I am building an X Chassis and I came across a 14 bolt rear and a 44 front for FREE. I will be running the 4.3 Vortec, SM420 trans, 4.3 atlas and 40'' MTR's. Question is should I run the 44 front or keep hunting for something stronger. Have plenty of time not plenty of money.

It's a matching width 8 lug 44? Why not run it? Grab some alloys and call it good. It won't be 35 spline 60 durable but it should be good

as long as the hubs are matching, then do it man. You said you had more time than money right now, I'd give it a go.

They match. they are out of the same truck 78' chevy full size.

you will know when and why you will need to upgrade to a 60. you may as well learn why a 44 breaks with big tires. so run what you got, then when it breaks fix it. but always keep an eye out for a 60, and jump on it when you have the chance.

you will know when and why you will need to upgrade to a 60. you may as well learn why a 44 breaks with big tires. so run what you got, then when it breaks fix it. but always keep an eye out for a 60, and jump on it when you have the chance.


I am looking for a 60 and ran across a 44. 44 was free and 60's are not cheap. I just dont want to put money into something that will cost me more in the long run.

I am looking for a 60 and ran across a 44. 44 was free and 60's are not cheap. I just dont want to put money into something that will cost me more in the long run.


well, the way that things tend to be, you will probably break a 44. but then again, you could break a 60 too, in the right set of circumstances. but in every area other than weight and clearance, a 60 will always beat a 44. the question becomes this: what do you define as "putting money into it" . does this mean you dont want to spend $$$ on chromo shafts and a locker and such? or does this mean you dont want to throw money at junk yard replacement shafts?

here is a little know rule of wheeling (most know it but wont let themselves admit it), by the very nature of it you will always be putting money into your rig, and it will alway cost you more in the long run.

You can always run (warn) hub fuses. It will make your trail repair a little quicker.

I agree......don't put $$ into it. Yes, you have a small 4.3....but it is a little torquey mother PLUS you have an SM420 PLUS PLUS you have a 4.3 Atlas.....IMO that is a lot of TQ multiplication to be throwing into a D44. Should you run it? Sure, but it WILL break and IMO sooner than later. Chromos....Detroit locker won't really stand a chance....speaking of....Detroits CAN break after an axle shaft snaps...............I would save any $$ you're thinking of throwing at the D44 and throw it at a D60 instead................of course, mileage may vary depending on how you drive.

Run it for now and keep your eye open for a D60.You will break the D44 sometime.But who cares it was free.

Well screw it. Its only money you cant take it with you. Yes the axle was free, untill you ad up 5.38 gears,ARB locker etc. and the hours you dump into it. I think I will use the D44 and yes I guess I will probably break it.

i think that you should just run it. i know the way you drvie and you should be fine for a while. or you can stop being a little girl and go with the 60.:flipoff2:

It all depends on what you think is pricy for an axle. I don't know where you are at, but 60 fronts have been showing up on the east coast cheap on ebay. I scored a 60 front and rear for $900. There were a couple in the 400-500 range the other day. These are all passenger drop btw.