Exactly, I was moving so slow locked front and rear climbing large ledges but needed to bump it up the next one when it let go. It was so calm that I thought I bumped the spring hanger. I would have exploded a stock front diff way before the rear axle shaft let go on this obstacle. 37s seems to be the tipping point for a stock 10 bolt but the new front high pinion Dana 44 IFS seems to not care about 37s
I couldn’t agree more! My ford High pinion 44 that was retubed to pass drop was a great axle. I ran it on 40s and never had an issue. I did have my ox locker lose a bolt, flung up and chipped the gears, even then I ran it till I pulled it with no issues.
The ford HP44 is the best 44 around IMO. It’s the only 44 R&P I’ve seen hold up to the abuse of 40s consistently on other rigs too. I know a guy that had one on 38s (I know not 40s but but was a throttle happy guy. Which more then made up for it.) He would back up and go foot to the floor up backdoor at hammers with no issues spinning the front end like crazy. It was straight up abuse.
The only reason I pulled my HP44 was because it was a concern for Ultimate adventure. When I got the call they asked about 40s on a heavy rig and that 44. Even though I told them it was proven and has lasted years I could still sense the concern and that’s when I told them I had a 70 rear and a pile of 60 outers in the garage. They said your in! Get building on that axle. So I did...that axle will live again under another rig I build in the future. Eventually I would like to get a 3T and keep this one IFS so your 44 and possibly a 60 rear. More mild build for camping and exploring then the SAS and crazy rock crawling I like to do. I figure the truck bed will be needed with a family one day.
Anyways sorry for the long tirade and rabbit hole I went down. Bottom line is the AAM 7 protected the 10 bolt from breaking. Now that there’s a HP44 the 10 bolt is more vulnerable. Wish I could get to Moab. I would love to wheel with you!