The 1957 W100 and W200 4x4 Power Giant trucks with Dana 44 closed knuckle front axles were the first civilian based 4x4 models produced by Dodge. Dodge used the standard 3,000 pound rated Dana 44 closed knuckle axle with a 5" diameter knuckle ball for all 1957 to 1971 W100 and most 1957-1971 W200 trucks. Starting in 1963, an optional, 3,500 pound rated Dana 44HD closed knuckle front axle with a 7" diameter knuckle ball was available for the W200. The Dana 44HD has a larger knuckle bearings and axle u-joints and it can be easily identified by the 12 bolt knuckle ball seal.
For the 1957-1968 model years, the W100 and standard W200 shared many front axle parts. Even the wheel hubs were the same for 1957-1958 and 1961-1968. For 1963-1968 W200 trucks the Dana 44 and Dana 44HD use the same differential parts, spindles, brakes, and hubs.
Identification Characteristics of 1957-1971 Dodge W100 and W200 Front axles:
1957-1958 W100, W200: 3000 lb. Dana 44 with 5" Knuckle Ball. Wheels have 6 x 7-1/4" Bolt Pattern
1959-1960 W100: 3000 lb. Dana 44 with 5" Knuckle Ball. Wheels have 8 x 6-1/2" Bolt Pattern
1959-1960 W200: 3000 lb. Dana 44 with 5" Knuckle Ball. Wheels have 6 x 7-1/4" Bolt Pattern
1961-1962 W100 & W200: 3000 lb. Dana 44 with 5" Knuckle Ball. Wheels have 8 x 6-1/2" Bolt Pattern
1963-1968 W100: 3000 lb. Dana 44 with 5" Knuckle Ball. Wheels have 8 x 6-1/2" Bolt Pattern
1963-1968 W200 with standard front axle: 3000 lb. Dana 44 with 5" Knuckle Ball. Wheels have 8 x 6-1/2" Bolt Pattern
1963-1968 W200 with optional front axle: 3500 lb. Dana 44HD with 7" Knuckle Ball. Wheels have 8 x 6-1/2" Bolt Pattern
1969-1971 W100: 3000 lb. Dana 44 with 5" Knuckle Ball. Wheels have 5 x 5-1/2" Bolt Pattern. Wheel Hubs are internally splined
1969-1971 W200 with standard front axle: 3000 lb. Dana 44 with 5" Knuckle Ball. Wheels have 8 x 6-1/2" Bolt Pattern
1969-1971 W200 with optional front axle: 3500 lb. Dana 44HD with 7" Knuckle Ball. Wheels have 8 x 6-1/2" Bolt Pattern
