Dana 27/Dana 44

[brngarage]

Hi:
I have an early '53 Commander Starliner. I'm in the beginning stages of replacing the 232 with a 289 from a rough '56 Skyhawk(and changing from automatic to 3 speed/overdrive). Before I go crawling around under the back of both cars, is anybody certain whether my '53 came with a Dana 44 (and whether the Skyhawk should also have a 44)? I'd prefer not to swap the whole assembly if I don't have to, but I'm pretty sure the 27 won't live very long if I use the 289's power (and I do intend to use it).

Thanks

[StudeRich]

The '53 Commander will have a Dana 44, BUT you will need to look (& clean) around the rear cover bolt at about 8:00 to read the axle ratio tag under it. If it has the 3.54 that most Automatics have it MAY be acceptable as to RPM and Power that you are looking for with Overdrive. That is a little bit on the High geared side (low numerical) for Overdrive, meaning it will get great mileage but may be a bit doggy getting going, 3.54 is right on the edge of too high, depending on your driving habits, some people would love to have that nice of a high speed cruise RPM though.

Be sure to check your ratio on the '56 Sky Hawk, if it was Overdrive it could be a bit on the OTHER end of the scale, but if it's 3.92 or 4.09 like some were, it may be the way to go. Both are too old to most likely have a limited slip Twin Traction axle prior to 1958.

[jackb]

not to hi jack or change the thread...but: it appears my 63' Cruiser here came with the "optional" 3.31 R/A ratio behind the 289 & 3sp/OD. I'm guessing with the light Lark body (with lots of rust !) it will get mid-20's on it's good days....?

[pgothard]

Having just rebuilt the 44 in my own '53 Starlight restoration; look closely for the small pipe plugs (and weep-holes) out at the bearing ends of the axle. You can remove the plug and screw in a grease-zerk for easy lubing of the bearings in the future! None of my later 44's have this feature.

--Paul

[brngarage]

Thanks EVERYONE for the information. Since I have already transplanted the brakes (finned drums and all) from the Sky Hawk, I'm really glad I won't have to swap the rear ends and swap the brakes back to the Hawk axle. I will double check both rear ends for ratiio. If it works out OK for city driving, I think I'll like the the 3:54 (if that's what I have) for highway cruising and gas mileage.

[irish]

From time to time Studebaker would change the gear ratio/tranny combo in their cars. In 1963 a 3.31 R/A was standard in a cruiser with OD and a 3.07 or 3.73 was optional. I had owned a '63 Cruiser with a 3.31 w/OD and A/C and it did fine on the highway in OD, although I still prefer a 3.73 with OD.