SLEEPER 86

Listed on ebay right now is a fresh Dana 44. If I had the cash I would be bidding on it for sure. Since I don't I figured I would give my brothers here a heads up.
It's listed at $900 to start and I think it was 1200 buy it now. I found it searching under Çamaro 1982/92.
If you buy it and decide not to use it I want dibs!!!

AlkyIROC

I think you're too late. You didn't post a link and I don't see anything listed so I can't comment on it.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

like the optioned d44 on thirdgens or like vette d44? i think i shall check if dana makes repros of those axles since i get a hefty discount.

AlkyIROC

The third gen Dana 44 has been out of production for many years. At the time, these were the performance diff to install into a third gen and a direct bolt in was available over the counter through GM. Now the 9", 12 bolt and Dana 60 are available in the aftermarket which are much better and stronger than the Dana 44.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

wel yea i knew that, but a 44 is better than a 10 bolt still. i originally plannedon modifying a chevlee 12 bolt, looks like ill keep that route somewhat open.

cuisinartvette

12 bolts are so expensive nowadays
Im digging the S60 Dana.

RaysUpRacing

iTrader: (5)

I found the link
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1982-92-CAMARO-TRANS-AM-DANA-44-3-30-ratio-All-New-/151166209203?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2332

SLEEPER 86

Sorry I didn't find it sooner guys, the listing ended yesterday.

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)

What a great deal. That use to be in gmpp catalogs as 12355678.

paul_huryk

While other options are available (and quite expensive now), all the ones you mentioned add a lot of weight into a 3rd gen - vs the factory rears. I wonder if the Dana 44 adds a lot less than say the 12 bolt (+45lbs) or the Dana 60 (probably 65Lbs+).

87350IROC

iTrader: (2)

Weight data:

Dana 44
housing w/ lca relo brackets - 83 lbs
T2R limited slip w/o ring gear - 24 lbs
cast AL cover - 5lbs
Axle 1 - 17.3 lbs
Axle 2 - 17.0 lbs
Ring Gear - 7.1 lbs
Pinion - 5.6 lbs
Spool - 9.2 lbs

9 Bolt
Housing w/ lca relo brackets - 76 lbs
OEM Limited slip w/o ring gear - 14.4 lbs
Axle 1 - 17.2 lbs
Axle 2 - 16.3 lbs
Ring Gear - 6.3 lbs
Pinion - 5.0 lbs

AlkyIROC

Although the listing looks impressive and it is a bit stronger than the 10 bolt, I don't think it's much of a deal mainly because all you're buying is an 8.5" diff with OEM axles and an open carrier. The 3.30 gear ratio is just about the same as the 9 bolts 3.27 gears so it's good for a 700R4 but not really a good performance gear like going to 3.73 gears or deeper.

From a performance standpoint, since that's why you would be purchasing this diff to begin with, you're going to spend even more money for a posi and a better set of gears to go with this diff.

A good deal would be to buy the bare housing for a couple of hundred bucks. Buy aftermarket axles, posi, gears etc since that's all available for the Dana 44 to build a better diff right from the start. By the time you buy that diff then upgrade everything for better performance, you're getting into the aftermarket diff price ranges which already have all the better upgrades.

A Dana 60 is a big heavy diff and is overkill for the majority of the street cars it's put into. It's typically a truck diff and Dodge put it in their hemi cars. A 12 bolt or 9" is a better solution. All diffs have their own strengths and weaknesses. There is no single best all round diff. With increased strength will always have increased weight.

It doesn't come with brakes but I'm not considering that as a sales point since the aftermarket diffs are also available without brake packages.

SLEEPER 86

I posted it mainly because of the hard to find factor.
It seems it has been relisted at $800 to start and just over a grand to buy it outright. Looks like about 2 1/3 days remaining. Seems someone thought it would fit a different application.
Alky, you mentioned that it is an open carrier? I didn't notice that. That would make a big difference if someone wanted a performance diff.

87350IROC

iTrader: (2)

Your points are valid but you just cannot find these diffs. People would be buying them in a heartbeat if you could find the housings for a couple hundred bucks. They just aren't out there. IMO this is a good price and would make a nice base for a performance build.

AlkyIROC

You can see it in his pictures including the above picture. It shows the carrier and all you can see the side and spiders gears. No posi, no gov-lock, no locker in the center etc. From a performance standpoint, that means one wheel burnouts. Depending on the brand you choose, you're looking at roughly $450 for a new posi plus an installation kit, labor etc.

When there were very few aftermarket diff options, the Dana 44 was your best choice and well worth the extra money. Just because they're hard to find now doesn't mean they're worth investing a lot of money into when there are better options in the aftermarket.

You can get a 9" housing package with axles for roughly $1000. Throw in a center section of your choice and you're already better off with something that has a lot more aftermarket support.

