Disc Brakes on a Dana 44

I am moving this request for guidance from another thread to get more input. Here is my build:

1. I am building a 1950 Merc with a flathead with 4-71 blower
2. T-5 transmission
3. I want to retain as much as the original equipment as possible
4. Using Jamco ball joint conversion with 5" drop up front/drop springs in the back
5. It is my goal is to keep the Dana 44 stock rear end

The challenge:

I want to put disc brakes on the original Dana 44 if possible, but I have not seen a kit to make this happen. The way I see it, this plan means that I am going to endure a significant amount of *** pain cutting the ends off and replacing with those for a ford 9", dealing with spline count differences, and only then it is smooth sailing. Or am I better off just shifting to a ford 9" from the beginning? Thanks in advance for any insight or suggestions.

 

Putting discs on the stock rearend wouldn't be very original anyway, might as well just find a 9".

 

You sure you have a "stock Dana 44" in a '50 Merc?

 

I thought the same thing. After a little research I found that some of the 1950s had Dana 44s in them. From what I understand the Dana 41 was unavailable so they made up the rest of the production year with the 44s. Kind of one of the reasons I want to keep it if possible. It is kind of unique.

 

Yes, they had Dana 44s.

 

The Dana 44 is still in production today. The 9-inch is famous for longevity (production-wise) but it's got nothing on the 44.
Look under newer Jeep Cherokees, Grand Wagoneers, etc. etc., Ford Exlporers... You can also shop ebay for fresh take-out limited-slip differentials with new factory gears on them. I like the factory gears because they're quiet. The OEs just won't tolerate gear howl like aftermarket customers will.

You've probably got the course-spline axles in yours, but the late-model Dana's have a finer spline... I think 28 spline. It mattered to me a while back because I was shopping for parts for the Dana 44 under my '62 Suburban.

-Brad

 

do your homework if your getting one out of later jeep as they also used dana 35's and they are JUNK! i have a 98' grand cherokee and the rearend had been howling for the last 60k. real common problem.

 

Ford Explorers use 8.8's. Look under 90's camaro's, and firebirds, some had 44's with disks.

 

Volvo used Dana 44 in the 240 and 260 series. And i think they had discs.
Lars

 

Might need to verify the bolt pattern on the housing end. Something in here might work.

http://www.tsmmfg.com/jeep.htm
http://www.tsmmfg.com/2100_5t.htm

Or just find a rotor that fits and use a weld on caliper bracket, like the four-ex-four and track guys use.

I run Cadillac Eldorado calipers on several vehicles, the big and the small ones, depending on the GVW of the vehicle.

 

I dunno man, dailies with rear discs have a hell of a time with brake residue on the rear wheels and seem to have worse issues with wet roads & needing a moment for the pads to dry. For anything that won't be traveling triple digits, gotta question if it's really an improvement.

Good luck

 

Thanks for the input. I will give it some more thought and research before moving forward. If I do start this endeavor in earnest, I will post pics of the conversion so others can chuckle along with me.

 

My OT DD, has rear disc and no signs of residue. Front, yes; rear, no.
A moment to dry? Perhaps a milli second or two to squeege the moisture from the surface of the rotor. If the pads are retaining moisture I'd be replacing pads before they fall apart.

.

 

some cherokees(mid size xj) in the late 80's with the tow package had the Dana 44. 87's, 88's and very few 89's.

edit: they had drums though.

 

If you want to use dics in the rear end check so they are matching in pressure for the brake system.
There is verry nice calipers on Audi but i think the diameter on the pistons is to small to us front calipers so will brake to little

 

I guess we drive different cars or have different levels of pickiness about the wheels . If I use any kind of metallic pad then the rear wheels and bumper are coated with metallic residue that will rust if left for a few weeks. Carbon pads leave dust that's easier to clean but have worse cold stop manners. We're not talking about one car here, closer to a dozen. I think aero must do a better job of removing front disc residue.

 

1994 - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo's had Dana 44's in the rear....Disk Brake and some had a G80 Limited Slip, Only issue is the axle is a 6 Lug with Pretty Big Disk Brakes......-Ryan

 

http://www.tsmmfg.com/jeep.htm

 

...levels of pickiness about the wheels... sounds like maybe you have been spying on me and my dirty truck....... I agree, metallic pads are a whole different story.

.

 

False.
Dana 27 1960-ish to 67-68,
Dana 30 from then to 84-85,
their own modified version of Dana 30 from then until mid-90's (diff itself is Dana 30 with larger ring & pinion wrapped around it.)

Not recommneded as a source of parts either way, as they have a very uncommon 5 on 4.25" bolt pattern on all disc brake rear ends

 

my '97 grand cherokee(zj) has a dana 44 w/3.73's & disc brakes. it does have a v8 & factory tow package which was an option.
hope this helps!