Possible Dana 60 solutions?

[Swampy79]

So in my never ending search for a 78-79 Ford FD60, which continually gets pushed back due to funds that seem to get ate up by other vehicle related projects instead, I've come up with two solutions as possible alternatives if I ever have the money and need to move quickly before my children absorb it somehow.

-Swap 91 truck t-case for 91 blazer t-case and slap a chevy FD60 under the rig

-Buy a chevy D60 and either have tubes switched so diff is on the drivers side (correct for my application)/ buy chevy dana 60 + custom diff housing and basically do the same thing but maybe get high pinion out of it.

What do ya'll think? Any huge problems I could run into? Has anyone ever done option 2 and have a price for their project? More than likely it will be done in conjunction with a linked front suspension fab job so spring perch spacing is not a concern. Availability of parts and someone who has the equipment to install tubes is however.

**sidenote** Dynatrac and other custom axle companies do not really appeal to me as their price tags are waaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone for a hunting/crawling/get-away-from-the-wife kind of rig. I'm thinking 2500-3000 is my limit.

 

[blazinzuk]

If you are going to link it why limit your search to 78-79 Ford axles?

 

[Swampy79]

Good point i'll try to clarify

currently I have a 79 f250 D44 sitting under my 91 k1500, I was assuming the D60 would be a direct swap as far as fitment is concerned for my current leaf sprung SAS.
This search started long ago and only recently did I decide to switch to a linked suspension.

More importantly (I don't know if this matters so someone please correct me if neccesary) the 78-79 d60 has a longer drivers side tube than the newer kingpin models and should keep my front driveshaft centered forward rather than being kicked out at an angle. I had looked at one out of an 87 previously but the drivers side tube was alot shorter and looked like it would be a hassle to fab around for a link setup.

this is why I'm now pondering these other two options utilizing a chevy D60 as well. I have to find a way to get a drivers side diff location (high pinion being a plus) or totally swap out the t-case and go all chevy powertrain.

 

[imiceman44]

Good point i'll try to clarify

currently I have a 79 f250 D44 sitting under my 91 k1500, I was assuming the D60 would be a direct swap as far as fitment is concerned for my current leaf sprung SAS.
This search started long ago and only recently did I decide to switch to a linked suspension.

More importantly (I don't know if this matters so someone please correct me if neccesary) the 78-79 d60 has a longer drivers side tube than the newer kingpin models and should keep my front driveshaft centered forward rather than being kicked out at an angle. I had looked at one out of an 87 previously but the drivers side tube was alot shorter and looked like it would be a hassle to fab around for a link setup.

this is why I'm now pondering these other two options utilizing a chevy D60 as well. I have to find a way to get a drivers side diff location (high pinion being a plus) or totally swap out the t-case and go all chevy powertrain.

It's a chevy, and you are eventually going linked, the cheapest will be to sawp your tcase, and go Chevy D60.
Other than finding the holy grail, you will not be able to use a D60 fabbed for less than $3000.
A custom axle from Currie would not be more than what it will cost you to do it by buying a Chevy D60 and doing the side shift to driver side diff.

 

[sweetk30]

if you want high pinion and new axle with dedenbear/reid racing inner "C" on the ends then build from there . i hate to say it but call up dynatrac. i called a few months ago and got a price shipped to my door for around 2500 bucks. thats a bear housing no guts brand new high pinion. 2 tubes and inner "C" dedenbear/reid racing. not there ball joint stuff.

so if you wanted to go crazy and add 4340 shafts arb air locker or detroit and do gears then add outer knuckles from dedenbear/reid racing also this would basicly be the way to go.

buyin a chevy 60 and removin tubes and swapin around wont work easy. also have to remove inner "C" and reset caster angles. and then still have low pinion gm housing.

if you realy want a 60 and even thinking of doin links do them now and start with the mid 80's ford 60 most guys dont want and pay less for it and go from there in the build.

once you start on the slope of modifyin a 60 to get new 4340 shafts/arb or detroit and heavy duty knuckles and ods n ends it adds up real quick to 2500-3000 plus axle purchase.

hell i got basicly 6k in my stock gm housing with all the goodys in it for a beefy setup. if i did it again i would have just got the dynatrac housing and built it from there.

 

[Swampy79]

Other than finding the holy grail, you will not be able to use a D60 fabbed for less than $3000.
.

buyin a chevy 60 and removin tubes and swapin around wont work easy. also have to remove inner "C" and reset caster angles. and then still have low pinion gm housing. .

crud, I was hoping nobody would crap in my cheerios this morning with a logical smart reply

i hate to say it but call up dynatrac. i called a few months ago and got a price shipped to my door for around 2500 bucks. thats a bear housing no guts brand new high pinion. 2 tubes and inner "C" dedenbear/reid racing. not there ball joint stuff..

I'm thinking I like this option, it'll take awhile but I guess working with new parts is probably the most likely option, plus it might be a semi-undercover money pit project that could fly under my wife's radar until its too late and I've got everything to put it together.

I need to get this truck put back together on the short frame first and drive it for awhile before I build the axle and link it. I guess the time it takes to get everything together will give me plenty of time to cruise it around.

Thanks for the common sense and insight guys.

 

[sweetk30]

fyi keep your eye's open for a used deal from a project part out.

and www.pirate4x4.com has lots of deals on there in there sale section. but watch your butt thay flame noobs hard if you ask and dont search and find the info your self.

 

[Swampy79]

. but watch your butt thay flame noobs hard if you ask and dont search and find the info your self.

no kidding, I've been lurking over there for about 4 years I just never posted because I had a good knowledge base of friends living near me to draw on, now that I'm out here in mississippi its harder to get them everytime I've got a question so I've started posting questions here.

 

[sweetk30]

no kidding, I've been lurking over there for about 4 years I just never posted because I had a good knowledge base of friends living near me to draw on, now that I'm out here in mississippi its harder to get them everytime I've got a question so I've started posting questions here.

you my son have learned the ways early in life.

pirate = good info = bad for non flame suit people.

ck5 = good info and people.