Swapping Gears from Rear Axle to Front Axle

[sdhachey]

Have some 3.73 gears from a rear Dana 44 (1110 model). Wondering if it is possible to install them in a front Dana 44 (1210 model). I'm guessing that the gears are cut the same and the transfer case rotates them the proper way. So if this is correct in general, I'll need to determine if this particular gear set will swap (spline counts and whatever else). Any feedback here might help as well. Thanks in advance.

[Jeff Jamison]

Yes it will work,I did just the oposite,1210 front axle 4.10 gears into rear 1100 44 with 4.10 gears.I just used the shims that where on the gears in the front,stuck the whole thing in the rear and had no problem.I put over 20,000 miles on that rear before I sold the truck.The spline might be the same ,might not need to check as they changed some time I think atleat the outers did.Worst case you have to change 2 spider gears.
Jeff

[fredsterra]

Correct me if I'm wrong. But I know in large trucks the gear set has a reverse cut. So it will pull gear oil up on the carrier.

You might get away with it in a light truck. As long as you not hauling or towing heavy loads.

[Jeff Jamison]

Our older dana 44's did not have reverse cut
Jeff

[WRENCH MAN]

Originally Posted by fredsterra

Correct me if I'm wrong. But I know in large trucks the gear set has a reverse cut. So it will pull gear oil up on the carrier.

ONLY! Ford front axles (44's, 50's and 60's) from '78 on and SOME! Jeep front axles in the Cherokee's and YJ Wranglers.

[George Womack]

I have no idea if this applies to trucks, but IIRC Scout front 44s use an extra oil slinger that is not used in rear 44s. The slinger is effectively part of the pinion depth shims. The housings are cut differently for this reason. So if you install the front pinion gear without this slinger you will be WAY off on your setup. Something to look out for, and maybe someone here knows if the truck axles are like this. I suppose if you keep whatever slinger is already in there you will be OK>