I have a 1981 F250 wth the Dana 60, 3.54 ratio, full floating rear axle that I need to replace. What years of vehicle are a direct bolt on interchangable axle that I can look for?

Thanks

 

All F-series 1980-1997.

Note: axle must come from a pickup truck and not a cab/chassis as those have a narrower frame and axle will be shorter.

Dana axles from 80-85

85-97 are Ford Sterling axles.

Dana gears are 3.54/4.11
Ford gears are 3.55/4.10

 

So an axle from a 1980 to 1985 pickup truck are what I need to look for.

 

If you wanna keep it a Dana, yes. But a Sterling will still be a direct bolt. And the Sterling is superior to a Dana 60....

 

I would replace it with a long pinion (90s) Sterling. It's a very tough axle and be less likely to be worn out. I buy them all the time out here for about $100 a piece.

 

Long pinion would require a shorter driveshaft correct? Try not to leave out any of the dirty details that someone finds out later.

 

The length difference is about 1/2 inch. Should be more than enough plunge in the factory shaft to deal with that.

 

Will a Sterling 3.55 work, or do I need to keep it a 3.54?

Thanks for the the help.

 

Is your truck 4x4?

If 2wd, you won't notice a difference! Even with 4wd, won't bother anything.

 

Yes, it's a 4x4.