Which Front Axle is Better/Stronger?

SmokeShow

SmokeShow

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comparing the 2nd gen. D60 to whatever is in the 3rd gen (are they aam like the rear?) trucks, which of the two is better and stronger? Strengths and weaknesses of each? And dimensions would be nice if anyone has them. hub to hub, pumpkin height, distance between spring plates/pockets - inner-to-inner, center-to-center and outter-to-outter.


This axle would be used in the 83 GMC in my sig. because I need a driver's side drop front axle due to the dmax/zf6/np261 conversion. The old school GM D60 won't work beings its a pass. side drop.


Thanks in advance folks! :Cheer:
 
I don't have all the soecs you asked for but I can tell you that locker and gear choices for the d60 are much better. If you do a unit bearing conversion on either one you should not have a strength issue. Stay away from the 2 piece long axle shaft found in some 2nd gen d60's. Good luck with your swap.
 
Weaknesses of the AAM front axle are ball joints and unit bearings. A dynatrac manual hub conversion kit and some Carli upper and lower BJs help in that regard. Depending on how hard you're going to beat on it, a truss can be beneficial on the AAM.

--Eric
 
I'm really thinking I'll go with the 2nd gen D60 if I can't find the holy grail 79 Ford D60. :D


C-ya
 
The Ford high pinion 60 axle can be found in many other years, and is easily found

the only difference is spring perch spacing

If you must have one to fit the 78/79 chassis I have one I would sell you for a decent price
 
pm me prices gentlemen. I'm in KY and can provide a bus. address capable of unloading for shipping purposes.

Seeker, what is the spring perch spacing on the 78/79 ford hp d60? How about other years?


Thanks
 
Got Twins??? said:
Can't you just cut the leaf spring perches off, relocate them where needed and weld them back on?
Click to expand...

You can relocate the perches where ever you want them, but the OP wants a drivers side diff drop. The GM D60s are passenger side diff drop, therefor he needs to find a older ford D60, or swap the axle tubes on the gm D60. I personally do not like the ball joint and unit bearing d60. The king pin d60 is tough as nails.
 
I will have to measure the older 60 for spring perch distance. I can tell you it is about 4" narrower than the later 60 perches, even though the axle itself is the same overall width. The other issue with the older axle is that the actual axles are a different length compared to the newer axles, as the carrier is in a different place to allow for the narrower perches.

You would be much happier I think with the 87-96 high pinion Ford 60, as chromemoly axles etc can be had cheap, whereas there are no replacement parts for the 78/79 axle which means if you break an axle - good luck findin a replacement

I dont have a spare newer axle i wish to part with at this time.

wreckers routinely charge from $800-1200 for a decent one

they come stock with either 3:55, or 4:11s

hope this helps
 
seeker1056 said:
I will have to measure the older 60 for spring perch distance. I can tell you it is about 4" narrower than the later 60 perches, even though the axle itself is the same overall width. The other issue with the older axle is that the actual axles are a different length compared to the newer axles, as the carrier is in a different place to allow for the narrower perches.

You would be much happier I think with the 87-96 high pinion Ford 60, as chromemoly axles etc can be had cheap, whereas there are no replacement parts for the 78/79 axle which means if you break an axle - good luck findin a replacement
I dont have a spare newer axle i wish to part with at this time.

wreckers routinely charge from $800-1200 for a decent one

they come stock with either 3:55, or 4:11s

hope this helps
Click to expand...

Are you kidding???

Dana 60 Inner Yukon 4340 Chromoly axle shafts - 4wdfactory.com
 
thanks a lot guys... I'll have to do some checking, I didn't realize the 78/79 was a bastard with no parts available. Hmmm


C-ya
 
Their is PLENTY of aftermarket axles for all(including 78/79) d60 axles!!! No worries there....
 
There's a list of folks wanting the gmd60 once it's out. I suppose I can add you to it though. :D

And I didn't mean the gm d60 was a bastard. I was referring to seeker saying parts weren't available for the 78/79 FORD d60 so I called it a bastard. ;) lol
 
wpeschel - I stand corrected on the parts lol, and thanx for the link

that bein the case - I can sell you a 78/79 hp dana 60 with a Detroit Ez-locker installed, but wont shipping be a bit large on something that heavy?
 
wpeschel said:
You can relocate the perches where ever you want them, but the OP wants a drivers side diff drop. The GM D60s are passenger side diff drop, therefor he needs to find a older ford D60, or swap the axle tubes on the gm D60. I personally do not like the ball joint and unit bearing d60. The king pin d60 is tough as nails.
Click to expand...

And the ford Dana 60 is what I was referring to. I agree the king pin Dana 60 is the way to go but I believe the ford spring perches sit wider on the axle which is what I meant by cutting the spring perches off and moving them in. I understood he needed a drivers side diff.
 
Got Twins??? said:
And the ford Dana 60 is what I was referring to. I agree the king pin Dana 60 is the way to go but I believe the ford spring perches sit wider on the axle which is what I meant by cutting the spring perches off and moving them in. I understood he needed a drivers side diff.
Click to expand...

Can't cut the spring perch off the side with the hog head...it's cast in the hog head!
 
and from what I've seen on the trucks converted from IFS to SFA that use the 78/79 axle, it makes the axle sit a little further to one side. Like an inch or so. Not sure if it would still do that in the 83 chassis though cause I'm thinking the frame width of the 83 is different than that of an IFS GM truck?

Seeker, you're in Canada, right? Yes, I'm sure shipping would ruin that deal unless the price is right. PM n lets see. :D


C-ya
 
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