I'm not knocking his Dana 44 listing. I'm just stating that it's not that great of a deal as it would have been 10-20 years ago. When GM sold them over the counter, they were the about same price as what you'd be paying for a 12 bolt now.

SLEEPER 86

The guy listing this says it's a posi carrier in the main description of his ad. Is he b.s.ing?

MY-92-RS

iTrader: (3)

Unless I am missing the obvious only having 30 year experience building differentials either he is BS or ill informed or just plain don't know...

Better off with the nine bolt I have now 3:45 gear posi pbr brakes and a T/A support cover!!

for about $2000 you can buy a 9inch 12bolt or Dana 60 that is stronger !!! than that Dana 44

87350IROC

iTrader: (2)

For a drag racer their is no question a 12 bolt or 9" would be better. However for the road racer, by going to the D44 you gain access to the T2R diff while retaining bolt in axles. No other bolt in diff can say the same. The T2R is quite popular with the road racing crowd. The beauty of the D44 is it is barely heavier than the 9 bolt but you get some nice upgrades over the 9 bolt.
- many different limited slips/lockers/spools available
- tons of gear ratio options
- standard GM axle flange
- stronger axles, ring, pinion
- inexpensive parts

It depends what you plan to use the car for.

For 100% street car - I would just use a 9 bolt with a functioning stock limited slip
For track day / road racer - I would prefer the D44
For the drag racer - I would use a 12 bolt or 9"
For the crazy drag racer - S60

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Very Good point.
I wonder if the Ford 8.8" doesn't have more carrier options than the 44.

87350IROC

iTrader: (2)

Very possible. Is there a bolt in housing for the 8.8?

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

I'll be watching you!!!



This rear is a great piece, as stated above, it has a place. Not everyone wants a 2,000 pluss rearend and full on 5,000 hp build.
Some want a nice middle of the road part because they want a bit more.

Some of us that are building certain cars, need this for a certain reason.. ;-)

subroc

iTrader: (2)

Just in case people missed it...it is back up for sale. Im debating but probably wont do it just because it is an open. I have a fully rebuilt 9 bolt with 3.27 gears so i wouldnt be gaining anything really other than a bit of strength and bragging rights. The gear ratio however is perfect for me. With my TKO500's first gear of 3.27 i dont want to go any deeper than 3.30 ratio anyways. My car has enough traction problems with the 9 bolt posi. I cant imagine an open.

87350IROC

iTrader: (2)

Depending on your limited slip selection you could gain a ton of traction. With the 9 bolt you are stuck with the OEM design. This design can only ever give a maximum of 1/2 the torque to the grippy tire.

If you choose something like a helical limited slip (Trutrac/Torsen) you can send more than 50% of the torque to the grippy tire. In the case of the T2R they say it will send up to 85% to the grippy tire. Another advantage is in theory they don't wear out like a clutch limited slip (9-bolt).

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Not that I am aware of. No D44 plans here; just contemplating options.
T2R has clutch packs that wear. The T2 (OEM in 99-02)) does not, but with a less aggressive bias.

I hear the eaton truetrac gear design is an improvement over the torsen worm gears.

87350IROC

iTrader: (2)

The purpose of the clutch in the T2R is to allow some torque to the grippy tire when the other tire is up in the air. Good for off roading. When the clutch wears out you will still have at least 2.5:1 bias ratio which is worlds better than a simple clutch design.

The Truetrac and the Torsen are similar designs. According to Eaton the OEM style TrueTrac is 2:1 bias ratio while the aftermarket version is 3:1. So not quite as high as the T2R.

Improvement can mean many different things though.

John

Marc 85Z28

iTrader: (3)

Seems there are a few guys in here who don't know what they're looking at.

That IS a limited slip differential. ANYBODY who knows anything about the Dana 44 should be able to spot it. It uses clutches behind the side gears like a Ford 8.8". The open diff has a octagonal opening, while the limited slip has a rectangular opening like the picture in the ad.

Finally, it's worth every penny of the asking price. Those rears will take every bit as much abuse as the 12 bolt, which is highly overrated.

SLEEPER 86

Just out of curiosity, did the Dana 44 use the 1le aluminum calipers or another setup?
If anyone's interested this one has just under 10 hours left. He has already dropped $100, he might come down a bit more if nobody bids.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

I have the factory PBR calipers on the dana in my 92 formula.
Thought I had a pic of it but don't..

SLEEPER 86

Good to know, wonder if he would trade for a complete '89 t top car with a siezed block?

Justin89Formy

iTrader: (26)

someone got a smoking deal at $800!

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

You bet they did!!

SLEEPER 86

Hope it was someone on the forum.

FJA1791

iTrader: (3)

Mine uses original Delco disc brakes....I agree at $800 that is a great price.