dana 44 front axle

[gcochran223]

i have a 86 k15 6 lugs,12 bolt rear and i assume a d44 front. i have a pic posted of the from diff cover.im concerned how well this is going to hold up to my 350 with probably 330hp 350 ft lbs, i have a built th400 and np205. its the 6 lug dana 44.axles are stock with 3.42or 43s? cant remember but running my 35s im sure there is a gear swap in my future with 4.56 or 4,88s. the problem is i plan to occasionally use the truck for concrete tug a truck pulls. i have looked for a dana 60 14 bolt swap but the prices are really high and i would think a dana 60 would break also if its weak. i have tossed  the idea of doing gears and chromoly shafts in the front but i hear still those will break when abused but i guess anything will break when abused. the main reason i want to stick to my 15s is i have 3 sets of tires that are practically brand new on good rims i have aquired over the years.31s,35s and 37s. just wondering what recommendations anyone may have with experience in the upgraded shafts and gear swaps with these chevy axles. also fyi i believe axles are open diffs anyway.its not a dedicated pull truck but after a few beers and peer pressure anything can happen, thanks ahead.

[thirsty]

Original to your truck would be a 10 bolt.
I think the easiest and cheapest way to guard against "a few beers and peer pressure" would be to have another 10 bolt with the same ratio sitting around in case you broke yours. You could swap it out in a few hours and look like a hero again to your peers if need be.
BTW...you wouldn't be the first person to wreck a differential because of beer and peer pressure. Years ago my dad suggested that I install my drive trains with wing nuts on everything so I could change them out quicker. lol   I used to break my share of parts back then.

[gcochran223]

is that the dana 44 bolt pattern? my 78 had a 10 im pretty sure and it was almost a circle shape.thanks for the input!

[Sartobuilt]

That is a 44 that you have.

X2 on the spare parts, Get a spare axle.

[Blazin]

Over the years I have wheeled the wee out of, and abused many 44s. I will tell you I also broke some of them! But all and all they take quite a bit before there is a real problem.

[gcochran223]

yeah it wont be mudding running large tires but more tug a truck and maybe pulling a sled just to see how it does.it just makes me nervous cause alot of people are dana 60 or nothing and in NW ohio a junkyard dana 60 is atleast 600.thanks for the info guys

[Blazin]

I agree with the Dana 60 or nothing theory, but 44s and 10 bolts have there place as well. A good 60 around here can bring $1,000 or more if its had new parts installed.