New Dana 60 swap vs. Dynatrac mod

[BHanna]

I was just thinking (dangerous) that for about double the cost of the Dynatrac mod, I could probably buy a new Dana 60 with locking hubs that can actually have right amount of caster without screwing up the driveshaft angle. I may even be able to find a way to get away from the problematic ball joints with something like this.



Anybody else thought about doing that? I don't see anyone who makes a bolt in replacement so I guess there would be some welding of brackets required. Any other stuff to worry about?

 

[steved]

Keep in mind the AAM in a high pinion, and most Dana 60s are low pinion.

 

[Bob4x4]

I am guessing some where around 10 k to buy a shop built Dana Hi pinion frt end.

If you find a shop that will do it others will be in line to buy more of them.

 

[FM]

I've been wondering if a bolt in replacement was available or one that would work with minimal fitting to keep cost down. I'm awful tierd of replacing ball joints but not 10k tierd and just can't wrap my head around 2. 2k for ball joints. Boggles the mind that they have not fixed this on their current setup.

 

[Bob4x4]

I've been wondering if a bolt in replacement was available or one that would work with minimal fitting to keep cost down. I'm awful tierd of replacing ball joints but not 10k tierd and just can't wrap my head around 2. 2k for ball joints. Boggles the mind that they have not fixed this on their current setup.

The Carli joints are about 1. 1k for all 4

 

[FM]

Thats less painfull. Carli says their ball joints will last 3 times as long as standard joints. So if I'm getting 10k/20k outa standard then should I expect 30k/60k for $1. 1k?



On the other hand, if I could find an axle with the adequately sized joints vertically aligned and parallel and locking hubs for say no more than 2x or 2. 5x the cost of the Carli joints and the hub conversion kit then I'd be in tall cotton.

 

[Bob4x4]

I am guessing they will go way more than 60k. Sage is always pounding on his truck down in Mex and up here testing new products and valving profiles. His truck has more than 60k on the uppers and they still look like new when he pulls them out to inspect.

 

[ata]

Check with Dynatrac there Pro Rock 60 is suppose to be out fitted for our Dodges. It's high pinion but it still has ball joints. I don't have a price but I'll bet you better be sitting down and hanging on to something.

 

[BHanna]

I already checked Dynatrac's web page and there's no mention of any housings set up for a Dodge (except a D80 rear). After thinking about it for a while, maybe it's better to stick it out with the AAM. It does have better brakes than I've seen on a Dana. I also can't really find a good way to get easily serviceable bearings and get rid of the ball joints. Those Spidertrax knuckles look pretty promising for losing the ball joints but they still use an expensive unit bearing. I'm going to think about it a little more but I may just go for the free-spin kit.