How can I identify a Dana 60 axle?

The Dana 60 can be identified by its 12-bolt cover pattern. The housing is made from nodular iron, and it was offered in semi- and full-floating configurations, standard and reverse cut.

What gear ratios are available for the Dana 44?

Available Dana 44 gearsets listed are 2.72, 2.87, 3.07, 3.23, 3.31, 3.54, 3.73, 3.92, 4.09, 4.27, 4.56, 4.89, 5.38, and 5.89, with an 8.5-inch ring gear.

What does the 'C' in Dana 35C stand for?

According to the article, the C stands for 'custom' rather than the commonly assumed 'clip,' although the 35C does use C-clips to retain the axleshafts.

Which axle did a 1978-1990 Ford F-100/F-150 use up front?

The application chart lists the Dana 44 as the front axle for '78-'90 Ford F-100/F-150 trucks, and the Dana 44 as the rear axle on '67-'78 F-100/F-150 4x4s.

What is the difference between semi-floating and full-floating axles?

Semi-floating: the vehicle's weight rides on the axleshaft, which also spins the wheel. Full-floating: the weight rides on the axlehousing, and a ring of bolts in the center holds the axleshaft in place; most heavier housings are full-floating.

How do I spot a Dana 70?

The Dana 70 is essentially a heavy-duty Dana 60 and can be spotted by its extra webbing around the center section. It has a 10.50-inch ring gear.

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Axle Spotter's Guide: Dana 35, 44, 60, 70 & Ford 8.8 ID, Ratios & Lockers

Magazine Axle Spotter's Guide tech page describing Dana 35, 44, 60, 70 and Ford 8.8 axles with photos.

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Magazine tech article (Axle Spotter's Guide) describing Dana and Ford axle identification with applications and specs.

AI caption January 2009 · Photo 1781 of 2964

This is a scanned magazine tech article titled "Axle Spotter's Guide," a visual and reference guide for identifying common four-wheel-drive axles. It covers the Dana 35 (including 35C and 35 IFS variants), Dana 44 (also 41 and 53), Dana 60 (also 50), Dana 70, and introduces the Ford 8.8, each with a photograph of the axle's differential cover. For each axle, the article lists identifying features (bolt count, cover shape, housing construction), a table of vehicle applications by year, make, model, and axle position (front/rear), ring gear diameter, pinion gear diameter and spline count, available gear ratios, and available locker/limited-slip options (ARB Air Locker, Detroit Locker, Trac-Lok, OX Locker, TeraFlex T-Locker, etc.). Notable facts include: the Dana 35's 'C' stands for 'custom' not 'clip'; the Dana 44 uses a 10-bolt cover shared with the 41 and 53; the Dana 60 has a 12-bolt nodular-iron housing; and the Dana 70 is a heavy-duty Dana 60 with extra webbing. A footer sidebar defines axle terminology: semi-floating vs. full-floating axle designs. The guide is useful for identifying junkyard axles and choosing gears and lockers.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I identify a Dana 60 axle?: The Dana 60 can be identified by its 12-bolt cover pattern. The housing is made from nodular iron, and it was offered in semi- and full-floating configurations, standard and reverse cut.
What gear ratios are available for the Dana 44?: Available Dana 44 gearsets listed are 2.72, 2.87, 3.07, 3.23, 3.31, 3.54, 3.73, 3.92, 4.09, 4.27, 4.56, 4.89, 5.38, and 5.89, with an 8.5-inch ring gear.
What does the 'C' in Dana 35C stand for?: According to the article, the C stands for 'custom' rather than the commonly assumed 'clip,' although the 35C does use C-clips to retain the axleshafts.
Which axle did a 1978-1990 Ford F-100/F-150 use up front?: The application chart lists the Dana 44 as the front axle for '78-'90 Ford F-100/F-150 trucks, and the Dana 44 as the rear axle on '67-'78 F-100/F-150 4x4s.
What is the difference between semi-floating and full-floating axles?: Semi-floating: the vehicle's weight rides on the axleshaft, which also spins the wheel. Full-floating: the weight rides on the axlehousing, and a ring of bolts in the center holds the axleshaft in place; most heavier housings are full-floating.
How do I spot a Dana 70?: The Dana 70 is essentially a heavy-duty Dana 60 and can be spotted by its extra webbing around the center section. It has a 10.50-inch ring gear.