Dana 44 dust shield on backing plates

[mummertj]

Does anyone know where or if you can buy these dust shields separate anywhere or at least what they are formally called to search for them ?

 

[fast 99]

I believe they are part of backing plate. Will need complete replacement of assy.

 

[Strick]

I love the Dana 44 but the backing plates on them are not as good as the GM Corporate. The last 44 I fixed I actually used the plates from the Corporate axle. They are much more sturdy.

HS

 

[Bextreme04]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2852708415...&brand=Chevrolet&_trksid=p4429486.c101224.m-1

 

[CalSgt]

I love the Dana 44 but the backing plates on them are not as good as the GM Corporate. The last 44 I fixed I actually used the plates from the Corporate axle. They are much more sturdy.

HS

I was under the impression the 44 and GM 10 were the same from the knuckle out….

Is that not correct?

 

[AZ Highlander]

I was under the impression the 44 and GM 10 were the same from the knuckle out….

Is that not correct?

I found out the hard way that the brake calipers are not the same. Not sure what else.

 

[Strick]

I was under the impression the 44 and GM 10 were the same from the knuckle out….

Is that not correct?

The spindles carry different wheel bearings. You can use everything from the knuckle out on either axle, but I'd keep track of what's used to make it easy for replacement parts in the future. I like the solid backers on corporate axles but like the strength of Dana internals & axle shafts because they've never broken. I've busted spider gears, stripped splines & burned up many wheel bearings on corporate diffs.

 

[Strick]

BUT I LOVE 14FF CORPORATE DIFFS!

HS

 

[bucket]

I found out the hard way that the brake calipers are not the same. Not sure what else.

What was different? The hose connections and piston size? That's a year and brake option difference, not D44/10bolt difference.

 

[AZ Highlander]

What was different? The hose connections and piston size? That's a year and brake option difference, not D44/10bolt difference.

The calipers I purchased for the 10 bolt didn't fit on the rotors/backing plate of the D44. Barely different, but would not sit down on the rotor enough to put the caliper pins/bolts through the holes completely. The calipers for the D44 fit perfectly first try however.

 

[bucket]

The calipers I purchased for the 10 bolt didn't fit on the rotors/backing plate of the D44. Barely different, but would not sit down on the rotor enough to put the caliper pins/bolts through the holes completely. The calipers for the D44 fit perfectly first try however.

Might have been a replacement caliper issue. I've used calipers from a D44 on a 10 bolt at least once that I can remember.

 

[CalSgt]

The spindles carry different wheel bearings. You can use everything from the knuckle out on either axle, but I'd keep track of what's used to make it easy for replacement parts in the future. I like the solid backers on corporate axles but like the strength of Dana internals & axle shafts because they've never broken. I've busted spider gears, stripped splines & burned up many wheel bearings on corporate diffs.

I lost a front tire a few blocks from the tire shop when I was 16, I thought for sure something would be destroyed. Nope, the backing plate from my 10 bolt cut a gouge in the asphalt and wasn’t even bent.

 

[AZ Highlander]

Might have been a replacement caliper issue. I've used calipers from a D44 on a 10 bolt at least once that I can remember.

It might work that way, but not work the other way around? I tried 10 bolt calipers on D44 with no success

 

[Dryriver1]

I hope all is well with all the GMSB Buddies.

I would like to ask all with more experience than me if Spicer is the same as Dana?

Please advise.
@Strick @bucket @AZ Highlander, @idahovette, @SirRobyn0, @CalSgt, @Bextreme04, @Ricko1966, @Bextreme04, @Grit dog, @Rusty Nail, @Big Ray, @Mr Clean, @PrairieDrifter, @Powerhouse Ranch, @hoagster, @rusted nuts
et at....

The reason I ask is that I am kind of confused. I am working on my 1984 Chevy K10.
Although the axle is considered a GM Corporate 10 bolt 8.5 inch gear ring the axle shafts both inner and outer are embossed "Spicer" on the yoke part where the u joints are.
Also, the old u joints were Spicer embossed.

That is where my question comes from.
Maybe the GM 10 bolt was cast by GM, but used all Dana internals...???

Please explain....
I too would like to get a set of the heavy duty 1 piece backing plates that would fit my GM Corp. 10 bolt front end calipers.

Be well and stay safe out there.
Best wishes to you and all of your loved ones always!

R.
Dryriver1

 

[bucket]

Dana and Spicer are the same company now, or at least have the same ownership. I don't know how long it has been that way.

You bring up a good question about the shafts and u-joints though. I believe GM has always purchased u-joints from an outside supplier. I would ASSUME that GM also farmed out the front axle shafts on the 4x4 version of the axle assembly, but manufactured their own shafts for the rear axle assemblies.