Day dreaming (front axle build)

[85 Jimmy]

I keep day dreaming about sasing my 2005 crew cab Z71. For the rear I plan on using a 14bff from the same era 2500, to get rear discs with the built in drum/parking brake. Dana 60's are scarce around here, they are also stupid expensive, and I like being different some times, it is also easier for me to spend $200-$300 at a time than $1200 on an axle that'd need to be gone through. So I've been thinking about putting a front axle together. I actually already started collecting parts, since I just bought some dana 60 inner C's...

So here are a few ideas I've been thinking about, building a front 14 bolt, a 609", or a front dana 70. I figure all would require about the same amount of work, but a 9" would probably be easier, since it doesn't have a cast housing, and it also has the removable center section for easy gear install.

Which would be the better option?

The truck would be used as a DD, towing, mall crawling, maybe some VERY light wheeling. If I want to do any real wheeling I'll just use my blazer. If I ever blow up the 5.3 I plan on swapping in a 6.0 with a 4l80e. I want to keep it as low as I can and run between a 35"-37" tire, depending on how much lift is required to sas the front. This will probably be years before anything is actually done.

Opinions?

 

[NorCal_Chris]

You could build a 60 rear into a front lol.


I just can't get past the super low 9in pinion

 

[85 Jimmy]

No one has an opinion on what front axle they would build while using dana 60 steering components?

I know Greg72 is using custom 9" housings, but he gets around the low pinion by using the unimog portals. You can also get a high pinion chunk if it's a huge issue.

 

[sweetk30]

lots of info in here on dana 70 axles and making them fronts . http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/chevy/522333-dana-70-thread.html

and also 14ff there is a set of replacement adjusters for the carrier that give you seal positions to make it a sealed axle. http://craneaxle.com/

if it was me and making a axle this beefy skip the stock inner "c" units and go better aftermarket & stronger units .

 

[Stomis]

You could do a Toyota fj80 front diff with 60 letters. That's pretty beef. But honestly given your description I would do a high pinion 44, and stuff it with Dana 50 gears if you're worried and call it good...

 

[Stomis]

BTW the notion of building a hybrid axle because 60s are expensive by you is bonkers. You'll be into for 5x what you could have bought and built a 60 for.

 

[nvrenuf]

Since you can get a kit to put 70 gears in a 60 housing there's no reason to build a custom housing unless you just want to see a big beefy housing. If it's the looks, then I'd do a 14 bolt.

 

[85 Jimmy]

BTW the notion of building a hybrid axle because 60s are expensive by you is bonkers. You'll be into for 5x what you could have bought and built a 60 for.

I didn't say that I'd be building an axle because they are expensive. I said I'd do it because you can't find a Dana 60 down here, and when you do people think they are made of gold. I already have a Dana 60 in my blazer. I said it would be easier to spend a couple hundred bucks at a time until I have everything to build an axle.

 

[Stomis]

I didn't say that I'd be building an axle because they are expensive. I said I'd do it because you can't find a Dana 60 down here, and when you do people think they are made of gold. I already have a Dana 60 in my blazer. I said it would be easier to spend a couple hundred bucks at a time until I have everything to build an axle.

I must have misread. I would still build what I said about a Jana 54

 

[blazinzuk]

I would find a matched set 3/4 ton super duty axles.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I would find a matched set 3/4 ton super duty axles.

Assuming leaf springs are the prospective suspension, I don't think the frame and spring pad widths work out very well with that truck and those axles.

 

[blazinzuk]

Assuming leaf springs are the prospective suspension, I don't think the frame and spring pad widths work out very well with that truck and those axles.

Tru dat I just assume everyone doing an sas is gonna link it. Silly me