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Rookie needs Junkyard tips

ChevyToy04

ChevyToy04

1/2 ton status
Joined
Aug 11, 2011
Posts
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Location
South Georgia
Soo I was hoping some folks could post up some valuable info on what to look out for while walking through junkyards and pick and pulls.

I know the Dana 60's and 14 bolt axles are great to come across but what do I need to look under to find them? (Year/Model)

The eletric fans out of the ford Windstar van are something to look out for? I seem to see a good bit of these in others build threads. Again, what year to look for?

And a 2wd steering box out of a ____ if you're planning crossover steering anytime soon.

What do you generally look for while out and about in the junk yards? I plan to go the pick and pull closest to me between Christmas and New Years but I have got to learn what to look out for ahead of time so I don't have a wasted trip.
 
ChevyToy04 said:
I know the Dana 60's and 14 bolt axles are great to come across but what do I need to look under to find them? (Year/Model)
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Square body chevys. K30 for the Dana 60. The 14b is in K30 and K20, the K20 will bolt right up. The K30 needs mods.

The eletric fans out of the ford Windstar van are something to look out for? I seem to see a good bit of these in others build threads. Again, what year to look for?
Click to expand...

Just find a dual fan with the same shroud measurements as your radiator. I also like the Lincoln Mark 8 fans too, or most large Ford V8 cars. 19" fan blades

And a 2wd steering box out of a ____ if you're planning crossover steering anytime soon.
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As long as the connection for the power steering pump is the same, it will work. Some are flared fittings, some are O-ring sealed. The flare ones are the newer style. Not sure when the cut off is between the two.

What do you generally look for while out and about in the junk yards? I plan to go the pick and pull closest to me between Christmas and New Years but I have got to learn what to look out for ahead of time so I don't have a wasted trip.
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I lock my tools up in the truck, run through the yard and look. If something catches my eye, I'll look it over and consider cost vs. time vs. buying it new vs. buying it used from someone else. Don't waste your time getting stuff to re-sale, unless it's crazy rare, crazy good shape, or sot after.
 
ChevyToy04 said:
And a 2wd steering box out of a ____ if you're planning crossover steering anytime soon.
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2WD box out of a truck that's close to yours in years.

Specifically, there are two styles of fittings, the older Saginaw compression fittings type from 73 to 78 or 80 or something, and then the later O-ring type after. If you've replaced your power steering hoses, compare those fittings to those on the donor.

Or you can take just the sector shaft, there's a writeup on swapping them somewhere.

Observations on junkyard runs: take more tools than you think you'll need. You'll be surprised what you suddenly find useful.

-- A
 
I don't think i will be much help cause I look at all sorts of stuff. Just to see what I can use somewhere where it was never intended to be used.

I thought that was the point of going to wrecking yards.

:D:D
 
14 bolts are dime a dozen. Don't waste your time with those. Super heavy. Find them on CL all day for around $100.00. Personally, I go on a recon mission first without tools. I take lots of pics, find out what I want then go back with tools. The yards around here are huge. I love going to yards. So much cool **** to look at. For our rigs, there aren't to many tools you need. I carry all my tools in a backpack so I can use my hands to lift hoods or whatever. A lot of people use a rolling cart with handles to carry tools, like you see people in the airport for luggage. A hand truck with your toolbox will also work.
 
K5-Kelly said:
Well at the wrecking yard never piss in a yard car.....:whistle: Not me....:whistle:
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Stay away from the Ford van in the back!!!!! Buddy wasn't feeling too good all of a sudden.....

I always look to see what it's there first. I might bring a small tool box for simple stuff, but my days pulling a 60 are over. Then don't sell anymore.
 
Thats pretty helpful. Check for lockers and such in 10 and 12 bolts? Any other good stuff to look for that could be useful elsewhere?
 
Are there certain years of Dana 60 front that are better than others? Any years to stay away from?

On a 60 housing does one housing take all gears or if I want 4.10 or numerically higher do I need to start with a certain gear ratio??

Is a 60 from a 20 any different from a 30?
 
blazinzuk said:
I don't think i will be much help cause I look at all sorts of stuff. Just to see what I can use somewhere where it was never intended to be used.

I thought that was the point of going to wrecking yards.

:D:D
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Oh me, I look for all kinds of brands, there are gems to be found when you know your stuff.
I know of some rare Ford, Jeep, Dodge, And GM parts that if I see I pull, wether I was looking to buy or not.
I have scored quite a few in the past years, but now I don't have enough time to go to PNP anymore except when I really need to.
 
70jimmy said:
70jimmy said:
Are there certain years of Dana 60 front that are better than others? Any years to stay away from?

On a 60 housing does one housing take all gears or if I want 4.10 or numerically higher do I need to start with a certain gear ratio??
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anybody got answers to these ????
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If you are talking Chevrolet Dana 60's. Then no. Any Dana 60 from a K30 is the same as the next. DRW and SRW are the only differences.

Martin
 
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