Can You Run 35s+ on a Dana 44? Steering Upgrades You Can’t Ignore

So, you’re thinking about (or already running) 35s or bigger on your rig with a Dana 44 front axle. First off—respect. That combo can handle a surprising amount of abuse if you build it right. But before you hit the trails or cruise down the highway, let’s talk about the one area that can make or break your experience: the steering.

A lot of people focus on axle shafts and gears when upgrading for bigger tires—and while those matter, your steering setup is just as critical, especially with a Dana 44.

Let’s dive into why steering upgrades aren’t just a “nice-to-have”—they’re a non-negotiable when you're running 35s or larger.

The Realities of Big Tires on a Dana 44

The Dana 44 is a solid axle. It’s found in Jeeps, Scouts, older Fords, Chevys—you name it. And while it’s pretty stout in stock form, it wasn’t exactly engineered with 35" to 40" tires in mind.

Once you bump up from 33s to 35s+:

• Steering components are under more stress

• Bump steer becomes more noticeable

• Tie rods and drag links start to flex (or bend)

• Your overall handling takes a hit

So yes, you can run 35s on a Dana 44, but if your steering is still stock? You're asking for trouble.

What Goes Wrong with Stock Steering on Big Tires

Here’s what most folks experience when running oversized tires on a stock Dana 44 steering setup:

1. Wobbly Steering & Poor Road Feel

That vague, floaty feeling you get behind the wheel? It's the factory Y-style linkage struggling to keep things in check.

2. Premature Wear

Bigger tires = more leverage = more wear on tie rod ends, ball joints, and steering knuckles.

3. Bump Steer

Every dip, pothole, or flexy moment sends your steering wheel jerking left or right. That’s bad geometry in action.

4. Flex-Induced Binding

Stock steering doesn’t accommodate the full articulation of a lifted rig. As a result, things bind—or worse—snap.

The Steering Upgrades You Shouldn’t Skip

To make 35s+ behave on a Dana 44, you need to beef up and rework your steering geometry. Here's how:

1. Crossover Steering Kit

This is the #1 upgrade that changes everything.

• Moves the drag link from the pitman arm directly to the passenger-side knuckle

• Improves steering geometry

• Reduces bump steer

• Boosts clearance for trail obstacles

Perfect for lifted rigs—and mandatory if you want precise handling on and off-road.

2. High Steer Setup

Want even better clearance? Pair your crossover with high steer arms mounted to flat-top knuckles.

• Moves linkage above the axle centerline

• Avoids rock hits and trail damage

• Keeps angles flat, even with taller lifts

This setup is a favorite among serious off-roaders who want maximum articulation without steering interference.

3. Heavy-Duty Tie Rods & Drag Links

Stock rods are too thin and will eventually bend under stress.

• Look for 1.5” DOM tubing or chromoly upgrades

• Use forged or heat-treated ends

• Some kits even offer heims instead of traditional TREs for extreme strength

These parts don’t just look beefy—they take abuse and shrug it off.

4. Flat-Top Knuckles (If You Don’t Already Have Them)

To run crossover or high steer, you’ll likely need a flat-top knuckle on the passenger side, machined and drilled for an arm.

• Many Dana 44s (especially GM versions) came with these stock

• If not, they’re available aftermarket or from junkyard swaps

Daily Driver or Trail Rig? This Still Applies

You don’t have to be a hardcore rock crawler to need upgraded steering. Even daily drivers benefit from the improved geometry and tighter handling that crossover steering offers. If you’ve ever felt nervous at highway speeds with big tires and a lift, steering upgrades are your peace of mind.

Real-World Feedback

“I ran 37s on my Dana 44 for a year before finally upgrading the steering. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I made the switch. The difference is night and day.”
—Dave, ’86 K5 Blazer

“Crossover was hands down the best mod I did to my Jeep. Made wheeling smoother and highway driving less sketchy.”
—Jess, CJ-7 Owner

Yes, your Dana 44 can handle 35s—and even bigger—but only if you treat the steering like the priority it is. Neglecting it will turn every drive into a chore and every trail run into a risk.

With a solid crossover kit, beefy components, and clean geometry, you’ll feel like you bolted a brand-new front end onto your truck. Your tires will go where you point them, your hands won’t be fighting the wheel, and your whole rig will just feel… right.