Crane Axle Dana 44 Inner C's (Pair)
CA01060
The Crane Axle Dana 44 Inner C’s are U.S.-made weld-on inner knuckles engineered by Crane Axle for custom Dana 44 front axle builds, high-angle steering systems, large tires, and demanding off-road use. Cast and precision machined from 8620 chromoly steel, these inner C’s provide a stronger foundation than standard OEM cast iron components when replacing bent knuckles or building a housing from scratch.
The 2.75" bore is designed for compatible Dana 44 axle tubes and can be MIG or TIG welded during housing assembly. A hardened outer surface provides impact resistance, while the more ductile core helps resist fatigue under repeated steering and suspension loads. These inner C’s are compatible with Crane Axle outer knuckles and many properly matched OEM and aftermarket Dana 44 knuckle assemblies.
Includes:
- (2) Crane Axle Dana 44 Inner C’s
- Left and Right Inner Knuckle
Important: These inner C’s do not fit Jeep CJ, TJ, YJ, JK, or XJ applications.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Crane Axle |
| Product Type | Weld-On Inner C / Inner Knuckle |
| Axle Application | Dana 44 Front Axle |
| Bore Size | 2.75" |
| Material | 8620 Domestic Chromoly Steel |
| Manufacturing | Cast and Precision Machined in the USA |
| Welding Method | MIG or TIG |
| Strength Profile | Hardened Outer Case with Ductile Core |
| Approximate Tensile Strength | 97,000 PSI |
| Approximate Yield Strength | 57,000 PSI |
| Quantity | Sold as a Pair |
Fitment
| Year | Make | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972–1976 | GM | K5 Blazer / Jimmy | Passenger-Side Front Axle |
| 1972–1976 | GM | K10 | Verify Dana 44 Front Axle |
| 1972–1976 | GM | K20 | Verify Dana 44 Front Axle |
| 1972–1976 | GM | K30 | Passenger-Side Front Axle |
| 1977 | GM | K5 Blazer | Dana 44 Front Axle Only |
| 1974–1993 | Dodge | Ramcharger | Passenger-Side Front Axle |
| 1980–2001½ | Dodge | 150 / 1500 | Passenger Side 1980–1993; Driver Side 1994–2001½ |
| 1988–1995½ | Dodge | 2500 Light Duty | Passenger Side 1988–1993; Driver Side 1994–1995½ |
| 1972–1980 | Dodge | W200 | Passenger-Side Front Axle |
| 1974–1991 | Jeep | Wagoneer | Passenger Side 1974–1979; Driver Side 1980–1991 |
Fitment Notes
- Designed for compatible Dana 44 front axle housings using a 2.75" axle tube interface.
- Does not fit Jeep CJ, TJ, YJ, JK, or XJ applications.
- Vehicle year, make, and model alone do not guarantee fitment because axle housings may have been replaced or swapped.
- Verify axle model, tube outside diameter, knuckle orientation, caster requirements, and outer knuckle compatibility before welding.
- Final caster, camber, and steering geometry must be established during installation.
Tech Insight
1. What is a Dana 44 inner C?
The inner C is welded to the end of the axle tube and supports the upper and lower ball joints or kingpin-style knuckle connection, depending on the axle design. It establishes the position of the outer steering knuckle and plays a major role in front axle strength and steering geometry.
2. Why upgrade from an OEM cast iron inner C?
Large tires, high steering angles, hydraulic steering, and hard impacts can bend or damage factory inner C’s. The 8620 chromoly construction provides a stronger foundation for custom axles and off-road builds exposed to higher steering and suspension loads.
3. Can these inner C’s be MIG or TIG welded?
Yes. Crane Axle specifies that these inner C’s can be installed using either MIG or TIG welding. Proper material preparation, alignment, preheating, weld procedure, and controlled cooling are important when welding axle components.
4. How is caster set when installing new inner C’s?
Caster is established by rotating each inner C on the axle tube before final welding. Both sides must be aligned consistently while maintaining the correct pinion angle, camber relationship, and steering geometry for the vehicle.
5. Will these inner C’s fit any Dana 44 axle?
No. Dana 44 housings were produced with different tube sizes, knuckle designs, steering orientations, and vehicle-specific configurations. Confirm the 2.75" tube interface and the complete knuckle package before cutting or welding the axle housing.