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Dana 44 flat top w/bottom mount tie rod?

88K5Jimmy

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So I'm researching for my 10 bolt crossover and everything I have read so far states the tie rod mounts from the top on Dana 44 flat top knuckles. My tie rod mounts from the bottom on my 10 bolt. Did they make Dana 44 flat top knuckles where the tie rod mounted from the bottom? If not will I be able to use my current tie rod by flipping it?

Also, when I switch knuckles can I reuse the balljoints because they are only a year old?

Thanks
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

They didn't make them that I know of or have seen. I am gonna flip my tie-rod so I hope that works. /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

To the best of my knowledge(but i've been known to be wrong)all D44 flat tops are top mount. And yeah, I believe you can just use your current tie rod in one.
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

You should be able to just flip your tierod. I did when I did crossover on 10bolt front.

Beware though that you need to install the tierod before you get the knuckles mounted in place though. The tierod won't fit in from the top with a flat tierod. The springs interfer. I almost found out the hard way. If I didnt have a 1" zero rate in my front spring packs it wouldn't have fit in. Mine BARELY fits.

The other option is to use the special tierod ends for the top mount tierods. They are drop ends.

Harley
 
when I went to cross over the factory tie rod was way to long. I ended up making an entirely new tie rod. I switched axles but I don't see how that would have changed anything. Same width axles so it must have been all in the knuckle. That was just the experience that I had with this switch. You may get luckier than me.
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

im researching this, can i have the d44 knuckle reamed for the bottom mount tie rod?

harley, you have your tie rod mounted under on driver side and over on pass side? any problems with that?
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

I used to have my tierod from the bottom with my 10 bolt knuckles. Now with the D44 flattop knuckles it is a top mount.

The only way to get the tierod from the bottom with flattop is to have the knuckles brazed up and rereamed from the bottom. It is up to you on how to mount it. If you can get the braze and ream done for a decent price for good work then I think it is worth it. Makes life alot easier on the tierod mount and spring interference.

Harley
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

I had no problems when I had my flat top D44. I did have shims though so they may have made the clearence difference. If you run a zero-rate I don't see it being a problem.
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

With my rock rod 1.5" OD and my #2234 RH ends my tierod BARELY fits into the knuckle holes. The rod contacts my springs (with a zero rate). I have to put on TRE in the hole then to get the other in I have to push the TRE all the way to one side and force it a little to get in the hole. /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Harley
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

I never did get a rockrod (or any heavy duty one) for my D44.


Harley:
I guess we'll find out when jay gets a rockrod for my old axle /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif /forums/images/graemlins/whistling.gif
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

Wow, I have major room with mine /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

5586steering_arm2.jpg
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

So is the tie rod mounting location the same on bottom mount 10-bolts and top mount Dana 44s in regards to placement on the knuckle?
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

What inch lift springs are you running? I am only running a set of 4" TC's and I have a Warn M12000 that helps drag the front down a little.

Harley
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

4" Ranchos and a heavyass 8274 and hella bumper.
 
Re: Dana 44 flat top w. bottom mount tie rod?

4" Ranchos and a heavyass 8274 and bumper.
 
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