Is a D44 Stronger Than a 10 bolt

[bmsmalley]

So it looks like a D60 is out of the price range for a little while. I am thinking about looking for a D44 with 8 lug outters. So my questions are these:

• Is a D44 set up stronger than the 10 bolt I currently have (if I were to switch the 10 bolt outters to 8 lug)?
• Are there any price differences in lockers between the D44 and 10 bolt?
• Does one have a better range of gear choices over the other?

 

[oatsk5]

The d44 and the 10blt are alot alike. The inner axle shaft on the ten bolt is a bit smaller than the 44. Locker price i cant help much as in unsure but im sure someone will chime in.

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

If you already have a 10 bolt then don't bother getting a D44. They are almost indentical in strength. IMO the 10 bolt is easier to work with since you don't have to pull the carrier bearings of when doing a gear swap. Price difference in lockers nil.

 

[bmsmalley]

If I stay with the 10 bolt and redue the outters to 8 lug would doing the chromemoly axle stuff be a good idea or just a waste of money?

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

I always break 10 bolt center sections, if you need the chromo shafts save that money for the d60. 10 bolt shafts are very cheap.

 

[hmatiak]

If I stay with the 10 bolt and redue the outters to 8 lug would doing the chromemoly axle stuff be a good idea or just a waste of money?

How big of a tire do you plan on running? That would help with deciding were to put your money.

 

[Hossbaby50]

D44=10b in strength. Neither offers any major advantage over the other. Both share the same weak points of common breakage which are the 297 ujoint, neckdown inner axleshafts, and 19spl stubs.

You don't need chromo shafts unless you are really planning on keeping the 10b and don't plan on using it heavy with larger then 35" tires. stock replacement shafts typically are more plentiful and cheaper for the 10b. With a responsible driving style and up to 37" tires a 10b can be a servicable front axle. I did it for a long time with 35 & 37" tires before I found a set of chromo axle for a cheap price. If you do buy chromo axles don't buy the Yukons for the 10b they are junk. IMO I seriously believe they are weaker then stock shafts. I wheeled stock shafts significantly harder then the Yukons and broke more Yukon junk then stockers.

If you are willing to spend the money on a good set of chromo shafts like Warn's or Superiors just spend the money on a D60.

Harley

 

[hmatiak]

If you do buy chromo axles don't buy the Yukons for the 10b they are junk. IMO I seriously believe they are weaker then stock shafts. I wheeled stock shafts significantly harder then the Yukons and broke more Yukon junk then stockers.

Never had issues with mine. Def a huge upgrade from the stockers for me!

 

[6.2Blazer]

No strength difference between the two axles at all. The only reason I would consider swapping in a D44 was to get matching gears to whatever rear axle you were going with...but that's assuming the current 10-bolt gears didn't match, or that you were not planning on swapping in lower gears anyway.

My biggest issue with a GM Dana 44 front is that they have not been in full production under trucks since the late-70's and therefore harder to find complete axles or just parts in the junkyards.

 

[bmsmalley]

"-'79 K20: 350/SM465/205/10 bolt w/ 4340's/14FF/40's"

hey hmatiak have you experienced any problems with your 10 bolt and 4340's running the 40's"? I want to run 38's" but will most likely settle for 36's".

 

[hmatiak]

"-'79 K20: 350/SM465/205/10 bolt w/ 4340's/14FF/40's"

hey hmatiak have you experienced any problems with your 10 bolt and 4340's running the 40's"? I want to run 38's" but will most likely settle for 36's".

With the 40's i kept the front open, no locker. You can expect to be able to run a 37 or so tops with the chromolys and a locker. If you baby it then maybe more. With 37's and locked i had no issues with my 10B. Keep the axle joints fresh and the shafts do great. 10B's are fine for the lighter wheeler that doesnt have a heavy foot. They are under estimated, just dont expect too much.

 

[Hossbaby50]

With the 40's i kept the front open, no locker. You can expect to be able to run a 37 or so tops with the chromolys and a locker. If you baby it then maybe more. With 37's and locked i had no issues with my 10B. Keep the axle joints fresh and the shafts do great. 10B's are fine for the lighter wheeler that doesnt have a heavy foot. They are under estimated, just dont expect too much.

Yep, what he said. I have been running 37's (MTR's first and now Maxxis CC's) on my 10b front for about 3-4years now and had little issue with it even with a locker. I have only had chromo's for the last year and they are just a little extra insurance for me so I can be a little harder on the frontend if I need to be. The Maxxis CC's are a pretty grippy tire and I havn't had a problem with axles yet. The only problem I have had with my 10b is my lockright is now basically acting like a spool. I believe the last 8-9 years of beatings have made it submit to the punishment. I have wheeled the crap out of my 10b front and had very few issues with it.

Alot of people bash the 1/2 ton front axles as total garbage and a waste of time but if you are smart and "know your limitations" they are very serviceable frontends.

Harley