axle ID

[stizkidz]

I consider myself being fairly decent at IDing axles but this one I am just stumped on. I guess my biggest question would be: Which axles had kingpins? The axle I saw has 10 bolts on the diff and has kingpins. I do not think it is a Dana 60 though. Could it be an Eaton?

 

[readymix]

D60 has 10 bolts on the diff cover and has kingpins

 

[diesel4me]

old one??

Its might be an early "closed knuckle" front axle ,they used them til about 1970 ..if it had a big "ball" looking thing where you see a U-joint on a dana 44 or 10 bolt corperate axle,thats what it is--real early napco axles used in the 50's had a similar setup,but differ from the later ones in the 60's..the "closed knuckle " ones use tapered bearings similar to the front wheel bearings on the kingpins..
.They are considered a bit weaker than a dana 44 "open knuckle" axle--though I've put a few thru some abuse and had no problems at all,in fact I liked the fact the U-joints were swimming in 90w gear oil constantly,I never had to change one at all,same with the bearings on the kingpins...I guess they dont hold up as well off road if you get them airborne compared to the others,but I had heavy plows on my trucks,nothing bad happenned to my trucks...

 

[sweetk30]

as listed above. but 10 bolt is not offered that early as in 10 bolt corp. if its a 60 frt the ujoint size is unmistakable to the eyes.

 

[Zeitler]

the size of the lockinghub is another thing you can't miss..

 

[dave_90_blazer]

and the d60 uses 3 u-bolts and 2 regular bolts

 

[stizkidz]

The axle in question is on the front of a 68 Chevy 4x4. This leads me to believe that it is the Napco axle as decribed above. Thanks for helping me ID this. Now that I am sure it isn;t a Dana 60, I will pass on buying this one.

 

[diesel4me]

not a napco!

The Napco axles only were used in 56-59 GM trucks converted to 4x4 by Napco!--the other closed knuckles from1960-70 I'm not positive about,they are either dana,spicer,or perhaps rockwell or GM's own axle...never researched them too deeply...someone else here must know!...

 

[u2slow]

The Napco axles only were used in 56-59 GM trucks converted to 4x4 by Napco!--the other closed knuckles from1960-70 I'm not positive about,they are either dana,spicer,or perhaps rockwell or GM's own axle...never researched them too deeply...someone else here must know!...

Napco did conversions after '59.... but most are 1-ton or heavier. I've seen some pics of 67-72 trucks using an Eaton based axle up front.

 

[atho]

If the diff cover is perfectly round like a big salad bowl, its a Napco front axle. Actually based on a modified Eaton rear axle, it has closed knuckles, kingpins, and birfield-style axle joints.

However I'm just guessing its a stock 1/2 or 3/4 ton 4x4, which would have a D44-5f with closed knuckles and drum brakes. These suck under load, but are fine for DD.

 

[jekbrown]

and the d60 uses 3 u-bolts and 2 regular bolts

correction... 3 u-bolts and 2 studs.

j

 

[readymix]

Mine has 3 u-bolts and two regular bolts....no studs.

 

[nvrenuf]

and the d60 uses 3 u-bolts and 2 regular bolts

correction... 3 u-bolts and 2 studs.

j

Be careful, both of these descriptions can apply to a D60 or a Dodge D44. Typically the Dodge will have studs but of course a threaded hole will accept either fastener.