Strength and Weaknesses of the Dana 40s on Jeeps
Dana 44 is a popular axle found underneath many different Jeeps, including Dodge trucks and International Harvester vans. It is usually paired with a 4.0:1 transfer case. In most applications, the axle comes with a two-piece axleshaft. This can be strengthened with trussing. However, there are still some weaknesses that you should be aware of.
Although the axle is fairly strong, you should be careful when driving it. If you are inexperienced with a vehicle or a certain kind of terrain, you might be prone to breaking parts and causing damage to your rig. The best thing to do is to drive slowly, avoid heavy throttle and be ready to roll out of the way when your rig starts to hop. You should also carry spare shafts and gears to protect your rear axle.
One of the major weaknesses of the Dana 30 is its weak axleshafts. These shafts are made from a thin metal that is prone to bending. While they can be strengthened, they are not recommended for any serious off-roading. Instead, you can purchase aftermarket shafts, which are much stronger. You can also purchase aftermarket ball joints. Ball joints are usually made from chromoly balls instead of plastic. They can be welded or sleeved for added strength.
Another weakness is the axle’s ring and pinion. This is a small diameter unit that is not designed for running 40″ tires. That’s a huge problem, especially if you’re planning to take your rig to the trails. Aftermarket ring and pinions are available with a range of spreads. Some of the more popular options include a 2.72:1 or a 5.89:1 gear spread. You can also opt for a helical style limited slip. Other traction aids include Detroit Locker, selectable lockers and a sway bar.
You might be able to get away with using your stock Dana 44 on a 2-door JK. But if you want to use bigger tires, you’ll need to upgrade your ball joints. For some axles, you can even run an u-joint. There are also some bolt-in options like the Dynatrac ProRock 44, which has beefier u-joints and a stronger housing.
Unlike the factory Dana 44, the next-generation Dana 44s from Mopar are much more robust. These axles feature 32-spline shafts and 8.8-inch-diameter ring gears. They are also lighter than their stock counterparts. Depending on your vehicle and how you use it, you may choose to swap out your existing Dana for one of these models.
Finally, if you plan on running 40-inch tires, you might be interested in upgrading your Dana 44. Aside from having a larger ring gear, you’ll get a larger axletube and more ground clearance. Ultimately, you’ll have more fun on the trail, and you’ll have more confidence in your rig.
So, which type of axle is right for your Jeep? You can opt for an upgraded Dana 60 or one of the other popular choices. However, it’s important to remember that these axles can be quite expensive. Alternatively, you can opt for a less-expensive alternative, such as the Mopar 44.