axle shafts are not interchangable. The D44 shafts measure: right - 36.13"
left - 18.31"
10B shafts measure: right - 35.46"
left - 19.15"

5. Steering knuckles.Some pre 77 D44's have the infamous "flat top" knuckles on the passenger side. These are good for the crossover steering for where the steering arm is mounted on top of the knuckle after machine work and drilling has been done. The 10B knuckles have NO flat surface whatsoever. Machine work would be excessive to make the crossover work and therefore would be easier and cheaper to locate the correct knuckle off a D44.

It all boils down to this: D44 and 10B parts ARE interchangable from the knuckles out. Anything else from the knuckles in is NOT interchangable.

ALL calipers on both D44 and 10B are compatible with either axle. Even the first and second design axles are compatible with BOTH 1/2 and 3/4 ton calipers.

Info provided by ThatK30guy to me a few months back.

Pont · 10-31-2002, 04:16 AM

Good info Powermad, thanks.........

Blazer1970 · 10-31-2002, 08:39 AM

There is some evidence that a few 10 bolts were made in a Dana plant at one point, but 10 bolts are made by American Axle and Manufacturing, the same company that makes all GM "corporate" axles, not by Dana. You could upgrade a 10 bolt to 30 spline axles by using the '89 and later carrier and inner axles, but there is good evidence that the 28 spline version is stronger due to a stronger carrier design. If you want something stronger than a 10 bolt/Dana 44, the only option is a Dana 60.

powermad · 10-31-2002, 08:57 AM

If you have worked with the 14 bolt full floater alot there is 2 different style adjusting/lock assy's.
The manuals that I have list them as Chevrolet manufacture and Dana Manufacture.

Blazer1970 · 10-31-2002, 12:47 PM

Yes, it does seem as though AAM had some problems meeting GMs delivery requirements at some times, and contracted some axle assembly to Dana (Spicer Gear). In the case of the rear axles though, are you sure they are not referring to the difference between the AAM 10 1/2" 14 bolt, and the Dana 70 axle that has been used in a lot of dually applications? Those two axles have completely different set-ups as far as how the backlash and carrier bearing preload is set.

powermad · 10-31-2002, 04:05 PM

All of my rigs have a 14FF in the rear.
2 have the Dana style nuts and the other is the "gm" style.
The Dana style have an adjusting nut, lock ring and a lock nut.
The GM style has an adjusting nut, the key and a retaining ring.
Other than the way the hub is attached to the axle both are the same axle.
A D70 is a whole different critter.

10-30-2002, 10:22 AM	#1
Dale DuBose Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 27	dif b/t front corp. 10bolt and D44??? I have the corp 10 bolt with Warn hubs. I know they were interchanged with Dana 44s it the late 70s (77-80). And I know the knuckles are interchangable. But my question is; What are the differences between the front corp. 10 bolt and the Dana 44??? Such as spine count, ring size and strength. Thanks alot. __________________ I need all the help I can get.

10-30-2002, 03:16 PM	#2
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	They are virtually the same. The outer axles (which usually are the ones that break) are the same. Bigger difference is between 3/4 ton and 1/2 ton assemblies. 3/4 ton has thicker tubes, and bigger brakes at minimum. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

10-30-2002, 03:33 PM	#3
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,507	Also, pre-'89 10 bolts have 28 spline inner axle shafts, while all Dana 44s (at least since the early '70s) have 30 spline. The 10 bolt is basically GMs copy of a Dana 44. __________________ Tim

10-30-2002, 04:25 PM	#4
Dale DuBose Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 27	Can I get bigger inner axles for the 10 bolt? Like the 30 spline in the d44. I'd like to have at least a 31 spline. __________________ I need all the help I can get.

