How will a Ford TTB Dana 44 axle with 33's hold up in mud runs?

Um, just fine (link), thank you very much. [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Yep, don't let the solid axle junkies get you down, the d44ttb has awesome clearance because of the design as well as being strong enough for 35" tires in the mud (trust me [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]) I've seen 38" swampers on it in the mud before and as long as you don't have a built motor (like wd40!) it seems to work [img]images/graemlins/40BEER.gif[/img]

Actually, I disagree Muddy..... on the clearance issue. The rectangular shape of the TTB arms only hurts clearance, a solid axle (even a 60) actually has more clearance under the tubes...and a 60 front gives up only 1/2" under the diff.

Now that I got in a bit of TTB bashing, I think it'd do just fine in the mud with 33's.

Now that I got in a bit of TTB bashing, I think it'd do just fine in the mud with 33's.
Good recovery, <font color="blue">Shilo</font color>. [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Every measure the botton of the diff on the TTB and compare it to the same point on a solid? Make a bet with you on which one is higher.....Measure a solid diff and then measure the center line of the tires. I can do the same on my ttb and we will see who wins.... [img]images/graemlins/chair.gif[/img]

Shilo, who cares about the tubes? Note had said mud, not rocks. Lowest point of contact is all that matters, which of course is the diff. I was thinking that the diff sits higher on the ttb than a solid axle but i don't guess that's possible since the axle shaft has to enter the hub and diff at right angles, and there's no joint at the diff. There is extra ttb arm material under the chunk casting that further kills clearance, and I'm not sure if it would be wise to shave that or not. It would probably be ok since the diff chunk strengthens that area pretty well... might be worth a closer look. The rear axle usually gets hung up first so it doesn't matter much in the end. How much can a solid D44 be shaved? Anybody have pics? [img]images/graemlins/40BEER.gif[/img]

You can make the diff on ttb higher than a solid axle. On my ranger I put 2" coils (spacers would work too) and no drop brakets. The axles now point up in the middle, and the diff is higher too. I just needed a major alignment after the lift. Any time the lift is higher than the axle pivot brakets the diff will get more clearance

"Shilo, who cares about the tubes? Note had said mud, not rocks. Lowest point of contact is all that matters, which of course is the diff"

Really? I woulda thought you'd want to go for the least OVERALL drag?

You do.

But, read what TanBuddy mentions, I did this as well, just not 2" worth. I don't really notice any difference at the diff housing, but I do have a nice little arch for the remainder of the passenger side axle. Overall clearance/drag in mud might be a tossup, but at least I have a high point to aim for on the passenger side (which is also the tcase skid side that is higher up) for large rocks that I can't just put a tire on directly. My guess is that high area is maybe 2" higher than a solid axle.