What can be done with a Dana 61F

[mountainexplorer]

A friend bought a "Dana 60" for $500. It was out of a 1990 Dodge Cummins truck, and was advertised as a Dana 60 with 3.54 gears and he bought it.

After reading a recent post, I asked him to look at it closer and see what was actually stamped on it- 60 or 61F. He called back and it's a 61F.

He had a 4.10 ring, pinion and carrier out of an '81 GM Dana 60 for it. I searched but perhaps not thoroughly enough... but what differences between the 60 and 61F interfere with parts interchangability?

 

[sweetk30]

i would pass it off on ebay and get back some of the bad sales you might have gotten in the past.

i read in hear somplace there is a bit of work to do the gear swap to the higher gears. i think it would be best to call a place like randys or reider racing. thats what the other person did and got the info to do it.

 

[mountainexplorer]

I didn't buy this one. He was going to re-sell it anyways. If it was a true 60 he probably could have gotten a fair amount. Being a 61F I'm not sure what it would be worth. He gave $500. So at least he didn't spend like $1000 on a 61F.

 

[u2slow]

You can make a D61 work....
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319460

I'd snap up a cheap D61 in a heartbeat. Tall ratios keep it highway-friendly... get the extra gearing with t-cases instead.

 

[79k20350]

get the extra gearing with t-cases instead.

*hijack on*
That only works so well. You need to figure out an "effective ratio" One thatputs you close to stock as far as rpms to mph. Go do a couple calculations, for an efective ratio most of our rigs need 4.10-4.88's hell 5.13's. Just cause the gears seem tall doesnt mean they are. Also i know alot of the stuf my way doesnt require super low reduction, so why shoud i do it if i dont need it?
*Hijack off*

 

[mountainexplorer]

He was going to use it under his Blazer after swapping in 5.13 gears. Then he decided to sell it along with the 4.10 gear set he had since he needs some money... then I ruined his night by bringing up the Dana 61F fact.

When I read that 61F's came in early CTD trucks with non-overdrive automatics and this one came out of a '90 Dodge Cummins with a non-overdrive automatic, it made me wonder.

 

[u2slow]

another D61 thread...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1447094

to run Dana 60 gears in a Dana 61 you need a ring gear spacer.

The correct ring gear spacer is 0.404 inches thick.

About a year ago I got sick of having people quote me specs they knew nothing about regarding D61 axles... some even say they are completely worthless and un-usable(Randy's ring/pinion) and some say they don't know the differences... but not to use them (Dynatrac).

I made a special tool and measured for my self.
My measurement of .404 inches more pinon off-set was corroborated by Reider Racing. they have the spacer and bolt kit for running 60 gears in a 61 for about $50 + shipping.

Here is the setup:

1 Use the dana 60 carrier matching the 60 gears you will run
2 Install a 0.404 inch thick spacer between the gear and carrier
3 all the bearings and shims are interchangeable from 60 and 61

That only works so well....

I agree, it does have limitations. However, 4.10+ ratio axles and OD trans command premium prices. And regearing two axles is also relatively costly. OTOH, highway-geared axles and the venerable 465 trans go for dirt. IMO putting your $$$ into t-case gearing (Doubler, Klune, etc.) is a better value.

 

[cow killer]

i also got a d61 in my 83 f250 from the factory. ford vans also ran em.