Dana 44 ID help

[The_Lobbster]

I got this axle given to me. I’m pretty sure it’s from a ‘70s Ford, it’s a 5 lug, assuming 5x5.5, but can’t seem to find any exact similar ones on google.

Anybody able to recognize this from these couple pix? Cover seems to indicate D44. I *think*, this is a passenger drop? And it’s just upside down on the trailer.

I will take some more pictures later.

 

[1969honda]

Knuckles definitely look upside down. You can kind of see the flat top on the far knuckle. Spring perches should be on top as well.

Best way I can think of to ID would be pull a spindle off. 5 lug or 6 lug will tell you real quick.

 

[Herzog]

5 lug pass drop is kinda odd. Center is D44. Could be chevy D44 with ford outers.

 

[The_Lobbster]

5 lug pass drop is kinda odd. Center is D44. Could be chevy D44 with ford outers.

I’m wondering if it’s a bastard, came from an auto shop class.

Also wondering if possibly an old Dodge unit, circa early 80’s or 70’s too. I’ll get more pix and measurements later.

 

[Herzog]

I’m wondering if it’s a bastard, came from an auto shop class.

Also wondering if possibly an old Dodge unit, circa early 80’s or 70’s too. I’ll get more pix and measurements later.

I always forget about the dodge factor. That could be it... I'm not familiar with 1/2 ton dodge lug patterns. Are they 5 lug?

Edit - a clue might be in how the brake caliper is mounted.

 

[Herzog]

Yep, I bet that's a dodge d44 now. A quick search shows matching swaybar mount tabs

 

[The_Lobbster]

Yep, I bet that's a dodge d44 now. A quick search shows matching swaybar mount tabs

View attachment 174028

Definitely that. I swore it’s a 5.5 pattern, but I’m probably mistaken.

Anybody know if this unit would be worth a darn to mess with? Or just scrap weight?

 

[astjp2]

Early to mid 80’s dodge 1/2 ton, the late 70’s was 5x4.5 with the unit hub. This one was with the 208 transfercase, the unit hub was a 203

 

[The_Lobbster]

Early to mid 80’s dodge 1/2 ton, the late 70’s was 5x4.5 with the unit hub. This one was with the 208 transfercase, the unit hub was a 203

Appreciate your input. I'm wondering if this would be a decent axle to build up for my Suzuki to eventually swap in if/when my IFS fails.

 

[Herzog]

Appreciate your input. I'm wondering if this would be a decent axle to build up for my Suzuki to eventually swap in if/when my IFS fails.

I don't see why not, unless the dodge axles have thinner than normal tubes or something weird. I like D44 axles for a variety of things. I'd say if the price is right then yep!

 

[I Lean]

IIRC the 5x4.5 unit bearings are the main weirdness. But this one looks like it has "normal" Ford-ish outers on it? So maybe the inner C's are standard 44 stuff. 🤷‍♂️

Is passenger drop what you need for your Zuk?

 

[The_Lobbster]

IIRC the 5x4.5 unit bearings are the main weirdness. But this one looks like it has "normal" Ford-ish outers on it? So maybe the inner C's are standard 44 stuff. 🤷‍♂️

Is passenger drop what you need for your Zuk?

Yeah, pass drop. I've been scouring around looking for a wagoneer narrow track 44 but haven't came across anything yet. I want to keep the IFS for now, but get a solid axle ready to eventually swap in.

 

[astjp2]

I have a cj 30 with a lockrite you can have real cheap with brakes and bring a trailer cause the rest of the jeep goes with it

 

[Gravy]

Measure the bolt pattern and wms to wms and we can tell you if it's Jeep pass drop or dodge in 5 lug.

 

[The_Lobbster]

5x5.5

67.75”

I’m fairly certain this has to be a dodge unit.

 

[bryson]

Pre '74 and post '80 (ish) Dodge used 5 on 5.5" on their half ton trucks and Ramchargers (per the Google anyways). The 5x4.5 was only a mid/late 70s thing, so that could be a 100% stock (non bastardized) dodge dana 44.