Ouch
Dana 44 gernaded
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
Dana 44 gernaded
Man... it hasn't been my year. After running 10.72@132 two weeks ago I was aiming for the 10.60's. I left the line hard, probably a low 1.5/60 hit second gear and there was a loud bang... then it acted like it was in neutral. Got it home, got it up in the air, and checked for damage. It broke the Dana 44 housing in half!!! I haven't torn it down yet, so I can't say for sure what exactly caused it. I have pictures if somebody can post them for me. Didn't somebody make a Dana 60 or 12 bolt centersection that was modified to replace the stock Dana 44 center section? That, or I will be backhalving the car with a 9". I am DONE with the Dana 44. Oh... and I can't go automatic trans... I have too much fun banging gears.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,324
Likes: 250
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Sorry to hear that, Jim. That's the third time this year, I know of, it got a break on the ride home. Have you considered buying a towing company? I don't know of a viable alternatve to the Dana diff. I'll keep my ears pealed and let you know if I hear of something.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 758
Likes: 1
From: Cumming GA
dana 44
I have been running 1.50 60fts with my 6spd as well, and broke a spindle and cracked the U-joints this summer alone.
My fix is a 9" solid axle. I am in the process of collecting the parts. It will also get a 4L80E this winter.
Bottom line is the zf is shocking the hell out of it. The Dana 44 would live a long life with a 10.70 and an auto, but the zf's no way.
I have been fortunate however, my Dana 44 with the 4.10's are still perfect so when I pull it out, it will go for sale.
I'll probably sell the ZF too, but these are harder to come by you know.
Your car looks great, same track trim I run, Welds
John
My fix is a 9" solid axle. I am in the process of collecting the parts. It will also get a 4L80E this winter.
Bottom line is the zf is shocking the hell out of it. The Dana 44 would live a long life with a 10.70 and an auto, but the zf's no way.
I have been fortunate however, my Dana 44 with the 4.10's are still perfect so when I pull it out, it will go for sale.
I'll probably sell the ZF too, but these are harder to come by you know.
Your car looks great, same track trim I run, Welds
John
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
Thanks for the compliments John. I think you are right... If I had an automatic in my car the Dana would probably live. But with a ZF, and a dual disc clutch, it does shock the hell out of it. I can't see spending $1500 to $2000 to put the Dana 44 back together, and have it break again. I would rather put that money towards a rear end that won't break. Right now... I am leaning towards a Dana 60 and a 4 link. I know it's about 30 lbs heavier than a Ford 9", but it's bullet proof, and I think a Dana 60 has a coolness factor, not that a Ford 9" isn't cool. And I think over all my car will be lighter after being backhalved with a Dana 60. I will also use the deepest dish 15x10 Weld wheels with about a 2" backspace, that way I can have a narrower rear end that is stronger, a little lighter, and a little more efficiant. I will also go with a newer generation locker. I know there are some out there now that are pretty quite, and don't bang either. I have to look into that some more.
I will also have some Mark Williams chrome moly halfshafts for sale along with my 15x10 Weld wheels.
I will also have some Mark Williams chrome moly halfshafts for sale along with my 15x10 Weld wheels.
Last edited by tpi 421 vette; Sep 12, 2004 at 06:26 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,099
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From: PITTSBURGH PA
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
tpi 421 if you are going to the hassle and expense of backhalfing and dana 60 why would you put in a locker and not put a spool in the dana 60 also i am on other dragaracing boards and guys are grenading the lockers also just my thoughts 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
I still need to talk to Strange and Mark Williams about the locker. I have heard that there are lockers that would hold up to the abuse, but I need to check it out some more. I would prefer a locker if it will hold up, but if it questionable, I will go with a spool.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 994
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From: Jamison PA