D44 & D60 Heavy Duty?

[68crawler]

I am going to install a set of full width axles under my 68 EB and have a quick question. I just bought a set of axles that were already out of the donor truck, so I didn't get to see the truck. Front is a HP D44 and the rear is a D60. He told me that they came out of a 78 F250 Heavy Duty truck. How can I tell if these axles are heavy duty axles or just regular axles? I've been all over Mr. N's site and couldn't find this info.

Newbie with his flame suit on. Flame away!

[west747]

i beleive the heavy duty d44 has thicker tubes than the regular 44's..

[OX]

If it's 8 lug, leaf sprung, high pinion, and normal D44 locking hubs (not the big external hubs), it had to come from a 78/79 F250.

[68crawler]

Yes, it is leaf sprung, 8 lug, high pinion. It didn't have any hubs on it when I bought it. That's why I'm asking the question of whether it is a heavy duty axle or not, so I know which hubs to buy for it. Thanks.

[OX]

Normally in the Ford D44 world. A 5 lug is called a D44 and an 8 lug is called a "D44 HD". So in normal everyday terms, yes you have a D44 HD.

[68crawler]

Originally Posted by OX

Normally in the Ford D44 world. A 5 lug is called a D44 and an 8 lug is called a "D44 HD". So in normal everyday terms, yes you have a D44 HD.

Thanks Ox. That's what I have heard too. Because the D44 came without locking hubs, does that mean that I need to order the heavy duty locking hubs for it? Or just the regular hubs?

[OX]

Originally Posted by 68crawler

Thanks Ox. That's what I have heard too. Because the D44 came without locking hubs, does that mean that I need to order the heavy duty locking hubs for it? Or just the regular hubs?

The locking hubs are exactly the same from 5 lug to 8 lug D44, straight axle fords in 78/79.

[68crawler]

Perfect! Thank you Ox for the info!

[Mr.N]

Originally Posted by Mr.N

Heavy Duty Dana 44 solid front axle from a 1971 Ford F250 4x4. This axle is the same for the years 1969 to 1975 on the F250 4x4 trucks
Picture 20 is a low pinion Heavy Duty Dana 44 solid front axle from a Ford F250 4x4. Notice the ribs on the pumpkin, this is how you tell a Heavy Duty Dana 44 solid front axle besides the softball size closed knuckles. All F250 High-Boys have a Heavy Duty axle.
Heavy Duty Dana 44 solid front axle from a 1976 Ford F250 4x4. This axle is the same for the years 1976 to 1977.5 on the F250 4x4 trucks

According to Spicer the only Heavy Duty came above, I'll have to check the book but don't remember the 78-79 being listed as HD.

Most people say the F250 1976-79 are Heavy Duty, however they have the smaller 297 type U-joint.

Edit -> Does it have ribs on the housing?

[68crawler]

Originally Posted by Mr.N

According to Spicer the only Heavy Duty came above, I'll have to check the book but don't remember the 78-79 being listed as HD.

Most people say the F250 1976-79 are Heavy Duty, however they have the smaller 297 type U-joint.

Edit -> Does it have ribs on the housing?

No it does not have the ribs. I read all of the info that you just posted here on your website, but I couldn't find anything on a 78 D44 from a F250. The guy that I bought these axles from told me that they came out of a 78 F250 Heavy Duty truck. Maybe he just meant that it was a 3/4 ton truck. (which all F250 are)

[Mr.N]

Originally Posted by 68crawler

No it does not have the ribs. I read all of the info that you just posted here on your website, but I couldn't find anything on a 78 D44 from a F250. The guy that I bought these axles from told me that they came out of a 78 F250 Heavy Duty truck. Maybe he just meant that it was a 3/4 ton truck. (which all F250 are)

Who cares what people say, that is a great axle! Find some wedges and get that axle under your EB!

[68crawler]

LOL! Cool man. Thank you again for all of the great information that you supply for all of us out here. I've got the wedges that I need! I'm work'n on grinding that cast leaf spring mount down so my new wedge fits. Then it's high steer time!