Axle Buying Advice

[Tonyraca]

I found a 8 Lug Dana 44 and 14 Bolt on craigs ist. The seller says the dana 44 is a passenger side drop for chevy or dodge and has an auburn locker. I am assuming that this would work on my 79' blazer. I would be swaping from a 10/12 bolt to a dana44/14bolt so I assusme that I would need new drive shafts. He wants 600$ for the 44 and 600 for the 14 bolt (drum brakes). What should I look for when I go to check these axles out and what would be a reasonable price. I am thinking no more than 800 for both. Any advice?

 

[Stomis]

The 14b is worth a pack of gum. I wouldnt pay more than $200 for it unless it was rebuilt.

As for the 44. Its got a $250 locker in it. I'd critique him on every little thing on it. In real good shape its probably worth $500 TOPS. Your about right with $600 for the set.

I dont think new driveshafts just u joints. Also your going to need new brakelines in the front for the d44 calipers. I would just use your 10b calipers and bolt em onto the 44 to save the trouble though.

I went from a 10b to a 14b rear and some how I wound up needing to lengthen my shaft. I highly doubt you'll be off to the point where you wont be able to drive it. You may need to get it lengthened come flexing time but then again idk what the 12b pumpkin size is like vs the 10b.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I found a 8 Lug Dana 44 and 14 Bolt on craigs ist. The seller says the dana 44 is a passenger side drop for chevy or dodge and has an auburn locker. I am assuming that this would work on my 79' blazer. I would be swaping from a 10/12 bolt to a dana44/14bolt so I assusme that I would need new drive shafts. He wants 600$ for the 44 and 600 for the 14 bolt (drum brakes). What should I look for when I go to check these axles out and what would be a reasonable price. I am thinking no more than 800 for both. Any advice?

$600 is way too much for a 14 bolt. CUCV 14 bolts with detroit lockers and 4.56 gears usually go for ~$500.

He says the front is passenger drop but is it a Chevy or Dodge front end? The Dodge won't simply bolt under your truck.

If you are interested in the front end, make sure its actually a locker. Auburn makes a limited slip and a selectable locker called the ected (which isn't really a locker, its just their limited slip with an electromagnet that pushes harder on the clutch).

Unless you have a 4 speed you will have to get a conversion joint (your stock driveshaft likely has 1310 joints and the 14 bolt will have 1350).

I would pass on both, but if the front end actually has the selectable "locker" and that's what you want it might be worth $4-500.

 

[Tonyraca]

How can I tell the difference between a Chevy and a Dodge dana 44?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

How can I tell the difference between a Chevy and a Dodge dana 44?

Easiest way: Chevy 44's use 4 u-bolts to hold the axle to the springs. Dodge 44's use 3 u-bolts and 2 studs (near the pumpkin).

 

[3/4 Ton Blazer]

Unless you are in a rush, keep an eye on craigslist for a while. I found a drivable donor 3/4 ton suburban (14B FF, and 10B 8 lug) for $250, and drove it home. I swapped the axles with my blazer and sold the burb for $500. So after adding a detroit, I am only in my axles $150 total. Be patient, these axles will basically fall into your lap if you are patient. That guys prices are way out of line! Possibly not too out of line on the front axle depending on what locker is actually in it. The 14B FF is a great axle, but there are so many of them, and they barely ever go bad, so they are a dime a dozen.