I just picked up a 79 w150 powerwagon and it has a broken passenger side front axle shaft. I just replaced one on my 97 1500 is the removal of the shaft the same? Any help would be great.

 

No one can accurately make this comparison without knowing what axles are in each vehicle. I have no information on a 1997 1500 so I can't compare the two. The 1979 if stock should have a Spicer 44 front axle assembly in it. The procedure for removing the right front axle will depend on whether you have full time 4-wheel drive or part time. Do you have locking hubs?

A note to anyone reading this. If you are going to work on your own vehicle a call ( I prefer a face to face visit ) to your local dealership with your VIN in hand will tell you precisely what every system is that is in your specific vehicle. This info can be critical in trouble shooting and procedure for repairs.

 

My 97 is a Dana 44 just the short and long sides are of the axle are opposite of the 79 which is also a Dana 44. The 79 is all time 4x4

 

If you have a Dana 44 in the 79 I can't help you. My info shows it was not used then and so it is not stock. The Dana 44 was used from 80-01 again by my info. If they are both Dana 44s I would assume they would be the same to change as long as you are working on the same side (the long or short shaft.) and it is also full time 4x4 like the 79. I know, I know, when you assume you Make an a** out of you and me. LOL

Front Axle
Dodge
1974-1993 Ramcharger
1980-2001 1/2 Ton (W150/1500)
1994-1995 3/4 Ton (2500 Light Duty)

I am glad this came up . Doing research apparently the Spicer axle division is a division of Dana axles. I can not find anything yet that tells me what the difference is or if there is a difference between the Spicer 44 and the Dana 44.

 

This should tell you any thing you want to know and a lot you don't.

http://www2.dana.com/pdf/AXSM-0053.pdf

 

I thought spicer and dana were the same that's why I said that. It is the same side as my 97 but the pumpkin on the 97 is on the drivers side were as the 79 is on the passenger side. The axles look almost identical. Cause technically my 97 is full time 4x4 cause the front axle shafts are turning there's just no power to the axle. So I figured the axle internals were the same. Changing my 97 axle was a piece of cake I just wanted to see if the 79 would be similar.

 

I love learning and this research has taught me a lot. This site gives an exploded view of the Dana 44. Since only one side of the axle is shown I would think both sides are the same as these guys are selling the parts.

http://www.bjsoffroad.com/CartGenie/prod-1029.htm

 

I appreciate all your help it appears to be the same. I'm just gonna pull it apart and go from there.