How much hp is too much for my axles and axle u-joints? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Big-Blue · 07-22-2012, 10:28 PM

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?

**N2TRUX** · 07-22-2012, 11:08 PM

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

oldspowered67C10 · 07-23-2012, 12:20 AM

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.

Big-Blue · 07-26-2012, 10:29 PM

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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BLAZERMAN · 07-26-2012, 11:05 PM

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.

mud.man.rj · 07-26-2012, 11:31 PM

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.

pumpkin · 07-27-2012, 10:28 AM

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.

07-22-2012, 10:28 PM	#1
Big-Blue Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: highland village, TX Posts: 309	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?

07-22-2012, 11:08 PM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	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. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

07-23-2012, 12:20 AM	#3
oldspowered67C10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cherry Valley,Ca Posts: 468	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.

07-26-2012, 10:29 PM	#4
Big-Blue Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: highland village, TX Posts: 309	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

07-26-2012, 11:05 PM	#5
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,826	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. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

07-26-2012, 11:31 PM	#6
mud.man.rj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Creighton Sask. Canada Posts: 4,121	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.

07-27-2012, 10:28 AM	#7
pumpkin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada Posts: 543	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.



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