Dana 44 tube sizes

Ok, most of the old Willys/Jeeps have 2.5" OD axle tubes, most of the newer stuff has 2.75", including Scouts, Ford and GM. Was there ever a 44 made with 3" tubes? Personally, I have never seen a 3" tubed 44 but keep seeing reference to them on some web sites. I remain doubtful they exist but would really like someone to give me some applications if they do. Hazel???

 

Yes there were 3" tubed Dana 44's. Heavy duty 3/4 ton in some applications had them and I know that the '78-'79 Ford High Pinion 44's were 3" tube.

 

I have a Ford high pinion that has 2.75" tubes but perhaps it is earlier than 78 and I do not know if it was 3/4 ton-may still use center for new front axle. What I would like to do is just use D60 rear tubes/spindles/axles/hubs in a hybrid 44 rear axle, just shortening the axle shafts and resplining to make a pretty heavy duty full float. Herm's 44 kits are nice, but can't see much use in beefier axles that neck down to pass a D30/D44 spindle and the 60 axles would also do away with the drive flange. Looks like more boneyard searching-thanks nick.

 

No problem. '77 and older Ford Hi pinion front axles were 2 3/4" tubes. Easy way to tell if it's the older unit is if the C-bushing mounts (1/2 ton) are welded on it's either a '77 and older unit or Early Bronco. On '78-'79 units the C-bushing mount was cast as part of the tube.

Someone I know is working on a FF kit that will work with either 30 or 35 spline axles for either Dana 44 or 60 axles using Dana 60 spindles, bearings, bearing hubs, and locking hubs for just the reason you mention...
The spindles will be specific to Dana 44 or Dana 60 because of the id of the housing but the other parts hopefully will interchange except for the axle shafts.

 

ive gotan older set of gladiator 44 3" tube not sure of the year though