dana 44 in shuttle bus?

[dvorocks]

Ive been in the process of looking for a a donor vehicle to use to convert my 1991 e350 shuttle bus to 4x4. The only axles I see is the dana 44 in the older conversions. The fabricator told me he thinks it will be ok.. not very confident. I really would like to find a already converted van with the dana 60. Do the exist? Or is the 44 strong enough. Thia vehicle is going to be used to tow a small trailer and no real extreme offroading.

 

[bdog1]

Some 44's had HD hubs, but, I think I'd keep searching for a D60. What is the rear gear? 4:10? 4:56? Perhaps a 60 with already matching ratio would be the way to save a buck?


Sent by wing, prayer & ATT

 

[java]

My E350 conversion uses a D60. The newer D60s are a bit more desirable, better job design.

I wouldn't do a D44, under a shuttle bus. I'm assuming it's bigger than just the van. Even with minimal off road use, with a heavy truck and a trailer your going to be nearly maxed capacity wise.

 

[dvorocks]

Im pretty sure it 4 10 gears in the rear.. I have it written down. Ya ill save money by not having ti change the gears over but pretty sure the project would be alot easier with a parts van to just switch everything over. Think ill keep searching

 

[flightcancled]

I am by no means an expert, but that sounds like bringing a knife to a gunfight.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cjken]

When you say donor vehicle. Do you mean a pre existing 4x4 van??

You might be better off getting the u-joint kit. You will have easier axle options and less fabrication than trying to swap quigley or some other per existing 4x4 van parts.
Just a thought.

 

[thedjjack]

look at front axle capacity and match or exceed.... most likely Dana60... next when stuck do you want it to pull the bus out or blow up the axle?

what motor is in the bus?

 

[Shocker]

Get a weight of the front end. My van has a D44HD in it. 3" tubs and HD hubs. GAWR is 4350. The D60 starts at 4500 for the earlier versions, F450 D60's are said to be rated at 6,000. Your best bet is to find a D60 and check the BOM number to get the exact specs for it.