This is a D44 out of a 79 150 that I am rebuilding in preparation for an eventual SAS. The housing was half buried in the dirt when I got it.


This is the housing assy after I got it out of the truck bed.


Starting the tear down, down to the knuckles, locking hubs, calipers, rotors/hubs, spindles, caliper brackets and axles removed.


Everything cleaned up, found one spindle out of round and destroyed from a thorough beating with a hammer. One of the stub shafts needs replaced as the splines are ruined from use of the wrong tool. Both rotors are going to get replaced. Got some new 597s and Moog BJs for the rebuild.


In this picture the housing has been soda blasted, a Detroit locker has been installed with new pinion bearings, carrier bearings and seals. It is ready for paint.


Knuckles cleaned and ready for BJs and paint.


Housing with primer.


Housing painted, knuckles painted with new Moog BJs. Axles rebuilt with the 597x U joints. New seals throughout everything. Spindles installed, new rotors, bearings greased and torqued to specs.


Top shot of the outer rebuilt, new calipers in there as well.


The other side


Different view

 

View from the other side, the brake lines are installed. I'm awaiting the T-block and fitting for an extended diff to frame line.


MileMarker Hubs, they were on the housing when I got it. The chrome plating is flaking off and there is subsurface corrosion (bubbling chrome) so I wrote MM and sent them some pics. These hubs have a limited lifetime warranty, MM is going to replace the caps with a set of SS ones they have laying around along with new O-rings and screws. I have to say, their stuff has a good price, is built well and they honor their warranty even when they don't have too.

This build up has been a fun one and I have alot less in it then what they sell for from the reputable builders. Next,,, I will start collecting components for the SAS.

 

Nice! I can't wait to see how this goes for you!

 

nice work. that's gonna be sweet!

 

Thanks Brody and Gossett... it was a happy build. It will be awhile before I start the SAS because I need to collect some high dollar parts from Duff, JBG and steering parts from Mikes. Below the pic shows the union for the brake lines and extended diff to frame line I added today. Waiting on hubs from MM.

 

Looks great! Your truck just keeps getting better and better!
What gears did you go with when you had the locker installed?

 

Thanks 7700..... I stayed with the same gear set... 3.55. I can change them at a later date if I want. I would lean towards 4.10 if I were to do that... Giving good highway and off road performance.

 

Have you did the sas yet?

 

No I have not done the SAS yet. The twin traction beam works where I go hunting. I am still trying to decide about installing the unit. I have the Dana 44 up for sale but am in no hurry to sell it.

 

Looks like you done a good job! Great pics