Going junkyarding today rear disc brakes

That's great, I'm interested in how this works out.

I was going back over this thread and stopped at BudWs post on rear axles, the Dana 44 is a fairly strong axle assembly, not as strong as a 8 3/4 but strong enough for a 400 hp small block. So if there one close to fitting the Fbody I'd go for it. It has a large aftermarket support for all parts need.

Oldiron440 said:

I was going back over this thread and stopped at BudWs post on rear axles, the Dana 44 is a fairly strong axle assembly, not as strong as a 8 3/4 but strong enough for a 400 hp small block. So if there one close to fitting the Fbody I'd go for it. It has a large aftermarket support for all parts need.

Click to expand...

I am still gathering data on that differential (and others) – just not enough time in the day (or something to that effect).

Just obtained differential details from Nitro's, ’05-10 Grand Cherokees, ’98-03 Durango’s and ’97-04 Dakota’s, to add to my list just the other day.
I almost got details from an ’04-09 Durango – but discovered there lug studs are huge (9/16”-18) and my axle width measuring tools wouldn’t fit (holes are only drilled for ½” studs).

I love Dana 60’s – but they weigh as much as a car does (less engine/transmission) – and is horrendous as far as un-sprung weight (important for road racing). I would think an all-aluminum D44 would be fun to play with.
I’ve “heard” the aluminum housings are not as strong as the iron/steel D44’s are – but no first-hand experience on them (yet). I think having strength in the gears and axle shafts would be more important than the housing - which I would also think housing "weakness" wouldn't be critical and "should" spring back (if it deflects any to begin with).

Note: Just now reading that article from Mopar Action (not finished yet).
BudW

The PDF file below is work still in progress – so it might be missing data or have errors.

The aluminum center Dana 44s have a number of problems. Many have tube alignment problems if the have more than 100,000 miles. Cracked castings are common as were failed bearing journals. Chrysler made Dana replace a lot of them

Ok i'm doing clean up work and mods on my parts this week at work due to work slow down. I also like ask 80mirada did you drill the lower bottom hole. And what about ebrake cables.

The lower hole was unnecessary, so I did not drill it. I replaced my housing studs, mine were to short. I have not installed the brake cables yet, I was going to try to use the Jeep ones, my Mirada had to go into storage before I was able to complete the job.

80Mirada what did you do as to the brake line fittings. Did you reflare the fittings or did you adapt them.

The axel line needs to be shortened and reflared for the Jeep hoses. Some large hose clamps can be used to clamp them to the housing

You can buy tabs to weld on the housing to hold the end of the hoses so you can go to steel line after that.