10 bolt vs. Dana 44 front

[mountainexplorer]

I'm sure this has been asked many times before and answered as well, but I still havent really found out what the advantages and disadvantages of both the 10 bolt and Dana 44 are. I have grown to prefer the 44, but have heard differing opinions. Some day I'll put 2 side by side and compare everything, but til then, what are everyone's opinions? facts? etc...

 

[1bigk10]

Look o page two of this forum i have a post there where everyone helped me out.

1982 K10 Silverado.

327 SHPE powerplant SM465/205,15"custom lift 38.5"TSL/SWAMPERS 12boltrearD44 front,3.73 gears.

 

[mountainexplorer]

Alright, I'll take a look. Thanks.
Also, here is some info. that I have observed or been told.

-axle tube diameter for the 44 is larger for '76 and up
-'75 and older have a smaller tube diameter
-ring gear for a 10 bolt is larger in diameter than a 44 ring gear
-of course, all outer parts (spindle, hub, rotor, backing plates) are interchangeable.

Anyone see any of this as untrue or can add to this? Thanks.

 

[tRustyK5]

-ring gear for a 10 bolt is larger in diameter than a 44 ring gear

Not...both have a 8.5" ring gear. Axle strength...too close to call. Carrier strength...too close to call. Outers...identical strength and interchange. Housings...hard to say. The later D44 and the 10 bolt front may look a little different but there really isn't much difference strength wise.

The only advantage I could see is parts availabilty for the 10 bolt is probably better.

If you want superior strength in a front end get a Dana 60, comparing two half ton axles like these is an exercise in futility.

Rene

<font color=green>Dyslexics of the world...UNTIE!</font color=green>
<a target="_blank" href=http://coloradok5.com/gallery/project_T2> tRusty pics...</a>

 

[thatK30guy]

Correction: axle tube diameter changed in '77, not '76. The "second design" axles, which have the larger tubes, started in '77.

"First design" axle tubes are 2.75" diameter, '73 - '76.
"Second design" axle tubes are 3" diameter, '77 - '91.





I'm not picking my nose...I'm just pointing at my brain!!

<a target="_blank" href=http://coloradok5.com/gallery/thatK30guy>The K30 Collection</a>

 

[TX Mudder]

The General is known for putting stuff on years they didn't belong. I had a 76 k10 w/ stock D44 with the 2nd design axle. You really have to look for yourself.
-- Mike

<font color=blue> Married to a woman who understands the need for <font color=orange>Hugger Orange.

<font color=blue>

 

[mountainexplorer]

I thought that too until I had a 10 bolt and a 44 side by side the other day and saw the ring gear in the 10 bolt was larger than the 44. The 10 bolt is out of a '79 and the 44 out of an '80, both 3.73. Is this just a fluke or...? I have a Dana 60 in two trucks so far, the rest are 44's with the exception of two 10 bolts. I was just wanting to get some other feedback since people I deal with here in Spokane always seem to have different stories. Not that it matters a great deal to me. Thanks everyone for the replies.

 

[morphed86k10]

the RING gear is the same outer diameter, the PINION shaft is larger on a 10 bolt.