1980-1996 Ford Bronco & F-150 Dana 44IFS Front Axle Identification IDN-137

Ford used Coil Spring, Dana 44IFS Twin Traction Beam front axles on 1980-1996 Full Size Bronco and F150 4x4 vehicles. These Ford Dana 44IFS front axles are rated at 3500 to 3550 pounds. 

External Identification Characteristics of Ford Dana 44 Coil Spring Twin Traction Beam Independent Front Suspension Front Axles:

• Coil Spring Suspension
• Left and Right Axle Beams formed from stamped and welded steel
• 5 Bolt x 5-1/2" Bolt Circle Wheel Bolt Pattern
• Axle Shaft Universal Joints have Internal C-Clip type Snap Rings
• Single Piston Brake Calipers
• Rated Front Axle Capacity on Truck Data Plate will be 3500 to 3550 pounds

Major Design Changes for 1980-1996 Ford Coil Sping Dana 44 Front Axles and the approximate years used:

1. 1980-1983.5 Right Differential  Output Shaft retained by 3 Bolt Thrust Plate
2. 1983.5-1997 Right Differential Output Shaft retained by Snap Ring on inboard end
3. 1980-1985 Brake Caliper Assemblies retained by single slide and tension spring at lower end
4. 1986-1994 Brake Caliper Assemblies retained by 2 Rubber Isolated Brake Caliper Pins per side
5. 1987-1988 Some models with manual hubs used "Pancake" Wheel Hub and "Top Hat" Hub-Lock
6. 1995-1996 Brake Caliper Assemblies Attach to Steering Knuckle with 2 Bolt

More  about the 1983-1984 Differential Output Shaft Change:
Right Differential Output Shaft: The major difference between 1980-1983.5 and 1983.5-1997 Ford Dana 44IFS front axles is the way the right differential output shaft is supported and retained. The early axles use a pressed-on taper roller bearing and an external bolt-on retaining flange. Later production axles use a straight roller bearing pressed into the differential housing and the axle shaft is retained by a snap ring inside the differential next to the differential side gear. The early right diff output shafts could be pulled without removing the differential housing from the axle beam with a special slide hammer puller attachment, but seal replacement also requires the bearing be replaced. For later axles, you MUST remove the differential housing from the axle beam to access the snap ring, but once it is out replacing the right seal is quick and easy.