Dana 44 center section removal
I'm replacing my center section of my Dana 44. I know I have to unbolt the half shafts and drive shaft. My question is, Do I have to remove the whole assembly ie, bat wings, or can I just remove the center section? Thanks in advance, Dave |
working on and cleaning up the one I just bought, I would say remove it with the batwing as be easier to handle. the heavy part is the center/gear section of course and it is harder to handle move around. if you take it out with the batwing, you should be able to rig up a jack underneath it, or one of the low HF trans jacks and simply lower it out.
plus, it is probably silicon sealed to the batwing, due to the internal support blocks needing to be up against the bearing caps as opposed to having a gasket in between the 2 pieces |
Housing can be removed without batwing.
It depends on where you are doing it. If you have a overhead lift removing housing would be easier. In the driveway or on a kwik lift ; housing with batwing is the better route. Either way you need to support engine and transmission. A helper is highly recommended; d44 is heavy and awkward. There is a paper gasket available, if you choose to do housing alone. |
Originally Posted by Kevova
(Post 1597979293)
Housing can be removed without batwing.
It depends on where you are doing it. If you have a overhead lift removing housing would be easier. In the driveway or on a kwik lift ; housing with batwing is the better route. Either way you need to support engine and transmission. A helper is highly recommended; d44 is heavy and awkward. There is a paper gasket available, if you choose to do housing alone. Dumb question but, why would I need to support engine and transmission? |
The C beam holds them up when attached to diff housing. There is no transmission mount. With nothing to hold transmission up, engine can/will lay against composite firewall possibly cracking it.
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Originally Posted by Kevova
(Post 1597979622)
The C beam holds them up when attached to diff housing. There is no transmission mount. With nothing to hold transmission up, engine can/will lay against composite firewall possibly cracking it.
Thanks again |
You're using another to replace yours? If yes I'd think it important to confirm the thread condition/quality in the one you intend to use. I'm quite sure you'd find the thread to be M10X1.5 and the original assembly is done using a 'self-threading' fastener. I wouldn't reuse the 'self-threaders'. You can feel the the 'self-threading' feature of the old originals. The holes are also not threaded to the end so I'd suggest you measure and chase the existing ones and buy appropriate new fasteners.
User 'vetteoz' used studs to replace his. When you remove one of your originals I'd be interested in the length of the threads on the 'self-threader'. I have NOS housing and the holes are 27/29mm deep I believe and NOS rear cover I have is 14/16mm thick at the 5 points where the 'self-threaders' are used. If there's a D44 there 'now' I'd think the 'in car' without removing the rear cover would be preferred. |
However, if the OP takes it out of the car, there is an opportunity to inspect and replace the batwing bushings. I will be replacing mine with the ones I started a thread on
https://corvettesalvage.com/product/...set-1984-1996/ WVZR-1, over the weekend I will measure the bolts I was shipped with the D44/batwing that I bought and get you a thread length. I assume you are referring to the bolts that go through the batwing to fasten it to the carrier ? |
Yes, I have a D44 center section that will be replacing my original D44 center section. Thanks again for the replies! |
Originally Posted by drcook
(Post 1597982065)
However, if the OP takes it out of the car, there is an opportunity to inspect and replace the batwing bushings. I will be replacing mine with the ones I started a thread on
https://corvettesalvage.com/product/...set-1984-1996/ WVZR-1, over the weekend I will measure the bolts I was shipped with the D44/batwing that I bought and get you a thread length. I assume you are referring to the bolts that go through the batwing to fasten it to the carrier ? polyurethane is gonna have some give in it still. You want the c beam and everything tight for handling improvements |
Originally Posted by dizwiz24
(Post 1598029110)
i would replace with delrin or del-alum polyurethane is gonna have some give in it still. You want the c beam and everything tight for handling improvements Seeing as how I cannot find any to match the Del-alum's from Global West that I have for the front, I will take a little give over what I have learned about poly. |
The little deflection in the poly bushings won't be noticed. Poly and solid bushings will increase driveline noise in passenger compartment. Loud exhaust or a good stereo will reduce or eliminate it.
To machine solid bushings is pretty simple. You would want a poly bushing for a pattern. A brake lathe with a chuck a Shop Smith maybe to try to DIY. IDK what machine shop would charge. It should take about 2 hours or less to manually machine them. If you could provide the pattern and the material a tech school could be a low cost resource. The flex in the chassis wil stilll move the batwing and flex the c beam something to consider |
All I replaced was the center section. Do you think I should get a 4 wheel alignment? |
As long as the batwing or the camber adjustment at cover.weren't disturbed probably not. Techinically if only the non adjustable ends were disconnected for knuckle the alignment should not have changed. At the same time,; if it has been a while, it's not a bad idea.
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Originally Posted by Kevova
(Post 1598084990)
As long as the batwing or the camber adjustment at cover.weren't disturbed probably not. Techinically if only the non adjustable ends were disconnected for knuckle the alignment should not have changed. At the same time,; if it has been a while, it's not a bad idea.
When I let off the gas, the car wiggles a little bit. I’m wondering if it’s a combination of worn out shocks with the need of an alignment. |
Originally Posted by DykstraMotorsports
(Post 1598085020)
I do not believe the car has had an alignment in 20 years!lol When I let off the gas, the car wiggles a little bit. I’m wondering if it’s a combination of worn out shocks with the need of an alignment. |
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