Dana 44 swap
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,525
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota, FL
Dana 44 swap
Ater searching the archives I still few questions for those of you who have done this.
What parts do I need other than the differential? I have heard some say I need the driveshaft, but others have reused theirs. This confuses me.
Are the halfshafts the same length, or do I need ones of those too?
Would the torque-arm from a manual line up with the bolts on my 700r4 and the Dana 44, or would I need to drill it out too?
Do all the alignment/suspension pieces that attach to the diff work on both d36 and d44?
Thanks,
Bob
What parts do I need other than the differential? I have heard some say I need the driveshaft, but others have reused theirs. This confuses me.
Are the halfshafts the same length, or do I need ones of those too?
Would the torque-arm from a manual line up with the bolts on my 700r4 and the Dana 44, or would I need to drill it out too?
Do all the alignment/suspension pieces that attach to the diff work on both d36 and d44?
Thanks,
Bob
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,597
Likes: 237
From: Bartlett Illinois
Re: Dana 44 swap (BobMachus)
When I did my D44 swap 5 years ago.. I used the Manual torque beam and driveshaft. I also swapped to a ZF6 from the Auto..
But in your case you would need the diff, Driveshaft, and torque beam.
There are others who have used the d36 shaft and torque beam, but I am just going from what I have done and know
But in your case you would need the diff, Driveshaft, and torque beam.
There are others who have used the d36 shaft and torque beam, but I am just going from what I have done and know
Intermediate
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Houston Area TX
Re: Dana 44 swap (-=Jeff=-)
Like Bob said. I just put an '86 D44 under my '95 Auto. Used the support beam and driveshaft w/yoke from the '86. The beam and driveshaft are dfferent lengths but the half-shafts are the same. The knuckles (outer part of rear end where the wheels and brakes go) have different brake brackets, safety brake, etc. so I reused my old knuckles. The swap could be done in a weekend but mine took longer since I polished everything, put in all new bearings, gears, posi, urethane bushings, etc. Almost forgot, the bolts holding the spindle rod (2 lower lateral support rods) brackets on the center section are larger on my '95 D36 and have studs protruding for the exhaust bracket. I just drilled out the bolt holes in the D44 housing and used my old bolts so I could remount my exhaust.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Re: Dana 44 swap (BobMachus)
When I put a 86 Dana 44 in my A4 '92, that had a Dana 36, I did the following:
1) Used a 6 speed (not the 4+3) driveshaft with my Dana 36 front yoke.
2) Used a 6 speed (not the 4+3) support beam.
3) Drilled the camber rod bracket bolt holes larger for my '92 brackets.
It all bolted right in with no problems.
Tom Piper
1) Used a 6 speed (not the 4+3) driveshaft with my Dana 36 front yoke.
2) Used a 6 speed (not the 4+3) support beam.
3) Drilled the camber rod bracket bolt holes larger for my '92 brackets.
It all bolted right in with no problems.
Tom Piper
