Post by DamnJeep on Dec 24, 2004 9:27:53 GMT -4
Found this on a different board and thought I would share as I've had this conversation a few times but now I know the answer.
If you had a choice between a D44 and Ford 8.8 and the cost was the same in my opinion the 8.8 would be the better choice. Here's why.....
"The 8.8 not only has a larger ring diameter, it also has has 1.62" pinion shaft, and even that, doesnt tell the whole story. If you remove the ring and pinions from a D44 and an 8.8 and side by side compare them, you will without a doubt, know which one is built to handle more abuse. the 8.8 is huge in mass compared the 44.
Warn did a break test on stock D44 and 8.8 axle shafts a few years ago in one of the off road rags. The results had the D44 breaking at about 4200 pounds per foot of rotational twist, but with the 8.8 they couldnt get an actual result..... because at the 6400 lb limit of the machine, the 8.8 axles were still holding tight.
I can only imagine what a set of high Strength Superior shafts would hold up to,(they are about $120 a side). The Superiors are supposed to be at least 20% stronger.
The D44 will easily handle a 35" tire, but the 8.8 is far stronger in strength, and if built up propperly with a full carrier locker, and a few other easy modifications, it will reliably handle tires to the 38" range.
It took a 300 hp act of stupidity and 38.50 SX tires to finaly snap a stock axle shaft in an 8.8. I beat the piss out of my 8.8 for more than 3 years with no mechanical failures.
Edit: I am looking through some of my files and notes, and it looks like the numbers for the axle strength breakage, was the D44 @ 4600 lbs
8.8 @ maxed out the machine at 6200 lbs.
Someone posted the article about a year or so ago, on this board.
In any case, the Super 44 Kit may strengthen the D44 axle to close to the stock 8.8 specs, but its not gonna be stronger than an 8.8 also upgraded with stronger high strength shafts."
Also......
"COT: Continuous output torque rating
MOT: Maximum output torque rating
Numbers from January edition of Fourwheeler, page 60.
Dana 35 rear axle COT: 870 MOT: 3480
Dana 44 rear axle COT: 1100 MOT: 4460
Ford 8.8 28spline COT: 1250 MOT: 4600
Ford 8.8 31spline COT: 1360 MOT: 5100
Dana60 semifloat COT: 1500 MOT: 5500 "
Interesting that the 31 spline is quite close to the strength of a semi float 60.
Guess if you want to run up to 38's with very little work the 8.8 works great. still would not 38's on a D44.
I've seen pictures of how the guy I quoted the first time drives and if it took him 3 years to break a stock 8.8 then I'm pretty much sure ain't too many folks around here gonna hurt that axle!!!!
If you had a choice between a D44 and Ford 8.8 and the cost was the same in my opinion the 8.8 would be the better choice. Here's why.....
"The 8.8 not only has a larger ring diameter, it also has has 1.62" pinion shaft, and even that, doesnt tell the whole story. If you remove the ring and pinions from a D44 and an 8.8 and side by side compare them, you will without a doubt, know which one is built to handle more abuse. the 8.8 is huge in mass compared the 44.
Warn did a break test on stock D44 and 8.8 axle shafts a few years ago in one of the off road rags. The results had the D44 breaking at about 4200 pounds per foot of rotational twist, but with the 8.8 they couldnt get an actual result..... because at the 6400 lb limit of the machine, the 8.8 axles were still holding tight.
I can only imagine what a set of high Strength Superior shafts would hold up to,(they are about $120 a side). The Superiors are supposed to be at least 20% stronger.
The D44 will easily handle a 35" tire, but the 8.8 is far stronger in strength, and if built up propperly with a full carrier locker, and a few other easy modifications, it will reliably handle tires to the 38" range.
It took a 300 hp act of stupidity and 38.50 SX tires to finaly snap a stock axle shaft in an 8.8. I beat the piss out of my 8.8 for more than 3 years with no mechanical failures.
Edit: I am looking through some of my files and notes, and it looks like the numbers for the axle strength breakage, was the D44 @ 4600 lbs
8.8 @ maxed out the machine at 6200 lbs.
Someone posted the article about a year or so ago, on this board.
In any case, the Super 44 Kit may strengthen the D44 axle to close to the stock 8.8 specs, but its not gonna be stronger than an 8.8 also upgraded with stronger high strength shafts."
Also......
"COT: Continuous output torque rating
MOT: Maximum output torque rating
Numbers from January edition of Fourwheeler, page 60.
Dana 35 rear axle COT: 870 MOT: 3480
Dana 44 rear axle COT: 1100 MOT: 4460
Ford 8.8 28spline COT: 1250 MOT: 4600
Ford 8.8 31spline COT: 1360 MOT: 5100
Dana60 semifloat COT: 1500 MOT: 5500 "
Interesting that the 31 spline is quite close to the strength of a semi float 60.
Guess if you want to run up to 38's with very little work the 8.8 works great. still would not 38's on a D44.
I've seen pictures of how the guy I quoted the first time drives and if it took him 3 years to break a stock 8.8 then I'm pretty much sure ain't too many folks around here gonna hurt that axle!!!!
