My front axles have big balls on each end, are they anygood?

[Chaseman]

My front axles have big balls on each end, are these axles any good?
I haven't exactly been around that many axles but I've never seen what look like softball sized balls on the ends that the wheels turn on. Are they the "big ball D44's" and how should I maintenance them , also what oil goes in the dana 24 and Np435.

[Redcap]

Typical closed knuckle D44s. They work just fine.

[montana_hiboy]

The "big ball D44's" are more the size of a volleyball they're the HD44 with the larger hubs, the standard D44 has a smaller ball more softball sized as you described, you can run 90 weight gear lube in your tranny and t-case.

[Chaseman]

awesome, thank you

[Chaseman]

I'm thinking they're actually hd's but , anyway isn't 90w a bit heavy? it says here use about 50w http://www.fordification.com/transfercase.htm

[Doug Comer]

I use the 50w in mine. I was told that 90w in the transfer case is to thick. It doesn't lubricate the two piece input shaft enough. My . Doug

[averagef250]

The pocket bearing starves for oil in the 24. 50W oil won't help any, it's just a really bad design. Running 50W instead of 90W you'll just speed up the death of the rest of the bearings in the case.

You should run 90W gear oil in it. If you want more protection then run synthetic.