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Which Dana 60 front and why?

Posted By: Brad4406

Which Dana 60 front and why? - 06/14/15 02:41 PM

I have a 77 3/4 ton with 8" suspension lift and a 90's Dana 44 up front. I had planned to look for a period correct kingpin Dana 60 since the rest of the drivetrain is original.

No matter which model I get I will be having the axle ends cut off and rotated to allow for installing my front driveshaft. With that being said, which years Dana 60 front would you install and why? Would you avoid the kingpin axles since I have seen many advertised with broken lockouts?
Posted By: scratchnfotraction

Re: Which Dana 60 front and why? - 06/14/15 04:06 PM

IMHO the kingpin d60 is better for cross over steering and raising the tie rod above the springs with a high lift.

just depends on what you want to do.

I like swaping the front springs for 56" 1/2 ton rear chevy springs add a d60 with cross over steering and get about 7" lift and lots of articulation of the axles.

same for the rear, shackle flip with chebby 1/2 ton rear springs to level out the front lift.

stock? use a 74 D60 don't they have drum brakes on the front axle? I would stay with disc brake for sure.
Posted By: RUNCHARGER

Re: Which Dana 60 front and why? - 06/14/15 04:58 PM

The lockouts can be changed and you should go better axles anyway if you're pulling some big tire. According to my son anyway. He broke an axle and hub pretty quick once the 450HP 440 went in. Of course he probably wouldn't break any parts if he quit pulling Fords through where he already went with his Dodge.

Sheldon

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Posted By: Brad4406

Re: Which Dana 60 front and why? - 06/19/15 01:51 AM

Thank you both. I guess I'll continue to look for a kingpin Dana 60.
Posted By: CTD5.9

Re: Which Dana 60 front and why? - 06/19/15 04:55 AM

This is from the pirate 4x4 dana 60 front tech.

Quote:
1979-89 versions had external style hubs, with the earlier versions with full-time NP203 Transfer cases having external drive flanges, and later models having external lockout hubs. The external lockout hub bolt pattern is 8 x 3.960". The 90-93 versions had internal style hubs just like the Chevy and lockout hubs. One caution with dodge applications, is you have to be careful to avoid the Dana 61 front axle. 1987-88 and 1991-93.5 Dodge D600 and D700 also came with Dana 61. More info on the Dana 61 later in the article.


Along with the Dana 61's, I would avoid the early 60 fronts with the closed knuckles and drum brakes. 74 and earlier I do believe. They aren't as strong as a later model.
Posted By: 76dodgeboy

Re: Which Dana 60 front and why? - 06/20/15 09:55 AM

The Closed knuckle are D70s. 75-89 are all the same other than having Lockouts in late 79 and up. I have 3 D60s. You can find good deals. Just be patient
Posted By: ruderunner

Re: Which Dana 60 front and why? - 06/20/15 12:08 PM

Are you still full time 4wd? The full time trucks had drive flanges held on with 8 bolts, part time had external lockouts held on with 8 bolts prior to about 1990. The bolts like to loosen and that causes the parts failure. Replace the bolts with studs and nuts wit lock washers. Check tightness from time to time.
1990 and up used internal mount lockouts which don't have the same maintainence requirements.

Either will be fine for your truck.
Posted By: Defbob

Re: Which Dana 60 front and why? - 06/20/15 12:59 PM

Tom's wagon was using my Dodge D60 with my Selectros. Popped first time out. Pulled the flanges off of my other truck. Flawless. But now he has his own axle with later internal hubs.

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