RCV Dana 44 axles

[apachetech]

Is anyone using these axles on their 44's? I saw on Wild Horses' website about grinding the bolt length down to fit if using drum but if I went with an aftermarket knuckle and disc brakes they should fit fine, right?

 

[garberz]

Yeah, they fit, even with the chevy disk. Here's an install video, on a 44.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp4RKNluDTk

 

[Blksheep1]

Not yet ordered mine should be hear this monday let you know what happens

 

[apachetech]

Let me know Blacksheep! I want to upgrade my 44 as much as possible and save some cash rather than going with a custom 9" front axle. I like the idead of the 30 spline RCV axles/ Reid knuckles/ disc brakes.

 

[78Scronco]

I have a set. The quality is top notch i thought.

 

[apachetech]

Do you use the drive flanges as well or a regular locking hub?

 

[78Scronco]

I used warn premiums

 

[apachetech]

Is it that you like to control when you lock up or is there a disadvantage with the drive flanges?

 

[Bronchole]

The drive flanges leave your front axles turning full time. I used the replacement parts for my existing Warn Premium hubs. It's allot cheaper than either of the other options and is actually stronger than the new Warn hubs, but not as strong as the flanges. RCV warrentied the parts they sell, Warn warrenties the hub.

You will need to grind the top off of the lower ball joint when installing.

 

[Monster Mike]

I was heavily considering going this route for awhile. now after more time wheeling im starting to think its overkill for my application. however i will be upgrading to a 351 in the next year. it will have considerably more power than the stock 302. im also going with 4.88's and the 4R70W all of this rolling on 35's.

toms sells a nice little chromoly fron axle shaft kit for $300 and if it is strong enough for my truck ill be happy.

im not crazy when im wheeling and im not doing alot of heavy wheeling in this rig mostly because the sheet metal is in such good shape i dont want to beat it up. thats what heeps and chebys are for ;D

 

[apachetech]

Do the drive flanges working full time reduce gas mileage or performance for daily driving? If I use Reid knuckles with a larger opening , will I still need to grind the lower ball joint?

 

[Bronchole]

Do the drive flanges working full time reduce gas mileage or performance for daily driving? If I use Reid knuckles with a larger opening , will I still need to grind the lower ball joint?

yes/yes The ball joints are still located at the same place

 

[apachetech]

Thanks for the info! I was reading some stuff on this and I think the best option would be to go with the Warn premium hubs with the 300M gear upgrade for the RCV axles.

 

[Bronchole]

Thanks for the info! I was reading some stuff on this and I think the best option would be to go with the Warn premium hubs with the 300M gear upgrade fot the RCV axles.

Thats what I did. It is not readily obvious that that's what the 300m parts are for, but I called them and they explained it. They worked just fine.

 

[apachetech]

That's great to hear!