I have a 10 bolt in the front of my '85 full size blazer. I found a Dana 44 from a 1970's suburban.

Is the Dana 44 stronger than the 10 bolt? If so how much? If I run 33's with lockers up front do I have to worry about breaking the Dana 44?

Is it enough of an increase in strength to make it worth doing?

 

their basically the same thing. the outers are the exact same as a 10 bolt (bearings spindles, lockouts etc) the only thing different that i found was you get a little bit heavier duty axle cover and the inner splines are a little bit bigger then the ten bolt but they tapper down anyways so dont really think that makes them any stronger. i prefer the 10 bolts over the 44 just for the fact of finding shafts alot easier in the junkyard

but you might get lucky if that 44 has flat top knuckles those can always come in useful encase you wanna run crossover steering.

so in summary they are the same axle in my opinion. if your 10 bolt is broke or the dana44 has better gearing or something then swap out. also i wouldnt recommend running a locker in the front without hydro assist steering. its gonna want to pull straight all the time.

 

I was going to put a selectable locker in the front.

 

Just do some research. Google around. Everyone I talked to that had a locker in the front hated it with stocj steering

 

If he goes with a selectable locker, on-road driving/handling will be a non-issue.
I would also say that Dana 44's are plentiful, so axles are no problem. They have got to be one of the easiest to get after market parts for too. Almost every Jeep & lots of Chevy's out there uses them. If you feel the need for hydro assist, it is not real hard to set up. You can will tap the steering box to connect the lines. With 33's, I would think your OK.

You will have no unusual problems with breakage running a locker & 33's unless you are reckless & have the love of the skinny pedal. I am locked & running 33's with a Dana 35 with no issues, but I know my junk, so I am careful. Just keep in mind when locked, the weakest link in your drive line will be the first to go, so be sure the u-joints, etc. are in great shape before you go out & stress the hell outta them.

If your worried about breakage, you could always run some Rockwell axles! LOL