Rear Axle: 66 Daytona

[Yeet]

I believe my 66 Daytona has a Dana 44 rear end. It is a open differential and I am not a fan. Will this mini fit this old diff. Thank you in advance.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/62920/10002/-1

[tsenecal]

Older Dana 44's would likely not have 30 spline axles. They made them with 19, and 27, I believe. You would have to figure out what Stude used, or pull an axle and count them. A spool will work, but will squeal one tire cornering on pavement.

[Yeet]

Thanks! I actually may know a guy with a limited slip setup he may give me. I think he called it a trac lock

[StudeRich]

The Linked Gizmo has 30 Splines, No Way will that work.
And as mentioned, it's a Locker, so not for Street Use.

Also, if the Track Lock Differential is a MoPar, Ford or Chev. the Splines will again be a problem.
If you use the whole Diff. the Track Width, Spring Mounts and Drum/Wheel Fit will be a problem.

I would stick to a Studebaker R/A with a Flanged Axle conversion Kit from Fairborn Studebaker.

[Yeet]

So this Dana 44 is a one off deal? No parts from other Dana 44 differentials will fit?

[StudeRich]

A "One Off" Deal maybe, but more like One Make, and a few hundred thousand were probably made!

[64studeavanti]

IIRC, 65-66 Studes had flanged axles from the factory.

[StudeRich]

Yes, Only LATE 1965 and All 1966, would have either a lightweight Dana 27 for Sixes or a Model 44 for Eights with Flanged Axles with finer splines. Also a good number were Twin Traction Limited Slip equipped.

[Yeet]

I am currently thinking of swapping the entire rear end for something a little closer to this century with a more ideal gear ratio with limited slip.

[Yeet]

This is what I’m working with currently

[64studeavanti]

Looks like you have Dana 27. The most popular swap is Ford 9". The axles can be shortened to fit. Some have also used Ford 8.8" or 8" since they may be more readily available.

[Yeet]

So do you think it’s a good decision to ditch the 27?

[r1lark]

So do you think it’s a good decision to ditch the 27?

Seriously, we don't have enough info from you to offer an opinion!

How are you going to use the car? Parades and going to the ice cream shop with the grandkids? Or are you going to race the car or turn it into a drifter?

Are you using a six cylinder, or a turbo'd LS or a Hemi out of a Dodge Challenger SRT?

Are you going to use an automatic and idle it around easy, or use a 4-speed and shift like Ted Harbit at the Pure Stock Drags?

Just not enough info.

[64studeavanti]

Depends on the engine. The 27 is a light axle usually found behind 6 cylinder cars and maybe some 259 V8s in Lark types. As long as you don't get on it, it will likely hold up for moderate street use. After all, it is what is there now.

[Yeet]

It had a 283 Chevy with auto borg Warner t8 from the factory. I have swapped in a roller 350 producing 350-400 horsepower and probably a little more torque. It has a 5500 rpm cam in it. I also put in a 700r4 transmission. If you need more specs on that let me know I can probably find exact numbers for everything if needed. I am going to daily drive this car. I will put on as many Miles as humanly possible. I will be driving mostly city.

[r1lark]

It had a 283 Chevy with auto borg Warner t8 from the factory. I have swapped in a roller 350 producing 350-400 horsepower and probably a little more torque. It has a 5500 rpm cam in it. I also put in a 700r4 transmission. If you need more specs on that let me know I can probably find exact numbers for everything if needed. I am going to daily drive this car. I will put on as many Miles as humanly possible. I will be driving mostly city.

Wow, sounds great! Yes, I believe you should put a heavier duty rear axle in it! If I had something like that, the rear axle wouldn't last past the first test drive .

[Yeet]

I just located a 9 inch Ford and I am going to measure it out.