Dana 60 full-floating/Dana 60 semi-floating

[cherokee83]

Hey, its that time of year in the mid-west! looking to swapp out my factory axles both front and rear for Dana 60 axles! this will be a daily drive to and from work 75 miles out and 75 miles in, by hi-way 65 to 80 miles an hour i work in a shiping yard so i will have to do some off roading in deep mud and snow, i have found all kinds of info on other trucks but not much info on use of Dana 60 on FSJ!! semi-floating dana 60 have the 35 spline like the full-floating dana 60 axles! so what makes the full-floating Dana 60 axle stronger?? also need info on the high-pinion Dana 60 kingpin axle? what dana 60 axle should i use GM/Ford/Dodge would like to run a 8 bolt wheel trying to keep away from 14 bolts:eek: what gears should i use, see that i will be running up and down the hi-way in this cherokee??

[1977cherokeechief]

i cant really help you a whole lot besides a couple questions for you.

what motor, tranny, and t-case are you running, and also, what size of tires?

[Dmntxn77]

1) With a semi float axle, the axle itself has to carry the entire load of the vehicle. A full float does not carry any load.

2) What kind of info are you looking for on the D60 kingpin axle? If your question is about the kingpins, then the answer is yes, they are way stronger and easier to work with than a ball joint.

3) If your FSJ is drivers side drop, you will need a Ford D60. If your FSJ is passenger side drop, then you will need a Chevy or Dodge D60.

4) Almost all D60's are 8 lug, so that wont be a problem.

5) Why stay away from a 14 bolt? That rear axle is far superior to a D60 in every way except for weight and ground clearance (which can be fixed). It is probably the most popular rear axle swap for all 4x4's (my D70 is better though ;) ).

6) The gears that you use will depend on the engine/tranny combo that you have and the tire size that you plan on running.

[cherokee83]

i cant really help you a whole lot besides a couple questions for you.

what motor, tranny, and t-case are you running, and also, what size of tires? 360 engine 727 transmission and i think 208 t-case looking to run 33's and up

[cherokee83]

1) With a semi float axle, the axle itself has to carry the entire load of the vehicle. A full float does not carry any load.

2) What kind of info are you looking for on the D60 kingpin axle? If your question is about the kingpins, then the answer is yes, they are way stronger and easier to work with than a ball joint.

3) If your FSJ is drivers side drop, you will need a Ford D60. If your FSJ is passenger side drop, then you will need a Chevy or Dodge D60.

4) Almost all D60's are 8 lug, so that wont be a problem.

5) Why stay away from a 14 bolt? That rear axle is far superior to a D60 in every way except for weight and ground clearance (which can be fixed). It is probably the most popular rear axle swap for all 4x4's (my D70 is better though ;) ).

6) The gears that you use will depend on the engine/tranny combo that you have and the tire size that you plan on running. i have the drives side drop so what year ford D60 should i run?? so does the king pin have the 35 spline? what year and make can you find the king pin axle? my cherokee has the 360 engine/trans727/t-case208 i think

[wickedwagon767]

i have the drives side drop so what year ford D60 should i run?? so does the king pin have the 35 spline? what year and make can you find the king pin axle? my cherokee has the 360 engine/trans727/t-case208 i think

You will need a late-70's to early 90's Ford Dana60 front. Many from the late 80's early 90's had ball-joint type knuckles. check on that.

The Ford Kingpin Dana60 front axles have 35-spline inner and outer axleshafts.

Also, Not all full-floating Dana60 rear axles have 35-spline axleshafts. Most of them had 30-spline axleshafts.

[cherokee83]

You will need a late-70's to early 90's Ford Dana60 front. Many from the late 80's early 90's had ball-joint type knuckles. check on that.

The Ford Kingpin Dana60 front axles have 35-spline inner and outer axleshafts.

Also, Not all full-floating Dana60 rear axles have 35-spline axleshafts. Most of them had 30-spline axleshafts. so how do i know what dana60 have the 35 splines?? does the axles have vin numbers you can look for that tells is the axles are 35 spline over 30 spline??

[wickedwagon767]

so how do i know what dana60 have the 35 splines?? does the axles have vin numbers you can look for that tells is the axles are 35 spline over 30 spline??


Dana60 rear axles out of 70's and 80's F-250 trucks with low GVW (gross vehicle weight) had 30-spline shafts. The 1-ton high GVW vehicles had the 35-spline 60's. The Dana60 rear axles in Fullsize Jeep J20 pickups had 30-spline shafts. Most Dodge Dana60 rear axles had 30-spline shafts

No worries if you get one with 30-spline shafts. You can covert one to 35-spline

you can unbolt the hub and check the axleshaft spline count if you don't know what vehicle the axle came out of

[LTS06]

A lot of full float D-60's out there are 30 spline shafts. All the semi float D-60's I've come across are 35 splines.

