Dana28 TTB to dana44 TTB

[Dlillie87]

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to accomplish this and have everything work properly. I've been thinking that just mounting the 44 into the 28 mounts, trimming the axle shaft, and moving the upper spring mounts away from the frame was the easiest method. Someone on FB suggested this bracket kit.

Dana 35/Dana 44 Conversion Beam Brackets

These brackets were developed to allow vehicles equipped with the Dana 35 TTB, to convert to the full size Dana 44 TTB. They also feature a second pivot location to allow the use of Dana 35 TTB's. The entire weld it yourself kit contains 20 pieces. 16 pieces are laser cut, .25" steel that are...

www.gofastexplorers.com

Has anyone used it on a 1gen ranger? Will I still be able to install skyjackers 4 inch lift kit?

 

[Dlillie87]

This probably belongs in the axle section...if the powers that be could make that happen please. Thanks

 

[Shran]

It's been done... that conversion kit you posted is the drop brackets that allow you to bolt in a D44, since it's wider than the D28 and D35. If you use that, you will NOT be able to use Skyjacker drop brackets nor will the Skyjacker radius arms work. About the only useful part of a Skyjacker lift with a D44 would be the springs.

What's your objective for wanting a D44? A Dana 35 can be modified with D44 spindle, rotor and locking hub... that removes the one major weak point (wheel bearings) and gives you a much stronger locking hub at the same time. You lose a tiny bit of strength in the ring & pinion and axle shafts vs a D44 but the weight and ease of installing a D35 more than make up for that.

There are some advantages to using a D44 but it's a lot of work and expense. Personally I think a lot of people are better off with a modified D35.

 

[Dlillie87]

It's been done... that conversion kit you posted is the drop brackets that allow you to bolt in a D44, since it's wider than the D28 and D35. If you use that, you will NOT be able to use Skyjacker drop brackets nor will the Skyjacker radius arms work. About the only useful part of a Skyjacker lift with a D44 would be the springs.

What's your objective for wanting a D44? A Dana 35 can be modified with D44 spindle, rotor and locking hub... that removes the one major weak point (wheel bearings) and gives you a much stronger locking hub at the same time. You lose a tiny bit of strength in the ring & pinion and axle shafts vs a D44 but the weight and ease of installing a D35 more than make up for that.

There are some advantages to using a D44 but it's a lot of work and expense. Personally I think a lot of people are better off with a modified D35.

I already have a Dana 44 TTB from an f150 I had before this project started. So I would have to sell it and then find a Dana 35. I don't think the weight will be an issue since I'm putting and built 302 in the truck. I've just been working with as much of what I already have as I can. If I found a Dana 35, all I'd need are the spindles off of my 44 and then it would bolt right up? I'm not entirely against that as long as it'll handle the engine.

 

[Shran]

I hear that. I try to use what I have too.

There are a few different ways to get the bigger/better D44 parts on a D35... you can ream out the ball joint holes and put D44 knuckles on it, or you can do the "mappyjack" method and use Chevy spindles/brakes/hub/rotor, or you can use mid 90's full size Bronco spindles, hub, rotor. That's my favorite, you just need to have a machine shop turn down the OD of the rotors a little and you can use the D35 caliper and pad. Almost a bolt on deal.