Dana 44

[skinny z]

I just picked up a Dana 44 from an old SCCA Camaro racer. Read a lot of good things about them. What it didn't come with is brakes. I've got GM part numbers for most of the components: 18014954 Disk Caliper (2) 14065768 Hand brake lever 10046472 lever 17980326 Hose 14073080 Cable RH 14077717 Cable LH 18014287 Master Cylinder 25517739 Proportioning valve 17980325 Brake Hose 17980428 Hose 10036870 Bracket 25527167 Retainer What I'd like to know is if anyone has experience with aftermarket parts. Most of the GM parts are likely to be discontinued and I want to start sourcing what I'm going to need.

[Apeiron]

Anything that fits a 10 bolt should fit the Dana.

[bart91406]

Awesome find!

[skinny z]

Originally Posted by Apeiron

Anything that fits a 10 bolt should fit the Dana.

Any specific year? I understand that the rear disc brakes changed sometime in the late 80's.

[Apeiron]

They changed in 89, but it doesn't matter. An 82-88 10 bolt brake setup will fit, and an 89-92 10 bolt brake setup will fit.

[skinny z]

Sounds like it should be a simple matter of heading to my local NAPA and ordering everything from the aftermarket. I'm not too interested in a big brake upgrade unless I find a smokin' deal.
Am I right in understanding that the change involved going from cast iron calipers to PBR aluminum calipers?
Did the rotor diameter stay the same?
I've searched and found little info with respect to the details like that.
Thanks.

[Apeiron]

Absolutely everything is different between the cast iron and PBR systems.

[skinny z]

Does that also include the caliper mounting bracket? Mine came with the bracket attached to the axle flange however I'm not sure of it's origin.
I can see how different the PBR is compared to the early style (which I have on my '86). I haven't been able to compare the mounting points though.

[Apeiron]

The backing plates are different, too. I'm pretty sure that's an 89+ backing plate. Are they both facing the same way on the axle, or do you have one facing fowards and one facing backwards?

[skinny z]

I'm thinking they're the later model too.
Both plates are have been installed to the rear of the axle. This was a road race car at one time and it's entirely possible that it's a modified set up.

[Apeiron]

Yeah, those are 89+ alright.

[skinny z]

That gives some something to go on anyway. I checked on line with NAPA. Looks like calipers and rotors are available.

[SoloGTA]

The only 3rd gen's that came with a dana 44 were the Firehawks built by SLP.

JohnK

[//<86TA>\\]

Originally Posted by SoloGTA

The only 3rd gen's that came with a dana 44 were the Firehawks built by SLP.

JohnK

yes and?

they were available over the counter as well.

[JamesC]

The following link may help with pics and part #'s for PBR's:

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/fa...iscs-89-a.html (82-88 Discs to 89-92/Pics and Part Numbers)

JamesC

[skinny z]

Thought I'd share my questions and answers with Mr Miller regarding the Dana and a 1LE upgrade.

Originally Posted by skinny z
Hi Ed,
You responded to a post of mine at 3rd gen regarding discs for a Dana 44.
When you say " '89-97 brake parts will bolt right in" which parts are these? Would that be a 11.6" rotor and stock 1LE PBR calipers?
With regards to the front, without swapping spindles what's the best OEM type upgrade I could install? I've been investigating the 1LE option and after a lot of internet searching as well as checking out your web site (which I'll say is excellent) I have more questions than answers.
My current project is an 87 Coupe with the standard disc/drum arrangement.
Since the Dana will probably end up with the factory PBR calipers and stock sized rotors, I'd like the front to follow suit. I wouldn't be against a larger diameter rotor for the front.
I may keep the factory 15" steel wheels however that's not a deal breaker if the discs won't fit as I have 16" IROC rims available.
I'll undoubtedly purchase a '82-89 1LE/J65 Proportioning/Combination valve from you as well. Is the stock disc/drum master cylinder OK to use?
Any recommendations or advice you can give is greatly appreciated.

Reply from Ed
Sorry for the delay, I'm swamped right now. Rear: Yes, '89-97 parts will work with the correct backing plates (I think yours are installed already). Without any spindle mods the only thing you could do would be to upgrade pads, rotors, and brake lines. Everything else will require some type of work to the front setup. That said, try to fit the largest front brakes the wheels can hold and go for the 16" wheels, the 15"s will only limit you. You can go as large as a 13" rotor inside a 16" wheel which is what I run. Keep the stock master and install the disc prop when you install the rear discs. Any other questions don't hesitate to call or contact..thanks!

Ed

Thanks for all the input Ed, JamesC, Aperion.
This 87 Coupe project will probably go on the back burner while I gather parts and money.
Found a couple of things to keep last years IROC interesting so it's another season of racing and cruising in the old heap.

[84 1LE]

Originally Posted by SoloGTA

The only 3rd gen's that came with a dana 44 were the Firehawks built by SLP.

JohnK

SLP bought the tooling for the Dana 44 from GM.After Gm stopped offering them over the counter at dealerships.

[l_dis_travlr]

Wow, those are some bad-*** wheel lugs &
brace (pan-hard?)

Aside from that, I've got one just like it sitting in my garage.
The link from JamesC has excellent material -- he's a good advisor.

One thing I didn't see anywhere, is the bracket that bolts onto
the backing plate, and provides the floating caliper mounts.
These are notorious for rusting one of the caliper mount pins.
I had to wrestle with one of these to the point of replacing it.
(Long story, for another day...) GM is VERY proud of this little
chunk of metal -- pn 10112652, $54. Suffice to say, I was
re-motivated to get the sheared-off pin removed out of the existing
bracket. Aftermarket calipers are available, if you want to stay with
stock capacity equipment. I have some good pictures of my components
as I took it apart, if you would like them for reference.

