C409

ADD STRENGTH ... SAVE MONEY ... This adapter allows you to use your Dana 36 Batwing / Rear cover on your Dana 44 conversion chunk . The Adapter is your template to re-drill your D36 Cover to match the bolt pattern of the D44 Differential ... The Adapter is also a mid-plate that helps minimize case distortion and flex when you drop the hammer ... $ 195.00 free shipping to the lower 48 ... actual charges will apply to other locales ...

dan0617

I just installed one of these adapter plates and used my D36 batwing to install a D44. I actually sold a D44 batwing so I could put one of these plates to the test.

Took the car out today for a first drive and ripped it around pretty good. Heated the tires good, and launched hard once, probably about a 1.7 60'. All is fine. Going to put it to the test in the spring, I broke my D36 on a 1.55 60', and now have lower gears so I am expecting to see consistent 1.50's.

The batwing was easy to drill and adapt. Just pop the plastic vent out, drill the holes, grind a little on the surface of 2 of the new holes so the bolt heads sit flat (might not be necessary but I did it to be safe), reinstall the vent, right stuff both sides of the plate, and bolt it all together. Easy Easy, and likely stronger than a D44 batwing.

TTT for a good honest seller and a good alternative to the pricey, rare D44 batwing.

redrose

the bolts that hold the batwing/case together are metric, but chop the heads off a couple of soft gr2(junk grade) 3/8-16 bolts and thread those into the case LIGHT FINGER-TITE, ONLY, use as 'guides' during assembly, for even less mess.

d44 bats are rare cause that piece is 'first to know' in curb climbs/crunches that involve the rear of the car, and the wings are 'lightweight'...don't expect a d36 bat to like that experience any better.

C409

.... Thanks Guys ..... Red Rose is the originator of the mid-plate ... I had purchased a Dana 44 chunk off fleabay without the batwing and was in need ... a WTB posting on the forum netted a unique response from Red Rose about a mid-plate that he had ( he had two made - used one and offered me the spare ) ... I was skeptical but due to an acute shortage of money ...( D44 Batwings are rare and expensive ) ... I decided to give the plate a shot and am glad I did . A friend of mine owns a machine shop with several CNC machines and with a lot of my time and his we were able to mass produce the mid-plate. This is the second run as I have sold out the original 20 ... most to forum members ... maybe some of the others will offer testimonials here ... Good Luck All , And remember .... necessity is the Mother of invention and I add that poverty may well be Dad .........

hbarclay

Maybe this is the wrong forum for it, but how about a testimonial/tutorial. Specifically, if a person has a D36 and wants to convert using this piece, could we have a list of all the parts needed to make this conversion.

cbernhardt

The general consensus seems to be that "case flex" is a contributing factor of failure on both the D36 and D44. Has anyone come up with a stiffening plate or girdle or other device that could be used to strengthen a D44 rear?

Charles

C409

All the parts needed are already on your corvette with the exception of the Dana 44 of course , the only thing you can't do yourself is to shorten your original driveshaft by one inch and balance it ... this job is best left to professionals ... this is a good time to install new u-joints ... Add one Dana 44 rear , if you have a D44 Batwing you're all set ... If not , I have the correct adapter for you ... the other item that needs to be modified is the C-beam ... You need to drill the transmission end one inch further back ( toward rear of car ) for the long bolts that clamp the C-beam to the tail housing of the transmission ... obviously both top and bottom holes have to be drilled ... this is due to the Dana 44 being a little longer than the 36 ... re-assemble in reverse order to the removal ... add posi lube and go hammer it !....

C409

Charles ... My mid-plate / adapter could be used to strengthen your Dana 44 ... BUT ... the bosses on the bottom sides of the batwing / cover for the strut rod brackets would need to be milled down by the thickness of the mid-plate so that the brackets would bolt up as stock . The strut rod brackets could also be modified but it seems that milling the bosses would be easier to accomplish .....

C409

New batch ordered from machine shop ...

C409

............. Save Money ........ $$$$$$$$$$$$$ .............

C409

I just sold a Dana 44 Batwing on this forum for $400 + shipping .... my adapter plate and your D 36 batwing costs $200 ............ ..... that extra $200 would cover all new u-joints and the driveshaft shorten / re-balance ...

C409

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gmjr

Do you have anymore of these if so how much are they?

C409

....... Due to the high cost of making a batch of these and the general lack of interest from the Corvette Community there are none available and none anticipated to be produced .........

383tpimachine

How much for the file to make my own? Have access to a CNC.

larb400

I need a 36 plate to 44 also please

help

C409

......... I have a D44 batwing for sale in another thread ... $400 shipped to the lower 48 ..........

larb400

I have a Dana 44 batwing would like the support of the plate and Dana 35 batwing . I have dropped a 427 sbc 505 hp and 550 ft in a 84 and the rear is not strong enough and the case flex on the 44 is not good going to up grade the Trans and replace the 36 .

A95Y

I have one I bought from Redrose. Can a copy be printed or easily made?

larb400

Do you want to sale. It