Galvagni Posted March 8, 2023 Report Share Posted March 8, 2023 My 63 Avanti has a DANA 27 in it. Since my car was an early production (R1370), Is it possible that this was the original axle? The odd thing is that the trackbar mounts were torched off and do not line up with where the track bar would land. I'd like to replace this axle. I'm looking at a Ford Ranger 8.8" from a 1993 to 2009. The wheel mount surface to wheel mount surface is the same (58.5") and the bolt pattern is the same. Has anyone used the Ford 8.8 axle as a swap? Is there an alternative that would work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelson Posted March 9, 2023 Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 Not possible. Are you sure it’s a 27 not a 44? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galvagni Posted March 9, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 It's definitely a Dana 27. This axle must have been installed after the original Dana 44 was ruined. I would like to replace this so I'm looking for ideas of what would be a logical replacement. I mentioned a Ford Ranger (1993 to 2009) 8.8" as a possible replacement because the overall length is the same and the bolt pattern is the same. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfg Posted March 9, 2023 Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 2 hours ago, Galvagni said: It's definitely a Dana 27. This axle must have been installed after the original Dana 44 was ruined. I would like to replace this so I'm looking for ideas of what would be a logical replacement. I mentioned a Ford Ranger (1993 to 2009) 8.8" as a possible replacement because the overall length is the same and the bolt pattern is the same. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Yep, someone over the years snuck a '27' in there...meaning they also had to come up with a longer driveshaft, and smaller leaf spring U-Bolts & spring plates! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfg Posted March 9, 2023 Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 The Ford Ranger axle swap sounds interesting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galvagni Posted March 9, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 The web site: www.therangerstation.com has the following information on the Ford 8.8. The one potential difference between the D27 and the 8.8 is the "Pinion Offset Right of Center" . There's is 2" where I measure 5/8" on the D27. I'll try to hunt one down at the scrapeyard. Ford Ranger & Explorer 8.8-Inch Axle Dimensions 1983-1992 Ford Ranger 1993-2009 Ford Ranger 2010-2011 Ford Ranger W/Discs Ford Explorer Width WMS-WMS 56.50 inches 58.50 inches 57.50 inches 59.625 inches Axle Tube Diameter 2.80-inches 2.80-inches (28-spline) 3.25-inches (31-spline) 3.25-inches 3.25-inches Pinion Offset Right Of Center 2-inches 2-inches 2-inches 2-inches Pinion Offset Below Centerline 1.50-inches 1.50-inches 1.50-inches 1.50-inches Pinion Length (axle centerline to u-joint centerline): 11-5/8 inches 11-5/8 inches 11-5/8 inches 11-5/8 inches Bottom Of Housing From Centerline 5-3/4 inches 5-3/4 inches 5-3/4 inches 5-3/4 inches Stock Spring Perch Width 38-1/2 inches 38-1/2 inches 38-1/2 inches 38-1/2 inches Axle Spline / Diameter 28 / 1.21 inches 28 / 1.21 inches 28 / 1.21 inches 31 / 1.32 inches Pinion Stem Diameter 1.626 inches 1.626 inches 1.626 inches 1.626 inches Ring Gear Diameter 8.80 inches 8.80 inches 8.80 inches 8.80 inches Ford Ranger FX4 with a 31-spline 8.8-Inch axle should have a 1.32-inch diameter axle shaft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelson Posted March 9, 2023 Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 You could just get another Stude Dana 44 and get the flanged axle conversion kit fromFairborn Studebaker. It would be an improved original. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfg Posted March 9, 2023 Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 You could also advertise for a '78(?) Through '85 Avanti ll "44" flanged axle assy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dwight FitzSimons Posted March 9, 2023 Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 Occasionally an original Dana 44 flanged diff. out of a mid-65 or '66 Lark-type comes up for sale. That would bolt right in. The brackets are available and can be welded on. --Dwight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galvagni Posted March 9, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 A Dana 44 out of Studebaker! I assumed that that would be an impossible task. Hopefully I'm wrong. I'll give it a look. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfg Posted March 9, 2023 Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 42 minutes ago, Galvagni said: A Dana 44 out of Studebaker! I assumed that that would be an impossible task. Hopefully I'm wrong. I'll give it a look. Thanks Suggest call Dave Thibeault..... Tel # 978 897 3158 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dwight FitzSimons Posted March 9, 2023 Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 1 hour ago, Galvagni said: A Dana 44 out of Studebaker! I assumed that that would be an impossible task. Hopefully I'm wrong. I'll give it a look. Thanks Many Studebakers came with Dana 44's. All 289 V8 Hawks & Lark-types were factory equipped with a Dana 44. If you will accept tapered axles it would be easy to find one of those. --Dwight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunslinger Posted March 9, 2023 Report Share Posted March 9, 2023 Find an Avanti II being parted out...most (but not all) came with flanged axles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skip Lackie Posted March 11, 2023 Report Share Posted March 11, 2023 As Dwight said, there are plenty of Dana 44 axles with tapered axles from Larks around. Occasionally they are available for free if you're willing to pick them up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
64studeavanti Posted March 11, 2023 Report Share Posted March 11, 2023 I have Dana 44 from a 63 I am parting out that you can have if you are willing to remove. I believe it is 3.31 ratio. I live just south of Tampa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galvagni Posted March 11, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2023 4 hours ago, 64studeavanti said: I have Dana 44 from a 63 I am parting out that you can have if you are willing to remove. I believe it is 3.31 ratio. I live just south of Tampa. I'd be interested in that. How best to get in touch with you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
64studeavanti Posted March 11, 2023 Report Share Posted March 11, 2023 I sent p.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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