Hi, I'm brand new to the Forum. Please forgive my lack of knowledge. How can I tell the difference between a Dana 44 and a Dana 36 rear end? Is the 44 much stronger? I'm looking to build a 500 - 600 hp engine. What types of mods do I need to do to make the rear live a long time?

Is there a site that can answer my questions without tying up your time in answering? Thanks in advance for any tips, links, and advice you can offer.

Mike

 

I read somewhere that you need the D44 and I saw some info on carbon fiber halfshafts and cryo-generated spindles. Are these the parts you are talking about when you say "rear end"? And yese you will need to upgrdae to the D44. Manuals were automatically equipped with the 44 while automatics had the weaker 36.[&:]

 

I appreciate the info. But how do I identify the 36 from the 44? And where can I find the parts I need to strenthen this for heavy duty use? Thanks, Mike.

 

RPO codes will tell you:

G44 - 3.07 Rear Axle Ratio - D36, optional; D44, standard, pre-1992.
G92 - Performance Axle Ratio - Shows performance axle selected.
GHO - 3.54 axle ratio - D44 only.
GM1 - 2.59 Rear Axle Ratio - D36 only.
GM3 - 3.45 Rear Axle Ratio - D44 only.
GU2 - 2.73 Rear Axle Ratio - D36 only.

And if your just looking for some misc. technical info on a C4 - this will probably cover it: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=956100

 

Hi,guys.I have the base 36 with the 2.59 ratio on it.It a hell of a lot of fun to drive,but man I wish I had a 44 with at least 3.54's in it!!

 

My car has the 2.59's in it alsobut I wish mine had the same as you wish yours had. Any taller and you will lose a anywhere from .10 to .5 second off your times in the 1/4.

 

You can get better gears. Its just that it wont make your reaerend as strong as a D44. The more gear you get, the more torque is put to the ground. People seem to interpetete that it makes your car more horsepower. If I had a D44 with some gears I would not have ANY tires.[&:]