dana 25 and dana 44 cover

I will let everyone know my ignorance to the answers to these questions..
1) Are all Dana 44s equal? Will the cover off one fit on another no matter what year? I ask these questions because I plan on putting an ARB cover on my 44, on my 57 cj5.
2) If a Dana 30 diff cover will bolt up to a Dana 25 (all that is needed is a vent), then will a Dana 30 gasket fit a Dana 25? I ask this question as I plan on purchasing an ARB Dana 30 cover for the Dana 25 (they don't make 25 covers).
3) If the cover of a dana 30 fits a dana 25, what is the big difference between the two?

Although I will likely use black Rtv or Permatex right stuff, I ask for my own education. (I had a previous thread about gaskets which answered my other question)

Thanks,
Paul

 

With regards to your questions:
1) Yes
2) Yes
3) Nothing
-Mark

 

Dana 44's are not all the same although they do have the same bolt pattern/shape. There are high pinion versions with the fill plug up high (above the center line) and low pinion versions (most including cj's) with the fill plug below the centerline. Same with dana 30's. The gasket is the same for dana 25,27, and 30. When dealing with aftermarket covers you have to watch out where they installed the fill plug as many if not most are for the high pinion. The ARB is not an issue as you can mark the dipstick for the proper fill level
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3.) The 25 and the 30 have completely different internal parts. As far as the cover, they are the same, but the guts are not.

 

Regarding the dana 44 covers - some are much heavier duty than others. Same shape and bolt pattern just heavier metal.

Years ago when I was getting the ARB put in the guy switched my original (light) cover with a different one that was much heavier. He knew I would be off roading and did the switch with that in mind.

 

The 30 covers are a lot thicker than the 27's.

 

Front covers are usually much thicker than rears. I put a Blazer 44 front cover on my rear 44. I drilled it for the original vent. Fill plug not at same height, so you have to use your good judgement when filling.