My 1955 Thunderbird still has it's stock differential.  I believe this differential is a Dana 44. Is this the same Dana 44 that came in Jeeps?   Will an aftermarket Dana 44 differential cover fit?  Thanks.

Looks like there are a couple of options at drivetrain.com

http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog/ring_and_pinions/dana_44_front_and_rear_end_parts.html






.150 Stroked Y-Block:327.25 ci @ >1hp per ci
 

That’s a good question Phil. It’s been pointed out to me several times that the ‘birds used either a Dana 43, or 45, or something. My bird has a Dana 44, probably out of a truck, somewhere along the way. The welds on the spring perches were really lousy, probably as a result of moving them from the original to the truck rear end. When I went to replace the axle bearings, the bird ones were wrong, the truck ones were right. I’ve been from 4:11’s open, to 3.3? posi, to a 3.7? posi.

I looked at the finned covers for the back, they’d fit, but wouldn’t clear my rear sway bar or the gas tank. Long time go, just don’t remember.

Still, most of what you’ll want will be available, including the ring and pinion. As far as I can tell, they all looked the same from the outside, including the Dana used in the wagon and maybe “police specials”.

All I know for sure is my axle used the truck bearings. Back in 1967, I put the rear end from a 56 6 cyl wagon under a bird, and all I needed was 2” lowering blocks. Backing plates were the same, and the brake shoes and drums interchanged.

Hopefully someone with real information will set the story straight.



miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Miker,

drivetrain lists Thunderbird 55-56 as a Dana 44 application. 

I have sent an email to you regarding wheels, did you get it?




.150 Stroked Y-Block:327.25 ci @ >1hp per ci
 

Yes I did.  Thank you.

If you a going for "pretty or bling" these covers are OK i guess. Gale Banks has a group of You Tube Videos that show what they do for your vehicle with is very enlightening to say the least. Sure changed my idea for them on my towing pickups.... 

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.