The age old question d44 vs 10 bolt

[ratfink65]

Hey guys-I recently picked a set of 3/4 ton axles to swap into my 1989 Suburban. My stock 30 spline 10 bolts are 3.73s and so are the d44, 14 bolt combo I just picked up. They came out of a 1978 GMC if that matters.

Should I just swap the d44 parts onto my 10 bolt to make it 8 lug or swap the whole diff?

My 10 bolt has auto hubs and the d44 has warn premiums on it.

I am prob going to lift it at the same time so the front pretty much has to come out anyway.

Also besides the obvious new brakes anything else I should r&r while the diffs are out?

Thanks!

 

[Bent77]

1. Auto hubs have issues

2. The only real advantage of a D44 is better options on gears and traction devices. Otherwise mostly equal

 

[blazinzuk]

Which axle is in better shape? Probably the one I would use

 

[ratfink65]

Good point..the d44 is pretty crusty.

The outers bolt right up to the 10 bolt correct?

 

[Bent77]

Good point..the d44 is pretty crusty.

The outers bolt right up to the 10 bolt correct?

Yes

 

[sreidmx]

All 10 bolts are 3 inch tube from what I can remember so that's nice. Aren't the my pretty similar from the stubshaft outward?

 

[ratfink65]

Thanks guys. 10 bolt it is then!

 

[campfire]

Good point..the d44 is pretty crusty.

The outers bolt right up to the 10 bolt correct?

As long as you have a later (big bearing) D44. 1978 should have compatible outers with internal lockouts. But if you find a D44 with lockouts that bolt directly to the hub (instead of using a snap ring inside the hub), those parts will not swap onto your existing spindle.

 

[Stephen]

I'd consider the D44 if everything is in good shape only because aftermarket axleshaft options are more open compared to 30 spline 10 bolt but it's a slim difference as 4340 is pretty easy for either one. You do have a chance of finding a set of shafts for a D44 or 28 spl. 10 bolt "in the wild" if you break one where you're chances of coming up with a 30 spline shaft in a yard are pretty slim. Past that, they're essentially equal.