what year Dana 44?

['71k204x4454]

I need to rebuild my 44 but I need to keep my truck drivable so I've been thinking of buying another 44 and rebuilding it so I can just pull mine out and put the rebuilt one in. So My question is what year would be a good year to rebuild and still "bolt right in"? I know '73 and newer has better shafts is there anything else that I should look for?

My truck is a 1971 so it has disc.

 

[Jimmy4matt]

My understanding was that in '72 they upgraded to the bigger axle ujoint. I'm not 100% certain though. My '71 definately has the little guys in there and I'm a little worried. But not quite $600+ for chromoly worried.

 

[Burt4x4]

Really any Chevy D44 will bolt right up, the larger axel ujoints came out late in 72...keep the gear ratios the same too

 

[NV_K5]

This might help

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212775&highlight=Dana+44