BUT the semi float 60's are also C-clip axles...meaning the shafts are retained by c-clips (read ford 8.8, chryco 8.25 etc). You'll find them in a fair amount of vans and even J-trucks have them in ceratin years (5 lug application).

Strong axle.

Also be sure it is indeed a D-60. If it has a 3.54 or 3.07 gear ratio I would steer clear as it is a D-61...D-60's start at 3.55. Not a bad axle but those were the only 2 ratios offered for it. D-60 internals can be used in it but I am not sure what is needed to do so.

[cherokee83]

A lot of full float D-60's out there are 30 spline shafts. All the semi float D-60's I've come across are 35 splines.

BUT the semi float 60's are also C-clip axles...meaning the shafts are retained by c-clips (read ford 8.8, chryco 8.25 etc). You'll find them in a fair amount of vans and even J-trucks have them in ceratin years (5 lug application).

Strong axle.

Also be sure it is indeed a D-60. If it has a 3.54 or 3.07 gear ratio I would steer clear as it is a D-61...D-60's start at 3.55. Not a bad axle but those were the only 2 ratios offered for it. D-60 internals can be used in it but I am not sure what is needed to do so.so my question!! if i pick of a pair of Dana 60 from a junk yard, there are no markings on the axle to tell me if its full-floating or semi-floating?:eek: lot of work and weight just to drive home and open up axle to see its not what im looking for!! there has to be some type of marking to keep me from buy the rong axles twices:banghead:

[Dmntxn77]

You can tell if its full float or not from about 100' away, so I wouldnt worry about that...

I will try to find a couple pics for you.

BTW, just so we are on the same page, you do realize:

1) 8 "bolt" as you call it is actually 8 lug, and it refers to the number of lug nuts you have on your wheel.

2) a Corporate 14 bolt is a style of axle used by GM, and that number refers to the number of bolts that are used to hold the diff cover on, and has nothing to do with the number of lugs.

3) The terms full float and semi float refer to the rear axle, not the front. All front D60's are full float...

[Dmntxn77]

Semi Float (fairly rare 6 lug version): Note how smooth it is inside the lug pattern.
http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/project-cj7/images/sus-mods/Dcp_1881.jpg

Full Float: Note the 6 bolts that are inside the lug pattern. Those bolts are holding the flange on the end of the axle shaft. If you remove those bolts, you can slide the axle shaft out without removing the wheel or even jacking the vehicle.
http://www.blackbirdscustomtrucks.com/international60hubdrum.jpg

[cherokee83]

You can tell if its full float or not from about 100' away, so I wouldnt worry about that...

I will try to find a couple pics for you.

BTW, just so we are on the same page, you do realize:

1) 8 "bolt" as you call it is actually 8 lug, and it refers to the number of lug nuts you have on your wheel.

2) a Corporate 14 bolt is a style of axle used by GM, and that number refers to the number of bolts that are used to hold the diff cover on, and has nothing to do with the number of lugs.

3) The terms full float and semi float refer to the rear axle, not the front. All front D60's are full float... well for the most part i was sure that what i called 8 bolt was the number of lug nuts used to hold wheels But I always thought a 14 bolt corporate had 14 lugs nuts and no way was i going to swapp out for 14 lug nuts Big up's on that info:thumbsup: but i was also told that a 14 corporate has ver y low clearnes but i could be rong about that to:confused:

[cherokee83]

Semi Float (fairly rare 6 lug version): Note how smooth it is inside the lug pattern.
http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/project-cj7/images/sus-mods/Dcp_1881.jpg

Full Float: Note the 6 bolts that are inside the lug pattern. Those bolts are holding the flange on the end of the axle shaft. If you remove those bolts, you can slide the axle shaft out without removing the wheel or even jacking the vehicle.
http://www.blackbirdscustomtrucks.com/international60hubdrum.jpgi ran across a pair of axles off a 93 Dodge cummins front is dana 60 Kingpin rear is dana 70 asking prices for both is $500.00 can i use them to swapp out my axles? or does the axles have to be Ford only??

[JeepMods]

Watch out when yanking 60's from the yards... What looks like a FF D60... might end up being a D61... remove the cover and check the gear ratio. if it has 3.07 gears chances are it's a D61...

Dana 61 pro's and con's:

Pro's:
Thicker housing
Bigger tubes (3.5")
Awesome ground clearance as they're almost flat
Uses the same axles as the D60
Can be upgraded to 35 splines

Con's:
Gearing limitations... in-order to run the standard 60 gears you'll need a series 3 carrier, a spacer and the thick gear sets...

I think some D61's might have the 4.10's as-well... I haven't seen any in person though... only the 3.07's...

[wickedwagon767]

i ran across a pair of axles off a 93 Dodge cummins front is dana 60 Kingpin rear is dana 70 asking prices for both is $500.00 can i use them to swapp out my axles? or does the axles have to be Ford only??

