Dana 60 Front Axle Resources

[ZombieK5]

Can anyone direct me to the "Be All - End All" resource for the Dana 60 Front and 14 Bolt Rear. This is my first time owning axles this size and I want to replace everything. New Rotors, New Calipers, Hubs, Bearings, etc.... Everything. Sticking with Drum rear but I want to totally rebuild them from the backing plate to the wheel bolts....

Is there a published book? Is there a "Go To" parts source? Is there a member that is the "Dana 60 Guru" or "14 Bolt Guru?

There is so much info in the Forum that finding a best resource was not really possible.

 

[shady]

http://www.billavista.com/tech/Articles/14-Bolt_Bible/index.html

 

[shady]

http://www.billavista.com/tech/Articles/Dana_60_Front_Axle_Bible/

 

[ZombieK5]

http://www.billavista.com/tech/Articles/14-Bolt_Bible/index.html

ROCKSTAR!!!!

 

[shady]

I've learned a LOT from both of those. Only way I got through my rebuilds.

 

[76zimmer]

If youre rebuilding from the backing plates,out, trash all that and go disc right now!

 

[imiceman44]

If youre rebuilding from the backing plates,out, trash all that and go disc right now!

I don't necessarily agree.
Depending on what his needs are he could have a trouble free axle in one day keeping it drums.
Going disks could keep him chasing his tail trying to make the brakes work properly.

 

[76zimmer]

I disagree, many have had no issues with discs, other than a parking brake.

 

[sweetk30]

going disc anymore in the rear just use a whole take out axle from a 00-upish 3/4 or 1ton with factory disc brakes and inrotor e-brake . then use the hydroboost master for same year and be done with it .

 

[ZombieK5]

If youre rebuilding from the backing plates,out, trash all that and go disc right now!

My immediate goal is to rebuild the axles only partially. The gears seem perfectly fine. On the front Dana 60 I want to replace everything that is on the ends. I'm talking about new backing plates, calipers, bearings, spindles, etc. I hope I don't need to get into the Kingpin but if required I'll figure it out. On the back I plan on keeping the drums. I again want to replace everything. I want to replace the backing plates, in tired drum brake mechanical assemblies, shoes and the drums themselves. whatever components are on there now I intend to discard or put into storage for backup. I just want to start with all new equipment. My biggest concern is located in the proper part since I can't really go into the parts store and ask for specific brake pads or calipers for my year model of truck since he's axles obviously came from a different vehicle.

 

[76zimmer]

The 60 should have a Bill of Materials number and a date code stamped into it on the front of the drivers side tube, and should look like this....



use this to decipher what you have... https://www.expert.dana.com/expertforms/deabill.aspx

if you can score some decent backing plates, fine, but alot of people don't run them because they end up getting bent up in the trails.
I would be checking those kingpins, they do wear out. The spindles, unless you see obvious damage, keep the ones you have. They don't normally need replacement.
The drums, just measure what you've got and look on Rockauto for parts...they have it all. Use the CK5 discount too!

 

[thatK30guy]

going disc anymore in the rear just use a whole take out axle from a 00-upish 3/4 or 1ton with factory disc brakes and inrotor e-brake . then use the hydroboost master for same year and be done with it .

Are the mounting flanges the same on these as compared to the older axles?

 

[sweetk30]

nope . factory disc brake / drum ebrake setup is all different .

just use the whole axle and weld on new perches and shock mounts .

 

[ghostfire319]

Here is an upgrade I am looking at doing.

http://www.a-r-z.com/Dana-60-Chevy-Front-13in-Wilwood-Brake-Kit_p_41.html

 

[nvrenuf]

Here is an upgrade I am looking at doing.

http://www.a-r-z.com/Dana-60-Chevy-Front-13in-Wilwood-Brake-Kit_p_41.html

What’s the reason for going with this kit? A d60 has 13” brakes, is it the dual piston calipers? You could do the 14” Dodge brake conversion that I’m pretty sure has dual piston calipers for less money (and less complicated).

 

[ghostfire319]

My thoughts were
1. It is a complete kit, with no rounding up parts. Part numbers are included. You can order those parts from anywhere, (downside is they probably aren't readily available at you local parts house)
2. The brake calipers and rotors are from a very well known manufacturer with a long history of performance braking.
3. They are lighter weight than most stock application brake calipers. For the size and number of pistons on a Wilwood caliper, what is the comparable weight of say a factory Dodge Caliper. Also what is the performance of each. Pretty sure the Wildwood would beat a Dodge capability wise.

4. It's just plain cool lol (jk)

 

[ghostfire319]

Also, note that these are four piston calipers, not 2 piston.

 

[nvrenuf]

I have no idea about the weight other than they’re likely as heavy or heavier than stock and certainly heavier than the Wilwood kit.

As far as performance, you’ll probably never find them on a road racer but they’re part of a system designed to stop a 30k lbs plus when towing - can’t be too bad.

What else are you doing to the truck for similar gains achieved with the Wilwood kit?

 

[sweetk30]

also wilwood kit = order in parts when needed .

dodge swap kit = local parts store on a sunday would prob have parts you need .

seen a few guys talk about this kit . https://torqmotorsports.com/product-category/8-lug-big-brakes/big-brake-brackets/

 

[ZombieK5]

The 60 should have a Bill of Materials number and a date code stamped into it on the front of the drivers side tube, and should look like this....

View attachment 334728

use this to decipher what you have... https://www.expert.dana.com/expertforms/deabill.aspx

if you can score some decent backing plates, fine, but alot of people don't run them because they end up getting bent up in the trails.
I would be checking those kingpins, they do wear out. The spindles, unless you see obvious damage, keep the ones you have. They don't normally need replacement.
The drums, just measure what you've got and look on Rockauto for parts...they have it all. Use the CK5 discount too!

BAD NEWS. The hydrolic ram steering mount was welded on where the Bill of Materials and Date Code were located. GRRRRR. The gearing tab has been painted over many times (I am sure I can remedy that).

Any ideas on figuring out what this axle is?

I attached photo of the driver side tube where the steering mount is attached. I also attached photos of other parts of the axle. Any help is appreciated.