Which is best?

[Elton Youngblood]

I have a dana 44 full time 4 wheel drive an a corporate 10 bolt with lockouts? Im restoring a 79 frame off an have the above options. Which one is best to use. Im putting a 427 bbc with th400 and np205.

 

[ali_c20]

Both have their pros and cons...

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[Curt]

The GM Dana 44 and gm 10 bolt are pretty equal as a frontend assembly.The 44 you have is a heavy duty style with flat top knuckles.It’s a nice axle.

Both axles have a ton of aftermarket support,but the 44’s support is amazing.There’s nothing you can’t find for it.

The 44’s housing,yours in particular,is probably 10% stronger with axle tubes at .375 to .50 thick.The 44 also has a better selection of gear ratios and locking differentials.

I would keep the 10 bolt as a back assembly should something happen.I only say that because you already have it and prices are going up.It would cost more to replace it in the future (inflation)unless you get the good guy deal.

Ultimately,the conditions of these axles would determine which one I’d build,both personally I’d go with the Dana.

 

[dvdswan]

Depending on how close to actual restoration, like a numbers matching and parts matching, then you would want to use the 10 bolt. 79s didn't come with the D44.

If you are just restoring for reliability/drivability I'd use the D44 for the reason above, better support.

Just to verify, the pass. side knuckles, I thought were only casted for flattop up to 76 model year, 77/78 were not produced with them. IIRC. I could be wrong though.

 

[Elton Youngblood]

Thanks so much the 44 is out of a 76 suburban

 

[bucket]

I'd use whichever one has the better gear ratio for the intended use. Just be sure to use the flat top knuckles if you want to convert to crossover style steering.