Miltitary 1970's Dodge Dana 60???

west747 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-14-2005, 06:19 PM

what are your thoughts on a dodge miltary front dana 60? are they just as good as chevy or ford dana 60's? i am still unsure whether it is a high pinion or low pinion axle or the spline count but i should know later tonight...i am just looking for some opinions or thoughts on this axle...the price is right at 200 bucks canadian...thanks

redrooster · #2 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 05:26 PM

Buy it quickly.
The difference is that the Dodge 60's are two inches narrower than the Chevy or Ford. It will be a passenger drop, low pinion axle. It is likely geared 4.10 or 4.56.
The only problem with the Dodge 60 is that no one has a 35 spline upgrade for the external hubs. A friend of mine has been making his own drive flanges by using 35 spline spider gears and a little machine work and welding. The 35 spline Chevy stub shafts will work when using the custom drive flange.
If the vehicle has a matching rear Dana 70, then you need to snatch it up as well. That would make for a killer setup.
If you don't plan on running anything bigger than a 40" tire then the stock 30 spline will be fine.

88Wrangles · #3 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 07:37 PM

Ya, it should be as strong as the Chevy's or Ford's.

Like Redrooster said, grab it very quickly!!!!!!!!!! Most D60's are up around $1500 or more for anything descent.

west747 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 07:48 PM

still havnt got any pics yet...but buddy said it was out of a 3/4 ton

which leads me to belive that it is most likly a dana 44 and not a 60...but we shall see when the pics come in...

88Wrangles · #5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 07:50 PM

well, D60's never came in 3/4 ton trucks, unless it was added on later (which the military very well could have done).

You can tell once you get the pics though

Junkpile · #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2005, 08:15 PM

redrooster-- I know D60 outers don't grow on trees, but could you just swap to GM knuckles and run all GM from knuckle out?

The spring perches on a Dodge front axle are a little closer than those on a GM or Ford, so if your already setup for one of those, the Dodge axle will pull the springs in a little. It's no big deal though.

West-- isn't your D44 a high pinion? Are you sure you want to swap that out just for 39s in the mud?

west747 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2005, 10:07 PM

yeah it is a high pinion...i want to be able to lock this front end soon...and have some doubt about wether the 44 can handle it..plus i am looking to swap in a v-8 and one ton tranny in the future....i might just buy another yj frame and slowly start building my dream rig as funds permit...that way i wont be without a rig and i can still forfill the wheeling bugs appetite