Dana 44 TTB:
The Dana 44 TTB (Twin Traction Beam) was used in the front of Ford F-150’s and Ford Bronco’s from 1980 to 1996. Production on the Ford Bronco completely ceased after 1996, and the Ford F-150 switched from the Dana 44 TTB to an 8.8 IFS front axle in 1997.
The Dana 44 TTB was a variation of the reverse cut solid axle Dana 44 used by Ford. It appeared in the F-150’s and Bronco’s with coil springs.
Dana 44HD TTB (Medium Duty):
The medium version was the Dana 44HD TTB used on light duty (under 8500# GVW) Ford F-250’s from 1980-1986. This system uses leaf springs for both suspension and locating the axle housings (there are no radius arms with the leaf springs). The Dana 44HD TTB uses the same Dana 44 model TTB differential housing as the Dana 44 TTB.
The axle housings (beams) for the Dana 44HD TTB are made of .250 wall steel and they are shorter and heavier than the regular Dana 44 TTB. Because of the difference in length between the Dana 44 TTB and Dana 44HD TTB, the pivot brackets are designed differently, and attach to the front crossmember in different locations.
The Dana 44HD system uses larger steering knuckles, spindles, bearings, and hubs (8-lug) than the light duty version, and they cannot be interchanged. The only component interchangeable between the Dana 44 and Dana 44HD is the 3rd members (differential housing) and the locking hub mechanisms.
In 1987, the F-250 Dana 44HD TTB was replaced with a Dana 50 TTB.
Above is a comparison between the Dana 44HD TTB / Dana 50 TTB axle beam (top) and the normal Dana 44 TTB axle beam (bottom).
For more information on the Dana 50 TTB, click HERE.
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Specifications |
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| Ring Gear Diameter | 8.5-inches |
| Carrier Breaks | 3.73 Higher / 3.92 Lower |
| Ring Gear Bolts | 10×3/8 inch |
| Pinion Shaft Diameter / Splines | 1.376 inch / 26 |
| Inner Axle Shaft Diameter / Splines | 1.31 inch / 30 |
| Outer Axle Shaft Diameter / Splines | 1.21 inch / 19 |
| Inner Axle Shaft Minimum Diameter | 1.10 inch (necked) |
| Outer Axle Shaft Minimum Diameter | 1.10 inch |
| U-Joints | 5-297x |
| Maximum Tire Diameter | 35-inches |
| Pinion Bearing Preload | 14-19 in lbs (new) 6-9 in lbs (used) |
| backlash | .006-.010 inches |
| Ring Gear Torque | 55 lbs-ft |
| Carrier Bearing Cap Torque | 60 lbs-ft |
| Pinion Nut Torque | 200-220 lbs-ft |
The Dana 44 TTB was never offered in the Ford Ranger but some enthusiasts have adapted into the Ranger.
The above two photos are equipped with Dana 44 TTB’s using components from Autofab. Note that the yellow Ranger above is using wider fiberglass fenders. Unless you want a wider stance, we don’t think your going to gain much more than if you just did the Dana 44 Knuckle Swap HERE. The main key thing here is the axle benefits of the 35/44 hybrid. You’ll have 1/2 ton outers meaning you have better hubs, wheel bearing spacing and larger rotors and calipers than on the Dana 35.
Shaft wise, the Dana 44 stub shafts are larger than the stub shafts on a Dana 35. It’s interesting to note, that the Dana 44 shafts have a neck-down on them that tapers down to 1.09″ inches. The smallest point on the Dana 35 shafts is 1.16″ inches where it tapers down to go in to the carrier. The only shaft on a Dana 35 that is smaller than the neck-down on the Dana 44, is the Dana 35 stub shaft, which is 1.0625″ inches. Therefore, swapping the Dana 44 stub shaft on to a Dana 35 will actually result in a axle assembly with larger axles than the Dana 44.
If you do want to use a Dana 44 TTB and want beefier beams, Camburg offers offer pieces as well.
Other Resources:
Dana 44 TTB Maintenance Manual
Dana Spicer Parts Manual – Dana 44 TTB Starts On Page 121