Frt Dana 60 stud eliminator ?

[Ned Kelly]

So has anyone here eliminated the front D60 leaf spring hold down studs in exchange for a ubolt?
I've never had any problems myself, but seems interesting.
I can see how a really thick spring pack may increase the leverage force on the studs, or not an issue?

Some pics and a couiple of different approaches;
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gene...-dana-60-spring-perch-stud-elimination-2.html

 

[nvrenuf]

For the sake of tech, I believe someone here on ck5 added a 3rd stud to one.

 

[Ned Kelly]

Yeah, I saw Itchy Old Fart on youtube doing a 1950's military Dodge M37 build using a GM Dana 60. He did the 3rd stud too. I think he said 30% stronger with 3rd stud.

I think in that Pirate link, someone upgraded and enlarged the two studs to 3/4".

 

[FOR MUD]

I broke mine off, had to drill and tap to next size bolt. Held up to a lot of beatings. Next time it happens, I'll have to go this route.

 

[sweetk30]

dodge ran smaller than gm in the bolt/stud size . east to drill/tap out to gm size. then do the aftermarket plates and drill/tap 3rd hole and be better in the end.

I only see the ubolt method for severe damage and or someone who cant do med level fab work to remove / drill/tap .

 

[Ned Kelly]

dodge ran smaller than gm in the bolt/stud size . east to drill/tap out to gm size. then do the aftermarket plates and drill/tap 3rd hole and be better in the end.

I only see the ubolt method for severe damage and or someone who cant do med level fab work to remove / drill/tap .

Interesting, I didn't know Dodge ran smaller bolt/stud size.
I can also see the labour saving benefit you mention, of a Ubolt method being good from the perspective of not having to remove the front axle for the drill/tap procedure.

 

[sweetk30]

dodge front I did I didn't remove it . just pulled the spring out since u-bolt and bolts were off it .

 

[ChrisPerry]

I stripped both bolts out of my 60 one year at Blazer Bash. Drilled out and tapped to 3/4". I'm using grade 8 all thread as studs for maximum thread strength. No issues since doing this.

 

[FOR MUD]

I now check these bolts and u-bolts every time before I go wheeling. It's when they come loose is what snaps them.

 

[rampage]

Just as a FYI, if you use any tapered shims that are bolted to the lead pack it'll put stress on the studs and make them break prematurely. This is where the u-bolt replacement would be preferred.

 

[sweetk30]

Just as a FYI, if you use any tapered shims that are bolted to the lead pack it'll put stress on the studs and make them break prematurely. This is where the u-bolt replacement would be preferred.

or the 3 shim method extra shim backwards for top plate angle fix . . diy4x and others sell them specific for these.

 

[rampage]

or the 3 shim method extra shim backwards for top plate angle fix . . diy4x and others sell them specific for these.

Didn't know they came out with that. Good to know.