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Re: C beam question

Old Jan 22, 2010 | 04:39 PM
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Will a C beam from a 1984 manual shift match up with a ZF and Dana 44?

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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 04:51 PM
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No, 84 manuals came with a Dana 36. You need a c-beam from a Dana 44.
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 04:57 PM
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A 36 beam can aways be redrilled to suit a 44

Bottom of page
http://www.joby.se/corvette/mods/2001-0X11_diff/
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Old Jan 23, 2010 | 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by rodj
A 36 beam can aways be redrilled to suit a 44

Bottom of page
http://www.joby.se/corvette/mods/2001-0X11_diff/

Not that i doubt that, but I had always heard that the hole issue was due to the Auto vs the Manual length?

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Old Jan 23, 2010 | 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by TJM
Not that i doubt that, but I had always heard that the hole issue was due to the Auto vs the Manual length?

TJM
I'm not sure the C beams are actually a different length, it is just that the spacing between the trans and the holes that the diff bolts to are farther apart with the D36 because the snout is shorter than the D44. The difference is not that great, about 7/8" as I recall. Many who have made the swap simply drill two new holes in the C beam closer to the trans that will then line up with the longer snout on the D44.
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Old Jan 23, 2010 | 11:13 AM
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C beams are different lengths D44 is a little longer so uses a shorter C beam. I tried to reuse my D36 C beam by drilling new holes but the C beam did not fit flush in the pocket, recess or whatever you want to call the flat areas its supposed to mount on so I sprang for a D44 C beam and overnight shipping IOT have an install I was satisfied with......Your experience/acceptance level may differ.


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Old Jan 23, 2010 | 11:51 AM
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Good points. C beams aren't so rare that I can't get one quick.

It's just the '84 issue. That's the only year the 36 was offered with manual. Most 44 swaps are to automatics?

I have built in too many variables. Looks like a "try it and see" situation when I fit up the motor and transmission?

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Old Jan 23, 2010 | 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by TJM
Good points. C beams aren't so rare that I can't get one quick.

It's just the '84 issue. That's the only year the 36 was offered with manual. Most 44 swaps are to automatics?

I have built in too many variables. Looks like a "try it and see" situation when I fit up the motor and transmission?

TJM
The rear end is the only variable, the C beams are all the same on the trans end, if you get a beam for a D44 it will fit, your D36 beam will not unless you drill it, as aboatguy mentioned fit may leave something to be desired if you choose that alternative.
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Old Jan 23, 2010 | 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by toptechx6
The rear end is the only variable, the C beams are all the same on the trans end,

The confusion arises because the D44 only ever came with a manual so guys call it a "manual " beam even though fitment is not related to the trans itself

Originally Posted by TJM
I had always heard that the hole issue was due to the Auto vs the Manual length?
As toptechx6 states above only because of the type of diff fitted.Position of the beam mount on trans is exactly the same regardless of whether auto , ZF6 or 4+3 trans
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Old Jan 24, 2010 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by rodj

The confusion arises because the D44 only ever came with a manual so guys call it a "manual " beam even though fitment is not related to the trans itself


As toptechx6 states above only because of the type of diff fitted.Position of the beam mount on trans is exactly the same regardless of whether auto , ZF6 or 4+3 trans

Thank you Sir!!

I think I'll just get a "44 Beam" and call it a day.

I am sure there is a tremendous demand for my "36 C Beam"...

Lets see??? scrap aluminum is $0.99 a pound...?


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