Highboy Dana 44HD Inspection and Teardown

On this episode I’m tearing Into my dana 44hd closed knuckle axle for my 1969 Harbor Blue Highboy project. I tear the axle down and inspect things along the way. Part 2 will be the assembly of the axle.

[@brucehendrickson4629]

Thanks Matt for another great video. We asked for it and you showed us thru the HD Dana 44. All fears are gone, now we can all rebuild these legendary axles from Ford Highboys.

[@donmoya7550]

Excellent tutorial with details and explanations that both seasoned gearheads and newbies can easily comprehend. I am a newbie to Highboys having inherited a '74 F250 Ranger I have learned more from you and your channel than all the Highboy forums and blogs combined. Watching you has given me more confidence in my ability to work on my truck I am beyond grateful Matt. Looking forward to watching and learning even more. Best Regards, Don Santa Fe, NM

[@MattKubik1791]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@vicmerle57]

I had a 1971 F-250 Sport Custom 4x4 with a 360 big block and a 4 speed with granny low and the same Dana 44 HD front end. I bought my truck in 1980 and owned it for 13 years. I loved that truck! Back then, I was young and dumb, and some guy that liked my truck said to me that I had a 1 Ton front end. I had no idea at the time. When I bought the truck used it had 80,000 miles on it and it had the stock rims with the Extra Traction Lug knobby tires. And it was a High Boy also.

[@mikerosetta9140]

too many reasons to swap to 76-79 dana 44 with disc brakes, king pin bearings dont get me started another good reason. i have many of those trucks and have had many more. never had a ball joint failure thanks matt i like what you do keep on rocking those bump sides !

[@jayramsey4953]

Thank you for breaking down the differences in the front axles. It is a goal of mine to build a Ford HighBoy with a built 390FE. Your videos are truly inspiring. Thank you for the work you do and keeping them on the road. Your videos got me through some lengthy hospital stays and I will be in for more so please keep up with the fun and educational videos.

[@tonyamadrigal4524]

Awesome informative show. I've got a 73 F250 I bought new when I was 18. Starting to restore it this summer. Thanks so much for your time, and experience.

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

Fantastic job with the information Matt 🙂👍 Can't wait for the reassembly. Take care 🔧 🔩

[@mike18421]

Great video!! I'm restoring my dad's 75 Highboy and after watching your video I noticed my Dana 44 3300lb Light duty front axle has the same brake hose/line setup as your HD. On mine the rubber hose goes to the bracket then a metal line goes to the cylinder. My father bought the truck new, and I can't imagine he would have changed it. Just thought that was weird after watching your video.

[@TheWhyteRhyno77]

Great content my friend. I’m restoring a 74 highboy and enjoy the content. I had a mangled front crossmember and bought that replacement after seeing your other video. Keep it up.

[@MattKubik1791]

Awesome! Glad I could help.

[@TheFrogfeeder]

I think this is the video I need, I got closed knuckle on my 67 dodge w100 that need some love…

[@jacobkey2692]

Thanks for the video and sharing your knowledge. Much appreciated

[@bryanjohnson9039]

Great video Matt! Wish this was around when I did my 44hd knuckle seals and bearings last fall

[@steveashworth6707]

Great video Matt!, I learned something and that is I'm pretty sure I have a front axle out of a 77 highboy cause there are disc brakes on the front and I already new the steering gear box and pump are out of a 77 as well!, but I had it aligned and it drives great and no drifting!.

[@danderson9881]

Alot of good Info! I think the HD44 had thicker axle tubes as well, .500" Guessing like the D60.

[@timothynall5030]

Great video! I was waiting for this one. That's twice now you have created a video that will help my rebuild in the future. Now if only I can get you to rebuild a NP 435!

[@tim8deb]

Thanks Matt great content.

[@MattKubik1791]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@coryjones9573]

Great video

[@p0k7lm]

tnx for video ! 📚 very helpful !🔧

[@bottom30bumpsides26]

Very helpful!

[@buchmannray]

I remember the first time I did one of these, I was so worried I wouldn't get the felt seal on properly

[@offgridmangogrower]

Hi Matt Have you seen any mods for the closed knuckle….cross over steering…..discs?.?

[@krisvold32]

i wonder what the advantages and disadvantages are from closed to open

[@nohtgonahappen7314]

What makes the 60 closed knuckle different from another 60 besides the closed knuckle part?

[@moemulkey2264]

👍

[@mechjeffy7049]

Good to know! Do you happen to know how much torque a Dana 24 t-case can handle?

[@nakiahearlson763]

Who do you use to paint your frame?

[@MattKubik1791]

It was done by Rob Carroll's Sandblasting & Painting

[@mr.boersen979]

Where u get the knuckle seals?

[@MattKubik1791]

Torque king

[@MattKubik1791]

Torque king

[@j.campbellscmb1740]

Isn't there a closed knuckle 60 in a '73-'75 f350?

[@MattKubik1791]

The only closed knuckle 60 in a ford is in. 74-75 crewcab 4wd. There was no Ford produced 4wd F-350 until 1979.

[@j.campbellscmb1740]

@@MattKubik1791 I got one. Where do I find info and parts?

[@MattKubik1791]

@@j.campbellscmb1740 Torque king

[@j.campbellscmb1740]

@@MattKubik1791 thank you

[@j.campbellscmb1740]

@@MattKubik1791 turns out that the axle I picked up is a Dana 70 closed knuckle front

[@nicholasarrigo3733]

matt interested in buying any motor parts or axles at all let me know.thanks - nick

[@MattKubik1791]

I don’t sell any parts sorry!

[@nicholasarrigo3733]

@@MattKubik1791 was asking if your wanting to buy some