rtracy

Hey guy's! I just picked up a 87 dana 44 to replace my dana 36 I have now and looking things over I noticed that the bolts that hold the spindle support rod to the case are smaller in the dana 44 than the dana 36 that I am replaceing. So what do I do? Should I drill out the case and case cover holes biger on the dana 44 that I am putting in so my bolts will fit it? Is there anyone that has ran into this problem? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Ray

Corvette Kid

Yes, I used an '85 D44 and had to enlarge the holes for the camber arm brackets. No big deal and everything else is a bolt-in. Make sure and drill them straight though. It's very easy to get off track in aluminum, even when going through existing holes.

rtracy

Thanks Chris. I'll do just that.

rtracy

Hey Chris! did you have to shorten your drive shaft and drill new holes in your c beam? Thanks

Corvette Kid

Not if you get the ones to go with the 44 as I did. The correct driveshaft is about an inch shorter but some have said they used the A4 shaft as is. I would shorten it if it was me. However, since the differential in a Vette is stationary, there's for all practical purposes no movement of the transmission yoke fore or aft once it's installed. The beam will need redrilled at the front. I'd recommend adding beam plates if this is done though, to compensate for any weakening from the extra holes. They can be easily fabricated.

JA94vette

I'm getting ready to do the same thing. When you drilled the holes, did you do it with a hand drill and kept it steady as she goes or did ou use a mill. Would it be possilbe to mount the diff into a mill to drill these holes.

rtracy

O.K., thanks. I'll have to get it all up in there and deside what to do. I'll see if I can find a manual shaft.

rtracy

Hello Chris! I got my drive shaft shortend one inch. I drilled holes in my c-beam one inch back from where they were. Got everything bolted up and the spindle rod brakckets won't bolt up unless I pry it to the rear. It looks like it is about 1/2" off from bolting up. I looked at the lugs where it bolt up on the dana 36 and the offset is different between the two differentials. Did you happen to have this broblem with yours and if you did how did you fix it? I called a couple of conversion dealers and they said it should bolt up but looking at the off set I would say that there is a problem with the two different offsets.
Thanks, Ray

Corvette Kid

I'm not sure what you mean by spindle rod brackets. Aside from the C-beam and driveshaft, did you change anything besides the differential and batwing assembly?

rtracy

No I did not. The brackets we talked about were I had to drill them out biger for the larger bolt that were in the 36. Those brackets. When I push the bottom spindle rod up to bolt them in place they are about a 1/2" forward. If I pullthem back I can force them up on but then it is going to tilt my wheels inward.

Corvette Kid

Okay, the camber brackets then. It's not unusual to have to move something like this a little to reconnect it. No worries, they're located precisely the same on both rears.

rtracy

Ya, So if I just push it back and tap it up on it should be ok?

spinktec

FYI, The slide yoke does allow for movement from bushing flex and probably some other flex in the components. On my '94 ZF-6 w/ Dana 44. I just measured a full 3/4 inch between the closest and furthest seal marks on the slide yoke of the driveshaft.

I bought mine from ZR-51 performance ($165); they fabricate them on site and I can tell you the quality is obvious.

Corvette Kid

I'm not suprised that this could be the case with rubber bushings. This is why I never liked hearing of people using the A4 length shaft in these conversions. For no more than it costs to shorten one, I've always recommemnded that if the correct shaft is not available. I'll retain this info and pass it on when needed.

rtracy

I couldn't see spending that much money on something that cost $20 to make so I made my own out of 3/8" stainless milled down the center to hold the nuts.

rtracy

It's not the drive shaft Chris. I even have room to take the drive shaft out without lowering the trany. The drive shaft will slide in and out 1". If anything it would be the beam plate holding it back alittle but the hole are 1" on center.
Chris, if you want to give me your e-mail I will e-mail you pics of the two different thickness differential lugs where the camber brackets bolt up. Bye the way, thanks for all the help.

rtracy

I just drilled mine by hand. Very simple.

rtracy

I just drilled it by hand. Very simple.

rtracy

Thanks Chris for all the help. Job is done and everything seems to run smoothly after installing the 3.73's.

wolverine1967

are you interested in selling your dana 36? i'm looking for one for my 95 with 3.07 gears.