Dana 44

Arran · Post by **Arran** » Mon May 18, 09 11:17 pm

Anyone know how tough the Dana 44 limited slip diff and axle are from a 90's Jeep Cherokee because they are cheap from the scrappy and should fit relatively easily to some mopars. I looked into it for my Javelin ages ago and seem to remember they are 4:1 ish ratio, 54" backplate to backplate, mopar bolt pattern, relatively big drum brakes and would only need the spring mounts cutting off the top and welding on the bottom. I don't know if the prop yoke is the same and I cant remember if the diff is central or offset but if everything ties up then it may be my only way to limited slip heaven on a tight budget.

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Tue May 19, 09 9:48 am

bout the same as an aussie Borgwarner M78 7 3/4 used in aussie Valiants fords and holdens and nissan skyline AU

if in good nick ok for all 6 cylinder and v8 up to about 360 in standard tune provided the centre is in tip top condition and its a 4 spider gear version not sure about the 340 because it put out more popwer and torque than the 360....that said not doing burnouts or side stepping the clutch in a 4 speed should see it last ok

The gen III camaro used both the aussie Borgwarner and the Dana 44

in fact if you broke your camaro BW M78 GM US repalced it with a Dana

both axles made by Dana-spicer but the 44 was made in the US and the M78 in syndey so parts were easier for US made in the US .

toyota may be an option as well

Dave

Arran · Post by **Arran** » Tue May 19, 09 10:44 pm

Cheers Dave (is your brain hardwired to the internet or something?

) thing is, if its an easy fit then I dont care if it breaks cause I could probably get 10 for the price of one second hand suregrip!
Then again there is the hassle of a breakdown so maybe the proper way is the best

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue May 19, 09 11:09 pm

Only any good for a 6 pot running on 4 , first time it trys to hook it'll bust.

Good luck.

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Wed May 20, 09 12:11 pm

well yes an 8 3/4 would be the best bet

but it depends how ya drive and if its manual or auto. Adam is a little harder than most on his axles

similar spec to this piccy nicked off spiceraxle.com.au

Gen 3 chevy boys change to the GM 10 bolt if they go for a big block or well fettled small block

and sling the dana or the Borgwarner others persist with 400+bhp

basicaly you could knacker any axle doing 1 wheel burnouts and massive engine brakeing from high speed or jumping off the clutch

340 chargers in aus used the M78 but they were automatic
so if GM think M78 and Dana 44 are equivalent then i guess an OEM (cysler Aus) risked it.... how much heavier is you car (it could be lighter) than the average 80s camaro or firebird

the 44 has a bigger ring and pinion that should dictate stronger but i think the comparison with the M78 is about right m78 has closer bearing saddles for the carrier. that helps a lot

http://www.jeeptech.com/axle/d44.html

TJ jeep version seem the best bet 1 piece axle shafts and a 3.5 ratio

none of that AMC 20 thin 2 part sacrificial axle shafts to save the gearbox thang going on

Dave

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Wed May 20, 09 12:26 pm

somebody might have a cone LSD 8 1/4 to sling away

their centres have a reputation for not being rebuildable. they are, and its quite easy if you have access to a lathe and a box of shims

Dave

Arran · Post by **Arran** » Wed May 20, 09 11:35 pm

I think I was thinking along the lines of because it was in a 4x4, it would have to be tough because of torque multiplication of low range but by the sounds of it Jeep used an axle only just up to the job

I think I'm just going to have to save my hard earned for a suregrip to go in my axle (after the elec ignition, wheels, rear springs, etc

AllKiller · Post by **AllKiller** » Thu May 21, 09 8:53 am

Or just keep looking for a Dana 60...lots of old dodge trucks carry em with 4.10 or 4.56's....some 4x4 have em on the front...But that wont help you at all