What to look at/upgrade D60 front

[Mastiff]

I have a D60 scavenged from a CUCV and I'm getting ready to start spiffing it up for install under my K5. Besides the obvious refurbish of brake components and sloppy tie-rod ends, (and cleaning out the housing/new oil) any other suggestions on what I should check out or upgrade?

I'd also like some opinions on my spring perch. It looks a little tweaked. Do you think it's bad enough that I should grind it off and replace?

 

[76zimmer]

I think they need to be moved to fit a K5....

 

[blazinzuk]

I think they need to be moved to fit a K5....

Front axle Dave, bolts right in

Yes you need to replace that spring perch

 

[plyr2k]

I think they need to be moved to fit a K5....

The purches? No. All chevy solid axles used the same spring pad width, and same size U-joint on all 73-87(91) square bodies.

I would clean up/inspect kingpins too. Theyre super easy to understand once you pull them apart.

You going crossover? Look for springless arms. They eliminate the springs and allow you to set the preload on the bushing/kingpin with a set screw/nut.

 

[K85 Octane]

Even though my perches are good looking, if I ever have the axle out again it will be getting new ones. The stockers just don't seem to "hug" my zero rates tightly. A spring might be different.

 

[rdn2blazer]

Check out the threads in the center section where the spring plate holds down the leaf spring. Those can strip out easily. Lots of guys run a U bolt through the rib of the housing. Have to drill a hole. I drilled and reamed and re-threaded mine for a larger 3/4 fine thread stud. Check out my thread and you'll see what I'm talking about.

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255204&highlight=D60+drill+jig

 

[4X4HIGH]

The purches? No. All chevy solid axles used the same spring pad width, and same size U-joint on all 73-87(91) square bodies.

I would clean up/inspect kingpins too. Theyre super easy to understand once you pull them apart.

You going crossover? Look for springless arms. They eliminate the springs and allow you to set the preload on the bushing/kingpin with a set screw/nut.

The spring spacing is even the same on the first gen for the FRONT axle.

 

[76zimmer]

Front axle Dave, bolts right in

Yes you need to replace that spring perch

caught me in a moment of brainfart....I was thinking CUCV 14bff.....proof that what you read on the internet isn't always right!

 

[plyr2k]

The spring spacing is even the same on the first gen for the FRONT axle.

I was unsure for 67-72. You are correct, I didn't specify FRONT axle. Sorry about that. I didn't mean to confuse anyone.

 

[sweetk30]

me clean / change diff fluid.

clean / repack bearings in hubs / new seal.

check ujoints . replace if needed with spicer non greasable = stronger.

new king pin springs and upgrade to bronze bushings over plastic . also check for play in lower king pin bearings.

get a diy4x spring perch and weld it on in place of that trashed one .

then run it.

i have been running the same 60 front in 2 trucks and snow plowing for years and its 95% stock . and 35" tires to 38" with built 400sbc in old truck .