Dana and Spring Perch Questions

Here is a couple of quick questions on a Dana 60 rear end. I am getting ready to set the narowed Dana 60 housing in the car. I am just going to clamp things together, with the spring perches loose, until I am ready to fully assemble the rear. The spring perches are big time rattle- loose. Check the tube diameter, and it is 2-3/4", not 3". Anyone ever seen this? Or, did I just figure out why it was such a bargin?

Also, what is the corrrect size of the stud portion of the center bolt in the SS springs supposed to be. I have about 1/8" clearance in the M.P. spring perch and the stud diameter.

Thanks for any information.

John

I thought Dana tubes were all 3.125"? Mine were....

I always thought 3". All of the specs on spring perches say 3". When I put together a Ford 9" years ago, it was 3".

The only thought I had today is that the Dana was made from a front end housing. Is this possible?

John

Dana 60 came with several different tube diamters, 2.5 found in four wheel drive front ends, 3.00 found in Mopar production cars and some trucks and vans, 3.125 found in many 3/4 ton Ford trucks and vans and 3.25 found in many OEM H.D. truck and van applications. That are the diameters I have seen posted on here and ones I have measured personally, probally others out there also

Thanks everyone for the information. At this time, it is what it is. I don't think it will be a strength issue. The tubes are still pretty thick. I have a plan fro welding the perches. I also plan on using a LPW rear cover with the brace kit.

Heck, if anything it will be lighter.

Thanks again, John

You are going to need shock plates and ubolts from a 7 1/4" rear to fit the 2 3/4" tube.

What i am planning is to split a 3" OD, 2-3/4" ID tube about 3 or 4" long, and weld it around the axle tube. Then, weld the spring perch to the outsice of the additional tube.

So your going to butt weld the tubes together? and the weld will be on the inside [ towards the center housing ] of the spring perch?

My plan is to esentially weld two split halves of a tube to make a ring around the 2-3/4" Dana tube, which will create a 3" diameter for the perch to be welded to. Imagine two pieces that look like main bearing shells. The ring will be skip welded to limit heat distortion. I am making the ring around go all of the tube so the "U" bolts have the proper contact on the top.

I am just mocking up the rear using some 3" exhaust tubing. I will shoot a picture of the maoc up as soon as i can.

John