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axles

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by bear1948, Nov 20, 2009.

  1. Nov 20, 2009
    bear1948

    bear1948 New Member

    Montana
    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2007
    Messages:
    13
    I have a '48 2A with the dana 41 rear.I'm running a Ford 260 V-8 and have a chance to pick up a''51 3A for parts [ frame damaged and rusted body ].I was wondering how much better the dana 44 axle is over the 41 and what the big differences are. Thanks
     
    bear1948, Nov 20, 2009
    #1
  2. Nov 20, 2009
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
    Messages:
    4,517
    About the only difference was a bit more beef in the ring and pinion. I think the axle shafts are actually the same, as are the brakes. Someone on here will probably have the ring gear size for the 41, the 44's are 8.5". I guess if it was my Jeep, I would just leave the 41 unless you are going bigger than 33's on the tires. The biggest difference is the availability of lockers. The 41 has about as much aftermarket support as the 53's-read none. I would still squirrel away that 44 for when you break something.
     
    duffer, Nov 20, 2009
    #2
  3. Nov 21, 2009
    brandon533b

    brandon533b Member since 2007

    Yakima,WA
    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2007
    Messages:
    220
    i know that my gramps took the 41's out of all the jeeps he messed with and replaced them with the 44's. probably for many of the reasons above. i always was told if it aint broke dont fix it, but since when did i ever listen to that? i say keep it till you need to fix it, thats the lazy, uh easier way.:)
     
    brandon533b, Nov 21, 2009
    #3
  4. Nov 21, 2009
    bear1948

    bear1948 New Member

    Montana
    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2007
    Messages:
    13
    I thought I had read somewhere that the 44 had a 19 spline shaft and the 41 is 10 spline.
     
    bear1948, Nov 21, 2009
    #4
  5. Nov 21, 2009
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,524
    early 44s were 10 spline...same as the 41
     
    jpflat2a, Nov 21, 2009
    #5
  6. Nov 21, 2009
    48cj2a

    48cj2a http://bantamt3c.com

    Central Illinois
    Joined:
    May 4, 2003
    Messages:
    526
    There are some 19 spline 44s out there and would be a small upgrade from the 10 spline, everything else is still the same especially with two piece axles.

    A 30 spline flanged 44 from a 70-71 would be the best direct bolt-in upgrade.

    Corrected Post - I brain farted - thanks NICKMIL
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2009
    48cj2a, Nov 21, 2009
    #6
  7. Nov 21, 2009
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    Uhh, the 71-70 flange is offset for the 18 transfer case. 20 transfer wasn't used in CJ's until '72. '72-'75 are centered for the 20 case.
     
    nickmil, Nov 21, 2009
    #7
  8. Nov 21, 2009
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    I can vouch for the fact that a locker for a D44 will fit in a D41 with no problem, that's what I'm running. The early D44s had 10-spline axles that will also swap over to a D41 with no mods. Later D44s had the 19-spline axles and as mentioned that is a small upgrade. With a Lock-Rite you can swap the side gears in the differential to go from a 10-splines to 19-splines, but I'm not sure about the stock side gears.

    If you are certain that the D44 is in better shape than the D41 then go for it. I certainly would not go to the expense of regearing a D44 just to get a '44 under the Jeep. YMMV. ;)
     
    w3srl, Nov 21, 2009
    #8
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