Good luck,
kk

[skinny z]

Hey Linus,
I'll check out whatever pics or data you have available regarding the Dana.
There are countless possible combinations available for this piece and I'm interested in looking at who has what.
Thanks.

[Apeiron]

Originally Posted by 84 1LE

SLP bought the tooling for the Dana 44 from GM.After Gm stopped offering them over the counter at dealerships.

They didn't buy the tooling, they bought out GM's old stock.

[l_dis_travlr]

Here's the "before" pics.
(The only pics that turn out well in MI winters, are SNOW )


r_ax dr orig.jpg

r_ax pa orig.jpg


The week-end, I'll take some more of new/restored components.
(Final assembly is waiting on new internals. Another long story... )

[l_dis_travlr]

Some better pics of the disassambled comp's.
The assembled caliper pic show the bracket still secured to the
caliper (i.e. the rusted mounting pin above) and the bob-weight
as part of the parking brake actuater. The other pic shows the
the cleaned components, and how the bracket mounts on the
backing plate.

Hope this helps...

[skinny z]

Great stuff! Thanks.
Are those 1LE components from your 90 Formula?

[l_dis_travlr]

Unfortunately not.

My Formula came w/ a 2:73 open-carrier drum axle -- pretty
much every characteristic I don't want.

While I was in MI, I picked up a 3:23 posi drum unit -- exactly
everything I wanted.
Unfortunately, used parts in MI are rusted either from the salt,
or sitting out in corn fields. So began the restoration.
-- the rusted caliper bolt (above)
-- both clutch cones on the Auborn carrier are cracked:
effect is powdered metal in the lubricant, and these are
not servicable parts, i.e. entire carrier unit. (Suffice to say,
I intend to switch to an Eaton unit w/ servicable clutch plates.)
-- to get to the clutch cones requires removing the ring gear,
which is secured by left-handed threads. Use your imagination...

Final tally be $1200 -$1300,
but all wearable parts will have been replaced.

Here's a thought for the brake lines. Rather than trying to find the solid
ones and short length flex lines and brackets, run single braided flex lines
from the T line. (And by the way, my parts supplier couldn't find the T
for a disc set-up. Because, as it turns out, its the SAME as the standard
brake axle.) PM me if you have any questions, or need more pics.

Good luck,
kk

[skinny z]

I'm just waiting for the right deal to come along.
Seeing as the 1LE parts can stiil be purchased new/remaned, there are only a few bits and pieces I should have to pick up second hand. I'm thinking that most used calipers that you can buy may only be good for cores and calipers are generally pretty cheap.
The front brakes are a little more interesting in that there are so many upgrades available (see http://www.flynbye.com/index.html).

As for the braided lines. Great time saver for sure however I bend pipe for a living (electrician) and custom bent steel lines are kind of a signature for me. ( Not that many people will see my handywork under the car! )

[l_dis_travlr]

The quality of your work notwithstanding, you will still need a flex-line
to the caliper, because it moves as pads wear.

[skinny z]

Back at the Dana again.
Finally installed the new gear set.
Now I'm looking for both axle bearings and seals. No listings to be found (naturally) and the GM part number is discontinued. 14044892.
Does anyone have experience with these units? Most everything on the net is 4 x 4 related so I can't count on it to be relative to what I'm doing.
Thanks.

[l_dis_travlr]

Haaaay, moosebreath.
Must be cosmic, or sumtin like dat.

I just got the previously mentioned rear-axle installed,
and the formula back on the ground -- it ROLLS again.
(Took many moon to clean/prep underside. But now
pretty as squaw in moonlight. )
And all thats left for the adjustable prop valve conversion,
is to re-flare/install the driver-side front brake line.

But enough about me.

Try Randy's Ring & Pinion. That's where I got all my axle
parts. They weren't the absolute best priced, but I got
to deal w/ someone competent. Overall

Good luck, & keep us posted.

[BLWR PWR]

I have a Dana 44 under my iroc. Bought it thru Summit in July of 1996. $1527. Last time I replaced a bearing and seal I kept the old ones. Seal has #35938-1 on it. Bearing is Timken#u298. Race is Timken#u261L. I keep all my old invoices also. For some reason under the Timken U298 I jotted down "A9" assembly. A good parts counter guy should be able to help you with these nunbers.

[skinny z]

Same part numbers as mine. I used a cross reference catalouge and went to the parts store yesterday. With any luck I should have the correct pieces sometime today. I'm hoping for "Made in the USA". Can't tell these days until you've got the parts in your hand.
Thanks for the input.

[anthony714]

yes that a9 is correct.i have a dana 44 also..love it..just hate trying to buy **** for it when you say its a camaro.."i dont show a camaro listing for a dana 44 sir"..........anyways i got a question before you install them bearings...did you ever settle on rear brakes? if not stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. on that rear the backing plate goes on first then the bearing then there another collar . in order to remove a backing plate the bearing comes off which means wreckiing the bearing. no way around it. i dont want you to waste coin. again the a9 is the one. i also have the invoices and can get part# if you need.

if you havent bought brakes dont mess around with pbrs or 1le..get ls1 stuff. its new,nice built in parking brake ,you can get them backing plates new from gm for around 100 each or search fleebay for used. rotors pads calipers are a dime a dozen. only issue youll have it the parking brake cable. yours wont work. eb had a project going but dont think it went yet. i pad a few bucks(i think 40 each) and had an outfit make me some ebrake cables which retained all the stock parts like the handle and the equilzer and the trans tunnel bracket. the ls1 rear brake as you know is 12" set up and more rear brake than youll need on a street car. imho...pm for questions