I have an early ford dana 60 that had 16 spline axles. Is it a bad idea to work with that set up (narrow it/buy new axles) or is it wiser to get the 30 spline spyder/side gear parts. It is a trac lok rear end. I don't know how much horse power it will be required to withstand. If my $ holds out it could be 600-700 and I'd rather err on the high side. 3900# B body car 727 TF. 4.10 ratio. Thanks.

I wouldn't run less than 30 splines but 35 would be lots better.

I've always wondered why the higher spline count is better? Everything else being equal, wouldn't the lower spline count require larger/deeper grooves. It would seem these would be less likely to shear compared to the higher, closer spaced/narrow grooves?

It might seem that way but in reality it's the opposite high spline counts are stronger....probably has something to due with most of the strength is in the surface....due to hardening.

Neither the Trac loc nor the 16 spline axle setup is suitable for HP. You might as well go directly to a 35 spline Powr Loc or something similiar right off the get go. I doubt you would be able to buy 16 spline axles anyway and if you change to 30's you are only going halfway.

Sheldon

Great input, just the kind of information I was looking for. Thanks, Mike.

When I had dutchman build me a 9" ford for my chevy ( long time ago) the ford 31 spline axles were quite a bit larger than the 28 spline.. So its not just the spline count, its a larger axle.. Not sure if mopar is the same way..

The 35 spline axle has a larger diameter axle then the smaller count spline axles . Its not just the number of splines .
hope this helps.

I think the more splines, the more surface area there is to spread the load.