If you found a pair of axles from a '93 Cummins truck for $500 , and they are in good working order, then you just struck gold.

You can use those axles,but the front axle has a passenger side differential. You will need a transfer case with a passenger side output. Swap in a Dana300

[cherokee83]

Watch out when yanking 60's from the yards... What looks like a FF D60... might end up being a D61... remove the cover and check the gear ratio. if it has 3.07 gears chances are it's a D61...

Dana 61 pro's and con's:

Pro's:
Thicker housing
Bigger tubes (3.5")
Awesome ground clearance as they're almost flat
Uses the same axles as the D60
Can be upgraded to 35 splines

Con's:
Gearing limitations... in-order to run the standard 60 gears you'll need a series 3 carrier, a spacer and the thick gear sets...

I think some D61's might have the 4.10's as-well... I haven't seen any in person though... only the 3.07's...thanks for the info:thumbsup:

[cherokee83]

If you found a pair of axles from a '93 Cummins truck for $500 , and they are in good working order, then you just struck gold.

You can use those axles,but the front axle has a passenger side differential. You will need a transfer case with a passenger side output. Swap in a Dana300thought about swap in a 300 t-case know that i have a pair of axles to work with! how makes a good 300 t-case also need to know if it will work with the 93 Cummins axles! looks like im back where i started:eek: but you guys have been a lot of help with very good info, thanks for all the help guys:thumbsup:

[DAHoyle]

Also be sure it is indeed a D-60. If it has a 3.54 or 3.07 gear ratio I would steer clear as it is a D-61...D-60's start at 3.55.

Not to throw a monkey in your wrench, but that is inaccurate. I own a D60 3.54. It is definitely not a D61, and it is definitely a factry ford 3.54 gears..

[JeepMods]

Not to throw a monkey in your wrench, but that is inaccurate. I own a D60 3.54. It is definitely not a D61, and it is definitely a factry ford 3.54 gears..
Yup I have to agree with DAHoyle as Ford Ran gear ratios in the D60's ranging from 3.54's to 7.17's... I fantasized about running the 7.17's... :D Simply sick!!! :cool:

[Headhoncho]

i have the drives side drop so what year ford D60 should i run?? so does the king pin have the 35 spline? what year and make can you find the king pin axle? my cherokee has the 360 engine/trans727/t-case208 i think

78-79 Ford $$ front 60 $$ will bolt $$ up to your $$ springs as is. $$

Any later Ford axle will force you to relocate your front springs due to wider pad location on the axle.


JR

[cherokee83]

[quote=Headhoncho]78-79 Ford $$ front 60 $$ will bolt $$ up to your $$ springs as is. $$

Any later Ford axle will force you to relocate your front springs due to wider pad location on the axle.


JR[/quote Hey thats a good point to bring up! im not sure if the 93 Dodge cumming axle will bolt up or i will have to move the spirng pad:banghead: also need to know if i can use any Dana 300 with the 93 Dodge cummins axles:confused:

[Headhoncho]

[quote=cherokee83

JR[/quote Hey thats a good point to bring up! im not sure if the 93 Dodge cumming axle will bolt up or i will have to move the spirng pad:banghead: also need to know if i can use any Dana 300 with the 93 Dodge cummins axles:confused:[/quote]

The Dana 300 should work as it's passenger side drop. You'll have to find/make driveshafts that match up.


JR

[Casey]

My J truck has 4.10s in the 60/70 and 37" tires 360/4bbl. It runs down the interstate at 75 no problem. I could use more gear off-road, but it's a fair combo for road travel. I got 12.5mpg with it at highway speeds.

Finding a pair of the 78-79 ford axles would be the way to go.
Some ford D60 rear axles are HD versions and already have 35 spline axles. They can usually be identified by extra webbing on the housing. But most 30 spline D60 rear axles can be upgraded to 35 spl. with some machine work.


Yup I have to agree with DAHoyle as Ford Ran gear ratios in the D60's ranging from 3.54's to 7.17's... I fantasized about running the 7.17's... :D Simply sick!!! :cool:
I know where there is a pile of D70 HDs w/7.17 gears for cheap $$$ here in SC. ;)

[cherokee83]

The Dana 300 should work as it's passenger side drop. You'll have to find/make driveshafts that match up.


JR:omfg: well sound like a lot less work time and money if i just keep an eye out for a pair of Ford 78/79 dana 60, never thought about driveshafts :eek:

[wickedwagon767]

thought about swap in a 300 t-case know that i have a pair of axles to work with! how makes a good 300 t-case also need to know if it will work with the 93 Cummins axles! looks like im back where i started:eek: but you guys have been a lot of help with very good info, thanks for all the help guys:thumbsup:

Jeep used Dana300 T-cases in 1980-1986 CJ5,CJ7 and CJ8's. They're not hard to find. Normally cost $225-300 for one in good condition. It will work with '93 Cummins diesel truck axles, will not work with '94 and newer Cummins truck axles, as they are driver-drop and have a weak vacuum disconnect.

