D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Campbel45 · 07-19-2013, 09:44 AM

I am wanting to rebuild my front D44 and my rear 12 bolt both from 1971. I've been looking for rebuild kits less the ring and pinion. Is this what I'm looking for and has anyone used these kits before?

D44:
http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-126...it-master.html

12 bolt:
http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-127...it-master.html

Thank you much!

LONGHAIR · 07-19-2013, 10:15 AM

This is NOT a simple "bolt-on" type situation...even though it looks like it should be.
Inside the housing is a very complex and precise assembly. It takes quite a bit of knowledge, a few special tools, and a whole lot of patience. The investment in time, education, tools, and materials is just not worth it for a "one time" deal....especially with no guarantee of success.

This job is best left to a professional. It will get you a warranty and the peace of mind that comes with it.
And the first thing the pro is going to tell you is don't waste your money on trying to keep the original gears, they are worn too. Most will not even do the job with the old gears.
Replace everything, use synthetic lube and live happily ever-after.

Campbel45 · 07-19-2013, 12:22 PM

Longhair I think I've read this response from somewhere else too...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=288193

I work at a chevy dealership, have resources, and the tools but I will admit I havent worked on rebuilding axles such at this and not as experienced. A fellow tech who is older and much more experienced will be helping with the rebuild.

But Is this what kit what I need besides the ring and pinion? and has anyone used these kits before?

Thank you

Campbel45 · 07-20-2013, 04:02 PM

Anyone recommend these kits at all?

rwolf9653 · 07-20-2013, 04:13 PM

I have used kits similar to this, but not this brand. As long as you have the proper tools and knowledge to assist you in the build you should have everything you need.

Campbel45 · 07-20-2013, 04:26 PM

Alright good. Do you know what brand you used?

**D.PASSMORE** · 07-20-2013, 09:59 PM

I used NAPA for the bearings and seals. They looked it up and pieced it together. All USA and Japan stuff.

IwantaK5 · 07-30-2013, 08:08 PM

I bought the 12bolt rebuild from ebay, but i made sure it was the one with the made in usa timken bearings. the 12 bolt is not to difficult, just make sure you remember what sides the shims came from.

IwantaK5 · 07-30-2013, 08:12 PM

also.... you might need to replace the clutches in the posi. Those go bad. I got a new set from Randys ring and pinion

Bigdav160 · 07-31-2013, 08:35 AM

My concern would be the quality of the bearings (Chinese?). I bet you can buy Timken/National for the same money.

Unless you are changing the gearset or case, there's no need to change the shims.
Although GM will tell you not re-use the cast iron side shims (easy to break), most people do.

Campbel45 · 07-31-2013, 05:23 PM

I went with the Napa rebuild kit since I get a discount. Bearings and seals looked and felt like good quality. I am finishing up the dana 44 now. The pattern is looking good and havent ran into any problems yet. Time will tell though when I get on the road.

Also if anyone is attempting or thinking about rebuilding theirs on there own I would reccomend having a knowledgable friend come and watch over you. The rebuild was not bad at all but I have presses, pullers, tools, and most of all someone to help me out. There are manuals out there but its much better experience when someone has done it before

Bigdav160 · 07-31-2013, 06:16 PM

What did you use to install the inner axle seals? I've got mine all apart for installation of an Elocker and 3.73 gears. Both my side bearings were badly pitted. Pinion bearings looked good.

Did you replace all the other seals in the front? I think there is one in the rotor and another in the hub.

I am also going to replace the u-joints and ball joints while I'm there.

Campbel45 · 07-31-2013, 10:34 PM

I used a large socket and a long extension. I think it was 1 1/2 or maybe larger? I cant remember but just use one big enough to properly hit the seal in.

Yup there are two more seals on each side. One right before the inner wheel bearing and one after a needle bearing. I used some emery cloth to clean up the shafts where the seals are to get a better seal. Smooth and shiny afterwards

07-19-2013, 09:44 AM	#1
Campbel45 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 376	D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit I am wanting to rebuild my front D44 and my rear 12 bolt both from 1971. I've been looking for rebuild kits less the ring and pinion. Is this what I'm looking for and has anyone used these kits before? D44: http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-126...it-master.html 12 bolt: http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-127...it-master.html Thank you much!

