2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission dana 60 axle tube question

[DIESELWRKS]

okay question on dana 60 axle tube was reading a brief blog on sizes seems most have a 3" and some rare have 3. 75" does anyone know what the bigger was for or when, what years etc. just wondering.





2002 HO 6-SPD LB 4X4 QC HTT 62/14 SB-DD3600 TST PM3/*REVO-BETA*SMARTY MACH 4'S, RINGED AND STUDS, AFE/2 " FTE 6" STACK D/PRICOL GAUGES, FASS 150, VULCAN 1/2 DRAW-STRAW, 3/8 FUEL LINE, DSS-BOX DT PRO-FAB TRAC BAR, CONV-T STYLE STEERING,DUNKS TRACTION BARS, AIR BAGS,17'' KMC BLACK HOSS, 37" TOYO MT'S 6" RCD LONG ARM LIFT. :-laf... THANKS RIP DiPricol Gauges

 

[GHarman]

Dana 60 article

Found this. It has been linked on TDR elsewhere. I dont know if it will answer your question, but lots of good stuff on Dana 60 axle applications. GregH



Pirate4x4. Com - Extreme Four Wheel Drive

 

[SRath]

Google the new Ford Dana Super 60. Way beefy except they actually ruined it with balljoints instead of kingpins, just like our's...

 

[DIESELWRKS]

I have googled and searched I guess some time dodge between 94-2002 used a dana 60 that was 3. 75 trying to find out why or what if any made this special to be used. but say 95% of them are only 3"



also there wasn't a thread attached to your statement to look at.

thanks so far

 

[SRath]

All kinds of hits. here's the first one: Dana Super 60 High Pinion Front Axle - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

"the Dana Super 60 high-pinion front axle is based on the traditional Ford Dana 60-everything's just a little bit bigger. The 84. 74-inch-wide axle (an F-350 front axle is 69. 8 inches wide) was designed for the '05-and newer F-450 and F-550 Super Dutys, where it's rated to support 7,000 pounds of gross axle weight (GAWR) and cope with more than 600 lb-ft of engine torque. The Super 60 is also available from Ford Racing as a complete assembly with 4. 30 axle gears (PN M-3002-F4430) or 4. 88 axle gears (PN M-3002-F4488) for around $4,000. "

I first heard of it when a guy on ebay from Texas was selling one DIRT CHEAP a few weeks ago. It did not sell and then i saw he was parting it out. Don't know from there. I read as far as 'balljoints" and turned my nose up at it.

I don't think this is what you are looking to find out about, but it is the beefiest (except those stinkin' balljoints) Dana 60 ever built. While Dodge moves towards "wimpy", Ford is getting downright mean!!

Put a good 12 valve Cummins in that new F450 or F550 and you'd have a heckuva truck if new ones are your thing. Please note that since these are truly heavy-duty, they have LEAF springs, just like grown-up trucks.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

yeah just trying to find out what years or models dodge used them. that was it.

 

[SRath]

Dieselwrks, I think I know what you are talking about, I have seen that bit about bigger axle tubes vaguely referred to, too, but with no specifics or supporting information.

But just think about it a moment: It is a mistake or urban legend except for that new Super 60 I linked you to. Even the articles about it say this is the first factory Dana 60 built this way with bigger tubes, knuckles, R&P, etc.

Here's why I say that: Bigger axle tubes would require a bigger center section (axle tube holes) as well as bigger inner C's (inner knuckles). I can find no factory parts for such an axle, never mind finding the axle. I cannot see boring the tube holes in a 60 center section to 3. 75 without destroying it's strength, either. That's a 3/4" increase! Maybe the C's, but why bother when dana 70's are that size already (I think)?

Are there some Dana 70 front axles that meet your description? Yes. Definitely some custom made ones, too, using aftermarket knuckles and even center sections.

Here is a pretty decent compilation of Dana 60 part numbers:

Part Number

If you really want a 3. 75 inch tube front axle, just build a Dana 70. Dynatrac will even build you a monster Dana 80 front axle!!

 

[DIESELWRKS]

thanks for info. I stumbled upon the urban legion of this 3. 75 axle tube when I was searching for diff types of steering dampners actually. seem some of the companies how they attach to the axle tubes have a choice of 3 or 3. 75 for dana 60 on a dodge. I just never heard of a tube like this on a "OEM" truck. thank for the links and giving me more thoughts than I have money:-laf

 

[NIsaacs]

The D-60 in my 01' uses 3. 5" tubes. Gawr is 5200 lbs.



Nick

 

[SRath]

Three inches does sound small now... And now you have me going out to the shop to get my calipers...

 

[SRath]

OK, quick 'n dirty with my calipers on clean, but age-pitted tube:

'96 Dodge Dana 60 axle tube: 3. 162"
'80's Chevy Dana 60: 3. 128"

I'd definitely call 'em 3 inch tubes. Three and an 1/8th at most.

You may have one of those gold-filled hen's teeth there, NIsaacs. Are you dead certain of the measurement?
And is it 3. 5" all the way into the center housing, or does it neck down? Photos???

 

[NIsaacs]

Scott



Yes, it measures 3. 5" at the center section and at the knuckle. When I get off work tonight, I will try to measure the cross on the u-joint and the axle dis-connect coupling outside diameter. Maybe dieselwrks can measure his 02'.



Nick

 

[NIsaacs]

Scott



The u-joint brg. diam. is 1 3/8", distance from brg. to brg. is 4 1/8" if that helps any. Also outside diameter of the axle coupling is about 4 3/8".



Numbers on the tag are: 52070148AG/3. 54 611054-1



Nick

 

[HHhuntitall]

Somewhere, a Dana 70 has been used as a front axle, me thinks, and mistaken for a Dana 60. I've seen used trucks with them, usually Fords, and I beleive they must have been put in by previous owners... ... . The Dodges I've seen have no axle disconnect, and are in earlier '94-98 models..... always lifted with larger tires. Makes me think they are dynatrac or custom Dana's... ...

 

[NIsaacs]

thanks for info. I stumbled upon the urban legion of this 3. 75 axle tube when I was searching for diff types of steering dampners actually. seem some of the companies how they attach to the axle tubes have a choice of 3 or 3. 75 for dana 60 on a dodge. I just never heard of a tube like this on a "OEM" truck. thank for the links and giving me more thoughts than I have money:-laf

DIESELWRKS, did you ever measure your axle tube on your truck?



I have done a lot of research but can't verify any Dodge with 3. 5" tubes. I have found that the 1st. gen Dodge axle was rated 4500 lbs GAWR, 94-99 was rated 4800 lbs GAWR and the 00-02 was rated 5200 lbs GAWR.



The part numbers for the U-joints, ball joints and the hub/brg. are different on the 00-02 than for the 94-99 models. But I can't find out why.



Nick