One query that we get on a regular basis is “How big of tires can I run on a Dana 44 axle?” At the chance of sounding like a politician, the reply is “it depends”. But what does it rely on? Well, for starters it relies upon on what Dana 44 you’re beginning with. The Dana 44 has been manufactured for practically 70 years, and was unique gear below Jeep, Ford, GM, Dodge, International Harvester and Studebaker autos, and even the Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport. Corvettes even used a Dana 44 middle part with impartial rear suspension! The Dana 44 has been provided in each high- and low-pinion, with centered and offset pumpkins. Factory axle shafts ranged from 10-spline via 32 with diameters from 1.175-inch as much as 1.41-inch. Despite Dana-Spicer calling all of these axles “Dana 44s” for the previous 75 years, there aren’t any widespread components between the rear finish utilized in a 50’s CJ-5 and a new JL Wrangler.
There are a number of elements to think about the most important tire you’ll be able to run on a Dana 44 regardless of which variation of the axle you’re utilizing. Vehicle weight is a main issue; a lighter car can get away with a bigger tire reliably than a heavier car, which locations extra stress on the axle in each scenario. Similarly, a lighter wheel and tire mixture shall be simpler on the axle. Tires can fluctuate as much as ten kilos in weight in the identical dimension, and wheels are related. A solid aluminum beadlock wheel will weigh as much as 25% greater than a solid aluminum wheel.
Horsepower and gearing are additionally vital elements. The extra horsepower you make the stronger the axle you want for a given tire dimension as a result of added stresses. Just as vital is the way you drive with all that horsepower and what type of terrain you frequent. A Dana 44 can reside below a car with a V8 and 37-inch tall tires whether it is used for gentle off-roading and pushed with care, however wouldn’t final via the weekend on the Hammers with a throttle jockey behind the wheel.
Gearing is extra difficult than horsepower. Increased gear discount upstream from the axle within the transmission and switch case will enhance the torque into the axle and may overwhelm manufacturing facility axle shafts, and deep gearing within the differential ends in much less enamel on the pinion, which in flip creates a weak point of its personal. The flip aspect is that too excessive of gearing can result in extreme velocity and shock hundreds when off-roading, usually breaking enamel off of the ring and pinion.
There are additionally benefits to operating a Dana 44 axle when in comparison with a Dana 60 that you simply may not have thought-about. These embody floor clearance, buy value, and weight. Just be sure to match your axles to your supposed tire dimension and use. Drop a remark and tell us what you need to see subsequent from Harry, and don’t neglect to love and subscribe to the Driving Line YouTube channel!
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Want to know the totally different options of the Nitto tires we used?
https://www.nittotire.com/light-truck-tires/trail-grappler-mud-terrain-light-truck-tire/
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