The 8.9 inch ring gear Dana 44 is a stronger and favorable design used in the Jeep JK (2007 - current), Nissan Titan, and some Isuzu pickups. Its pinion shaft diameter is equal to that of the Dana 60, and it has an improved ring-to-pinion gear tooth contact patch as a result of the unique cut pattern on the ring gear teeth. Both Jeep and Ford have used the Dana 44 as the backbone of their independent front suspension systems at one time or another - Jeep in the 1960s, and Ford in the 80s/90s in their TTB (twin traction beam) setup. Though not useful in the consideration of the Dana 44 for four wheel drive applications, the Dana 44 has also been used as an independent rear suspension system in high performance cars, such as the Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, and many Jaguar models. Dana-Spicer recommends a maximum 35 inch tire diameter for the Dana 44, but a properly built axle can safely turn larger tires.
Dana 44 Specs
Applications: |
• 1967 - 2001 Jeeps (front), 1986 - current Jeeps (rear) |
Full/Semi Float: |
Semi floating front/rear axle |
GAWR: |
up to 3500 lbs |
Overall Width: |
64.843" flange to flange |
Ring Gear: |
8.5" or 8.9" |
Axle Spline Count: |
10, 19, 29, 30, 32, 33, or 35 |
Axle Shaft Diameter: |
• Front Outer - 1.175" (19 spline) |
Axle Tube Diameter: |
3.00", 0.25" wall thickness |
Pinion Splines: |
• 26 spline, 1.12 inch diameter (most common, post-1970) |
Pinion Diameter: |
1.375" (most common), 1.625" for 8.9" ring gear Jeep JK |
Ratios: |
2.72 - 5.89 : 1 |
Carrier Break: |
2.72:1 - 3.73:1 | 3.92:1 - 5.89:1 |
Fluid Type*: |
Dana-Spicer recommends synthetic 75w-140 for their current crate axle. Manufacturer recommendations have varied over the years, largely dependent on the application. |
Max Torque Rating: |
• 3460 lb-ft | low pinion, 30 spline, 8.5" rear axle Note - This is the maximum torque rating the axle is designed to withstand, NOT the maximum engine torque for a given application. |
Strengths: |
Broad availability, strong aftermarket support - no shortage of parts and/or upgrades for the Dana 44 front and rear axles. |
Weaknesses: |
Semi-floating, stock universal joints and axle shafts in high torque applications. |
Identification: |
*Recommended fluid may vary with model year and application - refer to your vehicle's owner manual.