1970 F-250 4x4 front axle questions

[Eric46]

Hello new to the forum here. Have some questions on the front axle on a 1970 F-250 4x4.
- Was the 1970 available with either the std Dana 44 and a HD Dana 44? How would you tell the difference?
- How do you tell the difference between a 3000# and 3500# axle?

Thanks
r
Eric

[eggman918]

The axle tubes and the knuckle "balls" are larger this one is the 3,500# one,it's hard to see but the ball on the 3500# is ~6"+ dia. the 300# closer to 4" dia.

[Madman]

I also believe you can tell by the hubs as well. I believe the internal spline is lighter duty, held on by allen screws while the heavy duty is external and 3/8th bolts...unless that is a later year thing!

[1972hiboy]

The dana 44HD also used the same sized trunion bearing for upper and lower positions where the lower gvwr d44 used two different sized bearings. basically it was different outter componets on the d44hd than just the regular d44

[Eric46]

Thanks for the information!