Damaged Dana 44

[clapprp]

Hi everyone, I recently bought a 1970 Bronco that came with a 1979 Dana 44 front axle. During teardown, I noticed that part of the center section has some missing material near where the bearing and seals sit. I’m trying to figure out if this is something I can still safely run as is, or if it's a lost cause and needs to be replaced. Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Torkman66]

It’s been a while since I rebuilt mine but if I recall, the seal sits behind that section and the bearing sits in front. I believe that is an open area that seperates the bearing from the seal. Don’t see a problem.

 

[Yeller]

@Torkman66 is correct. It is not damaged.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I think that "missing material" is intentional. As in they didn't put it there so they could install a large pinion for the highway gears that were common in that era.

 

[thegreatjustino]

Are you talking about the section in the rectangle or the section in the circle?

 

[clapprp]

Thanks for ckarifying.

I'm referring to the section in the circle. I've looked up pictures of other '79 D44 center sections and I don't see any material missing.

 

[Yeller]

There is missing material in that approximate location quite often, not all but some axles. The seal goes in the machined area deeper in the tube, it is all good.

 

[clapprp]

Phew!

Thank you for confirming!

 

[FordBronc]

X2 that is suppose to be there, that is how the axle vents. So when you build it and use what ever you use when you drive in the seals. Make sure that little area is open. If you can get a small piece of wire thru it, it should pop out where the axle vent tube threads in.

You do have the matching carrier bearing caps? And they are marked L and R yes? I sure hope so.