D44 axle shafts help

[Magikal]

i have a 83 k5 w/ 4" lift. running 35x14.5x15 swampers. my front is a dana 44 w/ posi. i keep destroying ujoints at the knuckle. i know it is a weak link but it seems way to frequent. is this normal or is something else the underlying cause? thanks in advance for your guys' help!

 

[sweetk30]

what brand of u-joints are you using ?

most parts store brands suck for quality/ strength .

you need at least spicer non greaseable or aftermarket $$$ u-joints.

and at this point you might wana just do aftermarket shafts and have a lot less to play with in the weak link of the front axle.

 

[pblaze725]

I've been killing them too.

My problem isn't really destroying the U joints but popping the caps off.

I spot welded my caps and they seem to last longer.

When I had the 10 bolt front with spot welded caps I would break the shaft at the locker instead of at the U joint.
I'm hoping the 44 w/ welded caps and the slightly larger 31 spline shaft holds up to my typical abuse.

If not, I'm shopping for a Dana 60.


You can either put a grand in a $100 axle or buy a $1000 axle and be done.

I learn the hard way.

 

[72blazerguy]

You can either put a grand in a $100 axle or buy a $1000 axle and be done.

$1k up front, several hundred for a lunchbox type locker, r&p is spendy. You can sink some serious cash into a D60.

 

[6.2Blazer]

Do you keep using the same axleshafts after the u-joints break? I have yet to see a factory axleshaft survive a u-joint break without deforming the ears to some degree and causing issues.

Next question is whether the spindle bearings are in good shape...these are the bearings inside the spindle that the stub shaft rides on. If they are trashed it will cause the stub to bind off.

Are you breaking them when the wheel is turned? The more the u-joint is turned the more strength it loses. Also, if the steering stops are gone or adjusted for sharper steering it will exaggerate this issue and may even cause the u-joints to bind.

And ditto the above post....most part store u-joints are junk.

 

[sweetk30]

full circle clips is a super mod to help from tossing caps .

as said spindle bearings bad = extra flopping and possible damage .

and I have been running a stock 60 in my plow truck for over close to 15 years now. its on its 3rd truck . and I got it from a 85 k30 crew cab drw truck .

but if you want weight savings and or just don't wana upgrade the 44 can be built up .

check these out also if you need new spindle bearings https://www.trail-gear.com/TG/Longf...on/i_0_0_4382/_301694-2-KIT.aspx#.U4zAfNDD-Uk

 

[chulisohombre]

Time for stronger axle shafts and joints. or a 60. Those are heavy tires you're pushing the strength of the 44. Just beware if and when you replace the shafts and joint the r&p becomes the weak point. That's why I like running the warn hub locks. The inner gear is like a fuse that breaks before the shaft in most situations if it has too much torque. Just have to keep a extra hub lock on hand. Easier than extra shafts though.