Why do dana 36's fail?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 120
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Why do dana 36's fail?
Under higher hp / torque, what makes them weaker than a 44? Ive seen heavy duty bat wings for them and gears up too 3.73. Is there a way to strengthen them up? Clearly in order to properly run a 3.73 gear in the quarter mile lets say on an L98 I would recommend at least a cam change for a higher hp red line and a few other mod's. And that cam change is going to make more torque (the killer) right? Or is this like the gm 12 bolt verses a 10 bolt theory? Just would like to know and looking to start any wars here. Thanks friends! 
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by bogus
pete sums it up. bigger is better when applying power and slicks.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by bogus
there is a point when the D44 won't last, either. Several forum members have reached that point. The answer? A custom four link Ford 9". Now THAT'S strong.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
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Originally Posted by CMYC4
Under higher hp / torque, what makes them weaker than a 44? Ive seen heavy duty bat wings for them and gears up too 3.73. Is there a way to strengthen them up? Clearly in order to properly run a 3.73 gear in the quarter mile lets say on an L98 I would recommend at least a cam change for a higher hp red line and a few other mod's. And that cam change is going to make more torque (the killer) right? Or is this like the gm 12 bolt verses a 10 bolt theory? Just would like to know and looking to start any wars here. Thanks friends!
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Pace FL
I have a Dana 36 in a Cobra Kit car (2400# wet) with a 320hp 302 and a 5 speed. I have worn out a pinion bearing but not broke the rear end. I was running a 2.59 gear at first and it sucked. Changed out to a 3.73 and it would go thru the gears pretty fast but I think road racing and the 3.73 gears were too much for the pinion bearing. Instead of rebuilding the 36 I bought another with 3.07 gears and I think this is going to be better for road racing.
I think a 36 is fine with an automatic with under 450 hp as long as you do not run slicks at the drag strip. A stick will shock load the rear end when you drop the clutch as will an automatic with a high stall converter. Once you get moving a 36 will hold up as well as a 44.
The rule of thumb is
Dana 36=automatic and under 450 hp no high stall converter.
Dana 44= Stick shift or over 450hp or a lot of drig racing with drag radials/slicks
Live Axle/Ford 9"=slicks and sub 10 second 1/4 miles.(maybe you should consider a Camero or a old Nova since they have live axles already and less expensive than a vette.
I think a 36 is fine with an automatic with under 450 hp as long as you do not run slicks at the drag strip. A stick will shock load the rear end when you drop the clutch as will an automatic with a high stall converter. Once you get moving a 36 will hold up as well as a 44.
The rule of thumb is
Dana 36=automatic and under 450 hp no high stall converter.
Dana 44= Stick shift or over 450hp or a lot of drig racing with drag radials/slicks
Live Axle/Ford 9"=slicks and sub 10 second 1/4 miles.(maybe you should consider a Camero or a old Nova since they have live axles already and less expensive than a vette.
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Originally Posted by CMYC4
Thanks again guys for the info! Also, does any know about those Heavy Duty batwings for the 36 (IKERD'S)?
Last edited by tobijohn; Feb 7, 2006 at 05:46 PM.