Ford HP 60 knuckle breaking?

[454Sub]

How many of you have actually SEEN a knuckle break? I know its more common than the GM version, but I went with the Ford 60 anyways due to having a Ford 205 already, and after bending several driveshafts I thought the HP would be a neat nice way to end that problem, not to mention its not as common, and having the ability to machine my own doubler plate so I can rotate my 203 flat and the 205 flat at less than half the cost of any company making it, I was wondering actually how often these knuckles break with high steer compared to a GM 60. I already cut out and made the reinforcement plates offered by various companies, as paying 150$ for some 1/4in steel cut in very basic shapes seemed outrageous to me and I am going to weld them on regardless, I was just curious.

 

[6.2Blazer]

A friend of mine broke a knuckle on his Ford D60 several years ago and it was a huge ordeal trying to get him off the trail.....this wasn't just a crack but broke the knuckle in half. This was on a '78 F-250 with a big-block and 42" tires that gets used fairly hard, but did not have high steer which places more stress on the knuckle.

 

[454Sub]

Alright, I have a 79, which is the same but I only have 40s, but also a big block and very hard on it. I figure welding the braces on should prevent this anyways, I just was hoping for some real world experience, and thank you.

 

[Russell]

Chevy stuff bolts right on, just in case you didn't know!

But having had both sitting beside each other the Ford stuff has far less material to it than the Chevy knuckle does.

 

[454Sub]

Yes I knew that, but I dont have access too the GM stuff, or I would for sure go that route. I am sure GM brakes and such are cheaper as well, and I wish I could do that, just not in the cards for me. I was just hoping with the braces, I under reasonable use wont have to worry so much about breaking one with my crossover, highsteer and assist.

 

[sweetk30]

yep ford = weaker design .

buy these once and don't look back . http://www.reidracing.biz/off-road-products/dana-60-knuckles

prob check pirate for used stuff . tons more traffic over there in parts and ford stuff.

 

[FOR MUD]

Um....Yes

And yes....It was a pain to get off the trail. One of the other rigs went back to the trailer and took his off and we switched with mine.

Go Reid and don't look back.

 

[ssyork]

I cracked out both of mine with high steer, ram assist, 36's and a small block. Bought reids and not a problem with 42's and full hydo. It seems that if you plate them before you crack them they seem to hold up for guys. I would probably plate them and run em. Just check them when you're doing regular maintenance.

 

[454Sub]

I looked at Reids, and its a beautiful knuckle, but having 2 kids that kind of puts that out of the park at the moment. I havnt seen or heard of many problems with guys running them plated ones, so hopefully I can float by on that for a few whiles until I can afford the Reids. Thanks all.

 

[Avery4jc]

I run a '79 Ford HP60 in my wheeler and as mentioned I plated them before it ever hit the trail. Running high steer with hydro assist and 39's with no problems and lots of trail and dune time.