51 and up F1 dana 44 gear swap

[JHFORD51]

I have a 3.92 ring/pinion in my 51 F-1 Dana 44 differential. I am aware of the various alternatives to going faster (49-50 merc O.D., S-10 T5, 57-72 F-150 9"), in fact all of those components are at my disposal, in various states of repair and each presents their own set of installation "hassle". What I would like to do is install a 3.54 ring and pinion in my existing Dana 44 and leave the rest of the otherwise stock truck alone. Most of the parts I am seeing note the carrier may be different for 3.92/4.10 and numerically lower gear sets; no big deal as long as I know which carrier to look for. Most of the bearing kits also note 67 and up. Ford used this axle for a great number of years in trucks and broncos and I understand even some late model Jeeps still use variants of it but most of the 4x4 crowd around here doesn't know anything about the older stuff we like to wrench on. Has anybody done this recently that can share some info and avoid me repeating all of the market research?

Thanks in advance!

[Ross F-1]

There are some later (Jeep Grand Cherokee I believe) carriers that will work, but the complication is the 19 spline side gears. The newer carriers have a different diameter side gear where it sits in the carrier. The only place I know of that sells everything you need to do a conversion is Randy's, https://www.ringpinion.com/

From what I've heard, your best bet is to call and tell them what you want to do.

[rotorwrench]

I think the 3.73 :1 carrier has to be used with the taller ratios. The 1M-4205-B is the one used for the 3.73, 3.54, and 3.31:1 ratios. The Mercury cars with Merc-O-Matic are the most common axles with this carrier. If you dont have one you can buy a new one for the D44 with 19 spline axles from Randy's R&P. Here is a link.

https://www.ringpinion.com/b2c/Parts...RWD&DiffID=126

[JHFORD51]

Awesome guys, thanks. YC D18458 carrier to fit 3.73 and smaller ratios for the old style diff. It would have taken me a while to find these guys. Should be able to order carrier, R&P, and smalls in a one stop shop. Fantastic!

[pineapple]

I did this exact work to my 51 f1 a few years ago.. I used a 3:54 ring and pinion from a jeep cherokee or wagoneer, cant remember which. I used an auburn posi carrier that I found on super sale from some race supplier (i could dig up the paperwork if you needed),this carrier had 19 spline side gear setup. It was on sale because racer guys wanted carriers for lower gear sets. Best rear axle I've ever built, drove it in the colorado snow with no weight in the back. sounds like you got everything sorted out,figured I would add some variety.. Good luck! Great trucks.

Matt

[bk53]

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*2 for Randy's. I got everything I needed to put 3.31 in my 53. I love it. My flathead is a little warmed up (276) and runs in front of a fordomatic, but i love the combination.

[scooder]

JHFORD51,
Keep us (me) posted on what happens please, will need in the future to change my 50 Merc rear gear to a higher gear. Being in the UK meens I can't send wrong stuff back.
Really like to know the exact jeep rear to look out for.
Many thanks,
Martin.