Dana Model 44 and 50 Front Axles

Three types of Dana front-drive axles are available for Ford light truck application. The Dana 44-IFS (Independent Front Suspension) is available on Bronco and F-150 (4x4). The Dana 44-IFS-HD (Independent Front Suspension-Heavy Duty) is available on F-250 (4x4). The Dana 50-IFS (Independent Front Suspension) is available on F-250 (4x4) equipped with Heavy Duty Front End option or F-250 Super Cab models.

All axles are basically alike with some differences between the three. The 44-IFS is on vehicles equipped with front coil springs. The 441FS HD and 50 IFS are on vehicles equipped with front leaf springs.

Fig. 1 Dana 44-IFS Front Drive Axle, Bronco And F-150 4x4 With Automatic Hublocks:

Fig. 2 Dana 44-IFS Front Drive Axle, Bronco And F-150 (4x4) With Manual Hublocks:

Fig. 3 Dana 44-IFS-HD-Front Driving Axle F-250 L.D. (4x4):

Fig. 4 Dana 50-IFS-Front Driving Axle F-250 H.D. (4x4):

The 44-IFS (Fig. 1) is equipped with automatic hubs and is equipped with manual hublocks (Fig. 2). The 44-IFS-HD (Fig. 3) and 50-IFS (Fig. 4) axles equipped with manual locking hubs only.

The differential carrier is mounted to the left hand axle arm. Adjustment of the differential bearings is accomplished by means of shims placed between the bearings and the differential case. The differential bearings are preloaded by the squeezing action of the carrier housing. A spreader must be used on the axle housing to relieve the tension on the differential bearings and permit removal or installation of the differential.

The front axle is of the integral carrier-housing, hypoid-gear type, in which the centerline of the drive pinion is mounted above the centerline of the ring gear.

The integral drive pinion gear and shaft is supported by two opposed tapered roller bearings which are assembled in the carrier housing. Pinion locating shims, installed between the inner bearing cup and the cup seat, control the drive pinion depth adjustment The pinion bearing preload is controlled by shims located between the pinion outer bearing and the shoulder on the drive pinion shaft.

The differential case assembly is supported by two opposed tapered roller bearings and cups, which are retained in the housing by removable caps. Shims, installed between each differential bearing and the shoulder on the case, perform three functions: they take up the differential case side clearance; they adjust the backlash between ring gear and drive pinion, and they establish differential side bearing preload.

On IFS front driving axles, the cover on the front of the carrier housing is integral with the left hand axle arm assembly. A metal tag, stamped with the gear ratio and part number is secured to the housing by one of the carrier mounting bolts.