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10 Bolt vs D44

10 Bolt vs Dana 44 Front Axle

  • 10 Bolt

    Votes: 137 61.2%

  • Dana 44

    Votes: 87 38.8%
  • Total voters
    224
drofdar

drofdar

1/2 ton status
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Dec 7, 2003
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Location
Fresno, CA
My 1980 CK20 has the original 10 bolt front end and I have not installed a locker yet. I also have a Dana 44 front axle from a 73 Burb. Since I've been told that these two axles are similar in strength, I thought I'd put it out there for opinion.
 
Given those 2 choices I voted 10 bolt as they are quite abundant in the junkyards and parts are cheaper than anything with Dana stamped on it. :D

Ira
 
10bolt for the reasons listed already; and if you think about it, the D44 is an older axle so it has more age and probably more wear on it too.
 
that d44 of urs will have flat knuckles, put them on ur 10b and do crossover-steering ;)
 
10 bolts are easier to set up the gears....you don't need a press or special bearings to do it....and they are in junkyards everywhere. Course they aren't as good as that awesome 12 bolt front end.... :haha:
 
thread on pirate showed side-by-side comparisons of the ring, pinion and various other parts on both the D44 and 10b. Without exception the 10b part was the exact same size, or larger. Stick with the 10b.

j
 
Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong catalogues but I find that aftermarket support for the Dana 44 is much stronger since it was offered in more then just chevys for front ends and were used as rear ends as well. I have a Dana 44 but it's just cause I bought a matched set of 3/4 ton axles. As far as strength and ease of maintnence/spare parts, I would say the 10 bolt, for options though, go with a 44. Almost all the differential made you can get for the 44, and when new parts hit the market, often it's for the 44.

Myself, I plan on going to a D60 front eventually so I'm not putting a dime into my Dana 44. But if I had a half ton with a 44 in it that I wasn't planning on putting '35s or bigger on.....
 
I voted D44 b/c that's what I have, but also with what wantedadodge says about the aftermarket support. I've seen a lot more options for the D44. :D

Rick
 
10B, easier to get cheep shafts for and 2.73-5.13 use the same carier.

D44, flat top knuckles and a better stock cover.
 
Oh , and before I forget , another reason for 10 bolt over d44 .

I absolutely hate having to pull the carrier , pull the ring gear , and drive out a damn roll pin to pull the crosshaft out to install a lockright .

Did that once for the last time :D
 
Dont know if this is true or not, but heard that Dana 44's have weaker spider gears than the 10b's. Not sure though, just something that I heard.
 
The earlier D44 run smaller U-joints, and some run the external hubs.

Rene
 
I have the same question

I have the same question regarding the 10bolt vs. Dana 44. I have a useable 10 bolt front and a flat top D44 front, and both have 3.73 gears. I also have a spare 10 bolt and a spare D44 that are complete. I plan on doing a lockright in the front of my truck, now the question is which axle do I use for my build? Kevin
 
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