07-19-2013, 12:22 PM	#3
Campbel45 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 376	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit Longhair I think I've read this response from somewhere else too... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=288193 I work at a chevy dealership, have resources, and the tools but I will admit I havent worked on rebuilding axles such at this and not as experienced. A fellow tech who is older and much more experienced will be helping with the rebuild. But Is this what kit what I need besides the ring and pinion? and has anyone used these kits before? Thank you Last edited by Campbel45; 07-19-2013 at 03:04 PM.

07-20-2013, 04:02 PM	#4
Campbel45 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 376	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit Anyone recommend these kits at all?

07-20-2013, 04:13 PM	#5
rwolf9653 more ideas than money Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: spring grove, pa Posts: 1,068	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit I have used kits similar to this, but not this brand. As long as you have the proper tools and knowledge to assist you in the build you should have everything you need. __________________ Randy 1948 Chevy 3100 5 window 1966 Chevy C30 Dually 1967 Chevy K10 1972 Chevy K20 1972 Chevy C10 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer 1987 Chevy V10 2003 Chevy Suburban

07-20-2013, 04:26 PM	#6
Campbel45 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 376	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit Alright good. Do you know what brand you used?

07-20-2013, 09:59 PM	#7
D.PASSMORE One of the First Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: St. Augustine,FL. Posts: 4,049	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit I used NAPA for the bearings and seals. They looked it up and pieced it together. All USA and Japan stuff. __________________ DAVID PASSMORE ST AUGUSTINE ,FL ZIP 32084 '71 SWB K/10 CUSTOM DELUXE (Chili) '72 BLAZER K/5 Muscle Truck (Mule) '72 LWB K/20 CHEYENNE (Blackie)

07-30-2013, 08:08 PM	#8
IwantaK5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Palm Beach Florida Posts: 80	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit I bought the 12bolt rebuild from ebay, but i made sure it was the one with the made in usa timken bearings. the 12 bolt is not to difficult, just make sure you remember what sides the shims came from.

07-30-2013, 08:12 PM	#9
IwantaK5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Palm Beach Florida Posts: 80	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit also.... you might need to replace the clutches in the posi. Those go bad. I got a new set from Randys ring and pinion

07-31-2013, 08:35 AM	#10
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit My concern would be the quality of the bearings (Chinese?). I bet you can buy Timken/National for the same money. Unless you are changing the gearset or case, there's no need to change the shims. Although GM will tell you not re-use the cast iron side shims (easy to break), most people do. __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

07-31-2013, 05:23 PM	#11
Campbel45 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 376	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit I went with the Napa rebuild kit since I get a discount. Bearings and seals looked and felt like good quality. I am finishing up the dana 44 now. The pattern is looking good and havent ran into any problems yet. Time will tell though when I get on the road. Also if anyone is attempting or thinking about rebuilding theirs on there own I would reccomend having a knowledgable friend come and watch over you. The rebuild was not bad at all but I have presses, pullers, tools, and most of all someone to help me out. There are manuals out there but its much better experience when someone has done it before

07-31-2013, 06:16 PM	#12
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit What did you use to install the inner axle seals? I've got mine all apart for installation of an Elocker and 3.73 gears. Both my side bearings were badly pitted. Pinion bearings looked good. Did you replace all the other seals in the front? I think there is one in the rotor and another in the hub. I am also going to replace the u-joints and ball joints while I'm there. __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

07-31-2013, 10:34 PM	#13
Campbel45 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 376	Re: D44 and 12 bolt rebuild kit I used a large socket and a long extension. I think it was 1 1/2 or maybe larger? I cant remember but just use one big enough to properly hit the seal in. Yup there are two more seals on each side. One right before the inner wheel bearing and one after a needle bearing. I used some emery cloth to clean up the shafts where the seals are to get a better seal. Smooth and shiny afterwards



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