The Early Bronco Dana 44

Early Ford Bronco Dana 44 Front Axle (1971–1977)

Page Intent: This page provides technical reference information about the 1971–1977 Early Ford Bronco Dana 44 front axle, including specifications, strengths, weaknesses, brake options, axle shaft dimensions, and upgrade considerations. It is not a recommendation from The Ranger Station to replace a Ford Ranger Dana 35 with an Early Bronco Dana 44.

From time to time, we find Ford Ranger owners wanting to swap out the stock Dana 35 TTB front axle and replace it with an early Ford Bronco (1971–1977) Dana 44. We do not want anyone reading this to believe TRS is recommending this swap. If you are researching or considering an Early Bronco Dana 44, the following information focuses on the axle assembly itself.

Table of Contents

Early Bronco Dana 30 vs Dana 44

The 1966–1977 Ford Bronco is often referred to as the “Early Bronco” or EB. Not all Early Broncos came equipped with a Dana 44 front axle.

• 1966–1970 Ford Bronco: Dana 30 (smaller and weaker – generally avoided)
• 1971–1977 Ford Bronco: Dana 44

When you see the term “EB Dana 44,” it refers specifically to the Dana 44 front axle used in the 1971–1977 Ford Bronco.

Both the Dana 30 and Dana 44 used in Early Broncos are standard-cut, low-pinion designs and came equipped with small 260x U-joints. While Ford F-150s eventually received larger 297x U-joints, Early Broncos never did.

You can visually identify the difference between the Dana 30 and Dana 44 by the steering knuckles:

Dana 30 above – Dana 44 below

Early Bronco Dana 44 Specifications

• Ring Gear Diameter: 8.5 inches
• Axle Shafts: 1.31-inch, 30-spline
• Pinion Shaft: 1.38-inch, 26-spline
• Carrier Break: 3.73 and down / 3.92 and up
• Suspension: Coil springs with radius arms
• Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5×5.5
• Overall Axle Width: 58 inches

Drum vs Disc Brakes

There are two versions of Dana 44 front axles found in the 1971–1977 Ford Bronco:

• 1971–1975: Dana 44 with front drum brakes
• 1976–1977: Dana 44 with factory front disc brakes

If you are sourcing an Early Bronco Dana 44, the 1976–1977 disc brake version is generally preferred.

If you end up with a drum-brake Dana 44, it can be converted to disc brakes using parts from a 1978–1979 Ford Bronco or a 1973–1979 Ford F-150. You will need:

• Steering knuckles
• Brake backing plates
• Caliper holders (anchor plates)
• Spindles
• Wheel bearing locking nut, lock ring washer, and adjusting nut
• Caliper support key and spring
• Rotors (used as cores)
• Locking hubs

Essentially, everything from the knuckle’s outward must be replaced.

Dana 44 with drum brakes

Small U-Joints and Strength Limitations

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Early Bronco Dana 44 is its use of small 260x U-joints. If you swap a stock EB Dana 44 into a Ford Ranger, you may actually end up with a weaker front axle than the Ranger’s Dana 35, which uses larger 297x U-joints.

To match or exceed Dana 35 strength, the Early Bronco Dana 44 must be upgraded with stronger axle shafts and larger U-joints. This can also coincide with converting to disc brakes if needed, but it adds cost.

USA Standard Gear Chromoly Front Axle Kit (ZA W24130)

Several companies offer upgraded axle shafts that accept larger U-joints. The USA Standard Gear Chromoly kit above is made from high-tensile 4340 chromoly steel and uses advanced heat-treating processes for improved durability.

You may also want to check out:

• Bronco Graveyard
• Wild Horses 4×4
• Tom’s Bronco Parts
• Randy’s Ring & Pinion

For more information on upgrading your 1966-1977 Early Bronco axles, check out: Early Bronco Dana 44 Axle Shaft Upgrade

Early Bronco Dana 44 Axle Shaft Lengths & Interchange

If you want to upgrade to larger U-joints without buying custom shafts, certain factory shafts can be used.

A 1973–1979 Ford F-100/F-150 driver-side shaft uses a 297x U-joint and measures 18.90 inches, which is 0.59 inches longer than the Early Bronco shaft. A 1977–1979 F-150 SuperCab shaft measures 18.625 inches, only 0.3125 inches longer.

A better replacement is the right-side shaft from a 1969–1978 Chevrolet Dana 44 Pickup or Blazer, which measures 18.31 inches—the same length as the Early Bronco shaft. A 1972.5–1974 Dodge W100 (BOM 603413) uses the same length shaft as well.

There is no stock replacement shaft for the passenger side. You must either cut and respline a longer shaft or purchase a new aftermarket shaft designed for 297x U-joints.

You will also need matching 9.72-inch outer (stub) shafts.

1971–1977 Ford Bronco Axle Shaft Lengths

• Driver Side: 18.31 inches – 30 splines
• Passenger Side: 27.94 inches – 30 splines
• Outer Stub Shaft: 9.72 inches – 19 splines

760x vs 297x U-Joints

Some aftermarket axle shafts use the 760x U-joint, which is the modern replacement for the older 297x.

760x (left) vs 297x (right)

The 760x is cold-forged, resulting in a denser material. In bench testing, it outlasted the 297x by a factor of ten in durability.

Are There Still Early Bronco Dana 44 Axles Out There?

Yes. While many 1971–1977 Ford Broncos have disappeared, some still exist, and their axles are sometimes preserved or sold separately. Not all command high prices, making EB Dana 44 axles occasionally available to those searching.

Related Articles

James Duff Ford Ranger Dana 44 Axle Swap

Chico4554’s Dana 44 Ranger Build

Early Bronco Dana 44 Swap Into A Bronco II / Ranger

Ford Ranger Solid Axle Swap (SAS)

Dana 44 Solid (Live) Front Axle

Last Updated: January 4, 2026