Section 05-03A: Axle, Front Drive, Dana Models 44 and 50 | 1996 F-150, F-250 4x4 and Bronco Workshop Manual |
Three types of Dana front-drive axles are available for Ford light truck application. The Dana 44-IFS (Independent Front Suspension) is available on Bronco and F-150 4x4. The Dana 50-IFS (Independent Front Suspension) is available on F-250 4x4. The third type of front drive axle is the Dana Model 60 Monobeam. Refer to Section 05-03B for more information.
The axles are basically alike with some differences between the three. The 44-IFS is on vehicles equipped with front coil springs. The 50-IFS is used on vehicles equipped with front leaf springs.
The 44-IFS and the 50-IFS may be equipped with either automatic hubs or manual locking hubs.
The front axle is of the integral carrier-housing, hypoid gear type, in which the centerline of the drive pinion is mounted above the centerline of the ring gear.
On IFS front driving axles, the cover on the front of the carrier housing is integral with the left axle arm assembly. A mylar tag, with the gear ratio and part number, is attached to the rear face of the right-hand axle support arm.