Over the years i've heard the K/5 axles have smaller u-joints/axles, the k/10 have standard sizes and the k/20 use a 44HD which has a higher load capacity and larger axles/u-joints... now I'm looking to purchase some lockers and a guy I talk to says there all the same. I'm betting he should know but I havent had the privlege to get a set of all types together and compare.

So what's the difference between these axles? Is a 8-lug 44HD any better than a 6-lug axle from a half ton? I did a search but didn't come up with much info.

the difference's are in the spindles out ;) i've never seen any variation's in D44 gear's other than ratio's and any vatiation's in carriers orhter than 19 or 30sp and the carrier break for ratios ;)

The only difference in the HD was extra webbing in the casting and 1/2" thick axle tubes which is how the earlier 44's came anyways.

I had a D44 from a 72 K5 blazer 1/2" thick tubes, disk brakes, open knuckle. Had x260 joints and skinny shafts in it. I bought new Dana inners and outers with x297 joints and ran it. All 30 spline.

3/8" or 1/2" tubes available.

I'll take a crack at this. From what I have read, the early D44s had the smaller 260x U-joints. These were mostly closed knuckle and drum brakes. Later D44s have the 297x U-joints. Doesn't matter if it's K-5, K-10 or K-20. The 3/4 ton D44s have heavy walled tubing, something like 3/4" thick vs. 1/2" thick for half tons. Most people think this is a waste though because the weak point on a D44 is the pumpkin rather than the tubes so you end up with an axle that is heavier but no stronger. Hopefully someone will correct me if I am wrong, but that's the story as far as I know it.

thanks for the replies! I've found some other links that say the only difference is in the axle tube thickness. Prolly a good call that a D44HD is just heavier and not stronger :0

The axles from this HD44 are the same as the rest I have laying around. In fact the short side is a direct replacement for my EB 44 short axle.

ford vs. cheby stub shafts are a little different, but interchangable. Might not be able to use the c-clip on the stub though.

As mentioned, some early axles did have a smaller u-joint.

http://home.earthlink.net/~mattsara/bb/8lug44a.jpg