FRONT END PARTS FOR DANA 44

66-77 Broncos came with the Dana 30 (66-71 1/2) and the Dana 44 (71 1/2-77). In 1976, Ford equipped the Dana 44 with disc brakes. The easiest way to identify which front end you have is to look at the steering knuckles. The Dana 30 uses king pins which are held in with four bolts on the top and bottom. The Dana 44 uses ball joints which are held in with large nuts (see illustrations below).

While rare, there were a certain number of Broncos delivered with "hybrid" axles that used Dana 30 outer components with king pins and a Dana 44 center section and gears. These were found primarily on '69 and '70 model Broncos and the only way to tell for sure what you have in those cases is to verify the front cover design. The Dana 30 has a concentric shape, and the Dana 44 had an offset shape.

Dana 44 Front End Parts (71 1/2-77)

Note: All of the parts in this illustration will not apply to all years. Identify your front end and then check the part description for proper application.

Spindles

There are 3 different spindles that were used from 66-77. All Bronco Dana 30's and 71-72 1/2 Dana 44's use a spindle with the spindle/outer axle seal pressed into the back of it. These have 6 bolt holes. The 72 1/2-75's do not have the spindle/outer axle seal pressed into the back. It is located on the outer axle seal flange which is pressed onto the outer axle itself. These also have 6 bolt holes. The 76-77 disc brake spindle is easily identified by its 5 bolt holes. All new spindles come with spindle bearings.