10-30-2002, 05:28 PM	#5
powermad Hillbilly Hotrod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 69	Actualy the Corprate 10 bolt is made by Dana and about the same strenghth as a D44. here is a little info for ya. . 1. Backing plates are ALL diffferent. Both 1/2 and 3/4 ton for both designs are NOT the same thing. 3/4 tons are larger diameter than the 1/2 tons. There are currently 6 different types of backing plates. The 1/2 ton has the 73-76, 77-80, and 81-91. 3/4 ton is the same years, but only bigger around. 2. Bearing hub and rotors are different. There are 4 types. 73-76 use a smaller wheel bearing on both the 1/2 and 3/4 ton. The 1/2 ton bearing hub is an internal drive. 3/4 tons were available in both the internal and external drives. 77 and newer bearing hubs are the same size wheel bearing. 1/2 and 3/4 tons are all internal drives. The differences in the rotor diameter is the fact that the 3/4 tons are larger around than the 1/2 tons. This is why the backing plates are larger around than the 1/2 tons. If you use a 1/2 ton backing plate on a 3/4 ton rotor, the caliper will NOT even align up with the bolts. If the 1/2 ton rotor is used with the 3/4 ton backing plates, the caliper will NOT have enough pad contact with the rotor. 3. Spindles. 73-76 are one type only. They are "first design" small bearings. 1/2 and 3/4 ton spindles are interchangable. 77-91 spindles are "second design" and all interchangable between 1/2 and 3/4 tons. You cannot use a first design spindle with a second design bearing hub & rotor. The hub will wobble in place. If the second design spindle is used with a first design bearing hub, the hub will not even go on at all. 4. D44 and 10B axle shafts are not interchangable. The D44 shafts measure: right - 36.13" left - 18.31" 10B shafts measure: right - 35.46" left - 19.15" 5. Steering knuckles.Some pre 77 D44's have the infamous "flat top" knuckles on the passenger side. These are good for the crossover steering for where the steering arm is mounted on top of the knuckle after machine work and drilling has been done. The 10B knuckles have NO flat surface whatsoever. Machine work would be excessive to make the crossover work and therefore would be easier and cheaper to locate the correct knuckle off a D44. It all boils down to this: D44 and 10B parts ARE interchangable from the knuckles out. Anything else from the knuckles in is NOT interchangable. ALL calipers on both D44 and 10B are compatible with either axle. Even the first and second design axles are compatible with BOTH 1/2 and 3/4 ton calipers. Info provided by ThatK30guy to me a few months back. __________________ 69 K5, .060 over 350/465/205.

10-31-2002, 04:16 AM	#6
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	Good info Powermad, thanks......... __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

10-31-2002, 08:39 AM	#7
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,507	There is some evidence that a few 10 bolts were made in a Dana plant at one point, but 10 bolts are made by American Axle and Manufacturing, the same company that makes all GM "corporate" axles, not by Dana. You could upgrade a 10 bolt to 30 spline axles by using the '89 and later carrier and inner axles, but there is good evidence that the 28 spline version is stronger due to a stronger carrier design. If you want something stronger than a 10 bolt/Dana 44, the only option is a Dana 60. __________________ Tim

10-31-2002, 08:57 AM	#8
powermad Hillbilly Hotrod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 69	good point If you have worked with the 14 bolt full floater alot there is 2 different style adjusting/lock assy's. The manuals that I have list them as Chevrolet manufacture and Dana Manufacture. __________________ 69 K5, .060 over 350/465/205.

10-31-2002, 12:47 PM	#9
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,507	Yes, it does seem as though AAM had some problems meeting GMs delivery requirements at some times, and contracted some axle assembly to Dana (Spicer Gear). In the case of the rear axles though, are you sure they are not referring to the difference between the AAM 10 1/2" 14 bolt, and the Dana 70 axle that has been used in a lot of dually applications? Those two axles have completely different set-ups as far as how the backlash and carrier bearing preload is set. __________________ Tim Last edited by Blazer1970; 10-31-2002 at 12:49 PM.

10-31-2002, 04:05 PM	#10
powermad Hillbilly Hotrod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 69	All of my rigs have a 14FF in the rear. 2 have the Dana style nuts and the other is the "gm" style. The Dana style have an adjusting nut, lock ring and a lock nut. The GM style has an adjusting nut, the key and a retaining ring. Other than the way the hub is attached to the axle both are the same axle. A D70 is a whole different critter. __________________ 69 K5, .060 over 350/465/205.

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