[wickedwagon767]

:omfg: well sound like a lot less work time and money if i just keep an eye out for a pair of Ford 78/79 dana 60, never thought about driveshafts :eek:

The '78/79 Ford Dana60 front axles are far from cheap. You will probably spend $1500 for the front axle by itself because they are VERY hard to find. In the end, I think you will save money by swapping in a passenger side T-case and passenger side drop Dana60 axles.

Though I would prefer a GM Corporate 14-bolt rear axle over a Dana60 because they are stronger and easier to work on

[cherokee83]

The '78/79 Ford Dana60 front axles are far from cheap. You will probably spend $1500 for the front axle by itself because they are VERY hard to find. In the end, I think you will save money by swapping in a passenger side T-case and passenger side drop Dana60 axles.

Though I would prefer a GM Corporate 14-bolt rear axle over a Dana60 because they are stronger and easier to work onWOW you guys are full of info just like a Owners Manual:thumbsup: well let me ask you this, if i was to run the GM 14-bolt rear axle, will i have to run the passenger side T-case and front axles?

[JeepMods]

I know where there is a pile of D70 HDs w/7.17 gears for cheap $$$ here in SC. ;)

Do you have any pics and are they all in working condition? PM me some pics and details/prices etc... I might have to take a weekend and make a road trip... :thumbsup:

[cherokee83]

78-79 Ford $$ front 60 $$ will bolt $$ up to your $$ springs as is. $$

Any later Ford axle will force you to relocate your front springs due to wider pad location on the axle.


JRWOW when you guys told me them 78/79 axles where a arm and a leg yall was not jokeing:eek: the 78/79 the only two years i can use for axles without haveing to move spring pad any axles from 80/90's

[LOGANSTANFORTH]

Ford King Pin Dana 60 in 78/79 had a different spring pad spacing from the 80-89 axles but were still the same axle strength and build wise.....

Dodge Dana 61 was ONLY available from 89-91.5 in CUMMINS powered Dodge rams with the 3 speed 727 Load-flite tranny......And they only came with 3.07 gears.......The 91.5 to 93 axles came with 3.55 or 4.10's in automatic trucks (the trans was a overdrive those 2.5 years) and all 89-93 5 speed trucks came with 3.55's or 4.10's.......All of these trucks came with a some version of a Dana 70, nothing else......

Dana 70HD rears came factory with 35 spline axles......

Randy's Ring and Pinion sells 4.10 and 4.56 gears for the Dana 61......

If I was you I would just swap a 14 bolt chevy under the rear and call it a day.......

If you are not buying a Dana 60 on a hardcore 4x4 website you can get them for about 800-1000 in complete working order......

Also dont over look the Ford 10.25 Sterling full float rearend, they are actually pretty strong, just not much aftermarket support.......

I have one of each setting at my house right now........

[woodironman]

i used a 82 dodge w350 with a 727 so i got a t case (205) just bolt it to your trans if you are running a 727 and bolt in the axles mine were both d 60s with 4 10 gearing the spring location is very close. alittle driveshaft work and a high steer arm make a drag link and your off.

[mike12]

DENTVN 77 GOOD JOB ON SHEDDING THE LIGHT ON AXLES MIKE 12:rolleyes:

[cherokee83]

Ford King Pin Dana 60 in 78/79 had a different spring pad spacing from the 80-89 axles but were still the same axle strength and build wise.....

Dodge Dana 61 was ONLY available from 89-91.5 in CUMMINS powered Dodge rams with the 3 speed 727 Load-flite tranny......And they only came with 3.07 gears.......The 91.5 to 93 axles came with 3.55 or 4.10's in automatic trucks (the trans was a overdrive those 2.5 years) and all 89-93 5 speed trucks came with 3.55's or 4.10's.......All of these trucks came with a some version of a Dana 70, nothing else......

Dana 70HD rears came factory with 35 spline axles......

Randy's Ring and Pinion sells 4.10 and 4.56 gears for the Dana 61......

If I was you I would just swap a 14 bolt chevy under the rear and call it a day.......

If you are not buying a Dana 60 on a hardcore 4x4 website you can get them for about 800-1000 in complete working order......

Also dont over look the Ford 10.25 Sterling full float rearend, they are actually pretty strong, just not much aftermarket support.......

I have one of each setting at my house right now........ Hey thanks for the info! but im sure i will have to run some type of axle upfront other than a dana44 my co-works have big monster Ford F250 with front and rear Dana 60's ect and there trucks have a hard time on the path to work my job is close to 8 miles off road