The Dana 44 Twin Traction Beam (TTB) was born from Ford’s desire to revolutionize the 1980s truck market by combining the legendary durability of a solid front axle with the refined ride quality of independent suspension. Until 1980, heavy-duty 4×4 vehicles typically relied on rigid solid axles that, while strong, transmitted every bump across the entire vehicle. Seeking a more “car-like” experience for consumers increasingly using pickups as daily drivers, Ford adapted its successful 2WD “Twin I-Beam” concept for four-wheel-drive applications in collaboration with the Dana Holding Corporation.
How the Dana 44 TTB Works
The system uses two independent, stamped-steel axle beams that pivot near the opposite side of the vehicle’s frame, creating a “scissor-like” action. The driver-side beam houses the Dana 44 differential, while the passenger-side axle shaft passes through a window in the opposite beam. This arrangement is connected by a central universal joint and a slip yoke, allowing the shafts to change length and angle as each wheel moves independently over obstacles. To maintain stability and prevent the wheels from moving forward or backward, radius arms extend from the beams to the frame.
Because the beams are quite long, they allow for a significant amount of vertical wheel travel, which has made them a favorite for high-speed desert racing, though the design does cause the wheel camber to change noticeably as the suspension compresses.
Applications & History
- Used in Ford F-150 and Ford Bronco (1980–1996).
- Found on light-duty F-250 models with leaf springs (1980–1986).
- Other TTB variants include Dana 28 and Dana 35 (Ranger/Explorer) and Dana 50 (heavy-duty F-250/F-350).
- Production ceased on the Ford Bronco after 1996; F-150 switched to an 8.8 IFS front axle in 1997.
For information on Dana 44HD (Heavy Duty), visit Blue Oval Trucks – Dana 44 & Dana 44HD TTB Front Axles.
Dana 44 TTB Specifications
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Dana 44 TTB Specifications |
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| Ring Gear Diameter (Reverse Cut) | 8.5-inches |
| Carrier Breaks | 3.73 Higher / 3.92 Lower |
| Ring Gear Bolts | 10×3/8 inch |
| Pinion Shaft Diameter / Splines | 1.376 inch / 26 |
| Inner Axle Shaft Diameter / Splines | 1.31 inch / 30 |
| Outer Axle Shaft Diameter / Splines | 1.21 inch / 19 |
| Inner Axle Shaft Minimum Diameter | 1.10 inch (necked) |
| Outer Axle Shaft Minimum Diameter | 1.10 inch |
| U-Joints | 5-297x |
| Maximum Tire Diameter | 35-inches |
| Pinion Bearing Preload | 14-19 in lbs (new), 6-9 in lbs (used) |
| Backlash | 0.006–0.010 inches |
| Ring Gear Torque | 55 lbs-ft |
| Carrier Bearing Cap Torque | 60 lbs-ft |
| Pinion Nut Torque | 200–220 lbs-ft |
Dana 44 TTB Axle Shafts
Dana 44 TTB Axle Shaft Dimensions
- Left-Hand Axle Shaft Assembly:
- Outer shaft: 1.25″ 19-spline
- Inner shaft: 1.31″ 30-spline
- Total length: 25.61″
- Right-Hand Axle Shaft Assembly:
- Outer shaft: 1.25″ 19-spline
- Inner shaft: 1.37″ 31-spline
- Total length: 34.69″
- Axle Shaft & Slip Yoke:
- Shaft: 1.31″ 30-spline
- Slip yoke: 1.39″ 31-spline
- Total length: 15.39″
- U-Joint: 5-760
Dana 44 TTB Exploded View
Adaptation Into the Ford Ranger
The Dana 44 TTB was never offered in the Ford Ranger, but enthusiasts have adapted it using aftermarket components.
Should you get rid of your Dana 28 or Dana 35 and swap in a Dana 44? Check out:
Should You Replace A Dana 35 TTB With A Dana 44?
To find out how to swap the Dana 44 TTB into your Ford Ranger, check out:
Ford Ranger Dana 44 TTB Conversion FAQ’s
You may want to just swap out your Dana 35 spindles and hubs for stronger Dana 44 spindles and hubs. If so, check out:
Beefing Up The Ford Ranger Dana 35 TTB
Dana 44 Knuckle Swap On To Dana 35
Dana 44 Spindle & Hub Conversion On Dana 35 TTB
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vehicles came with the Dana 44 TTB?
The Dana 44 TTB was factory-installed on Ford F-150s (1980–1996) and Ford Broncos (1980–1996).
Can a Dana 44 TTB be adapted into a Ford Ranger?
Yes, many enthusiasts have adapted Dana 44 TTBs into Rangers using aftermarket components like Autofab or Giant Motorsports mounting brackets.
What are the key benefits of the Dana 44 TTB?
The Dana 44 TTB provides stronger axles, larger hub and spindle spacing, and better U-joint sizes compared to the Dana 35. It allows for bigger tires and improves overall front-end durability.
Is it necessary to do a full Dana 44 TTB swap for Ranger enthusiasts?
Not always. Depending on your goals, upgrading spindles, hubs, or doing a Dana 44 knuckle swap may provide enough strength for daily driving or off-road use without a full axle swap.
Other Resources
- Dana 44 TTB Maintenance Manual
- Dana Spicer Parts Manual – Dana 44 TTB Starts On Page 121
- Axle Discussion Forum
Related Articles
- Should You Replace A Dana 35 TTB With A Dana 44?
- Ford Ranger Dana 44 TTB Conversion FAQ’s
- Dana 44 TTB Axle Swap
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About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.