surfolly

I apologize in advance if this subject has been addressed recently: I get varying answers from reliable sources regarding the strength of the rear in my '80. While the '79 and earlier models have iron main housings and stronger u-joint straps, the 1980 has an aluminum housing and weak-looking u-joint straps. I been told by various rear-end specialists (including the one that put the 3.73 in mine) that the '80 Dana 44 that came in my car will hold up to plenty of HP and abuse. But, I recently had a reputable national rear specialist tell me that my rear is basic unable to hold up to anything much stronger that the stock engine I had in the car. I had cited a HP choice of a 400-440HP engine and he mentioned the 10 and 12 bolt units they could sell me that would hold up to anything I could muster. Long story short...what are you '80-'82 folks running with Dana 44's and how are they holding up? I would greatly appreciate any experience or information that might help me realize what these rears can really take with or without sticky tires. :confused:

ram82fire

I am currently running 400+ hp in my 82 with 3:7's in the rear with no problems , hp does not kill rears shock loading is the main culprit . You will have no problems if you do not run slicks and try some frisky launches .

geo

surfolly

Thanks for your input!

mapman

Give the folks at Van Steel a call. You will get reliable information from them.

MotorHead

I have always believd the '80 Dana 44 was a very strong rear end. You will blow other things first before the Dana. :D

American Boy

I ran last year with around 350 hp and near 400 lb of torque without any problem. I did some drag racing with street tire and autoX. The stock setup should take whatever under 450 hp and 450 lb of torque all day long with an automatic. Well I'll find out this summer.

Be sure to change your U-joint with solid spicer...cheap insurance.

Stephan

Twin_Turbo

yes...but you have a spec'ed out setup, unlike the common factory unit that is worn out in a lot of cases.

ram82fire

Hey double T ,,,,,,,,, you are right and being a really ancient geezer I apply the power with restraint . Will have a couple of pics for you tomorrow of the new setup for your approval. Finished at last ,,,,,,,,, and then rikki blew her 4 wheeler up YIKES

g

Twin_Turbo

lol how do you blow up a 4 wheeler or is it motorozed?

ram82fire

It is a little yamaha badger 80 cc. I took the crank out and scored the heck out of the bore and piston . Looks like pop pop is going to foot the bill .

g

SpyderD

I have a 1981 with a built engine - desktop dyno (for what it's worth) at 393 hp and 409 tq. w/3.73 gears in original aluminum carrier. Dana 44 holding up fine in spite of much tire shredding street abuse.
Caviats - I have only about 1,500 miles since engine build last year, I have crappy tires with no traction, I have new spicer u-joints, I have not yet took it to a drag strip.

The Money Pit

My 3.70 rear has held up for eight years so far.six behind a 350 and the last two behind the 406.The last bit of testosterone I summoned up cost me a $2000. transmission,so I'm al bit gun shy now.The rearend however is still running strong.To be honest my tires let go well before the rear end has anything to worry about,and I think that's a good thing. :cheers:

surfolly

Thanks for all of your input! It sounds like I would be okay with stronger, zerkless u-joints. I figure any real traction with slicks would be the limit(or the end!) for the rear, but for all-around rubber-burning without serious traction it's fine. Thanks again! :thumbs: