Dana 44 pinion preload tips

[tarussell]

Ok I'm an idiot. Now this makes sense. I keep adding shims when I should be removing them. Geez I never thought I'd prefer a crush collar like in my 12 bolt rear. Thanks guys!

A crush collar/sleeve is faster/easier ( that’s why they benefit production assembly lines ) but is not better than using shim stock for final dimensions and tolerances.
Chances are that a front Dana 44 application in a half ton rated truck will never overtax a crush sleeve but it is possible.

Your frustration is understandable but if it helps the shim method of achieving preload is the more durable option but more work to achieve the end result.

 

[Wes Harden]

yes i have used shim kits in 2 of my 14bff to eliminate the crush sleeve

 

[tarussell]

yes i have used shim kits in 2 of my 14bff to eliminate the crush sleeve

It’s a shame that they allowed the 10.5” 14B to start life out with a crush sleeve - even its main competitor Dana 70 axle used shims up until the mid-nineties.
They were sacrificing quality for speed of assembly and that’s just a shame on a separate/removable pinion mount application.