This is a topic that keeps coming up and is surrounded by confusion. A lot of us F2/3 owners want to swap out the timken rear end for two reasons, to get rid of the widow maker wheels and to give some more highway friendly gearing.

It seems to be accepted that a 1967-72 rear end will bolt straight in. I can't see why an earlier year won't fit though and no one I have asked has been able to tell me.

So, what years have people swapped in, did it work or did it need modifying. If anyone had access to some danas they can measure lets get some info here and find out what really does and doesn't fit.

 

My understanding was 59-72 would fit. Rumor has it that some Dually rears up to 79 will work

 

I don't believe in "once and for all threads". Can we call this the "once and for all until the topic comes up again thread?"

 

I'd prefer to see the phrase "bolts straight in" changed to "will fit with modifications" on any axle swap (especially the 9" swap). There are a lot of things that need to be addressed on any change. Some of the mods are easy, some cost money, all take time. The only real bolt-in is another stock axle. Maybe the D-60 swap is different but I seriously doubt it.

 

Have you contacted the Dana people on line? I have found them very helpfull in the past

 

Ok, let me clarify, by 'bolt straight in' I mean:

The same distance between spring perches
The same distance between brake drum faces as the stock axle (or very close to)
Handbrake on the rear wheels and not on the gearbox

Basically no cutting or welding required to bolt the axle in. Obviously the driveshaft will need shortening slightly.

 

I hadn't even though of it John, didn't occur to me that a company that big would be interested in a query form a little Aussie bush town!

I have submitted a query via their vebsite, we'll see what happens.

 

I can't find my notes right now, I emailed them , and called one of their service tects in Reno ,Nv . He had all the info I needed.

 

If you find your notes let us know!