Has anyone tried / done it ? who did you go through ? price ?
etc, etc

Found a complete hub to hub Dana 60 for my f250 and it's 9hrs and 437mi round trip, doing it is not the problem, it's the time, i'd rather pay a few extra for someone else to do that.

 

Check a local trucking company. Give them the weight and dimensions of the purpose built pallet (and axle) it will be strapped to. Probably will have to be delivered to a location with the means to unload it. Some companies will only deliver to a business to avoid the unpleasantries of a large truck on residential streets.

 

I've not shipped a rear axle, but have shipped a drum to drum front axle. Have also shipped several sets of 19.5" wheels through our local R&L Transfer company. In the case of R&L, they used their fork lift to remove the pallet from the back of my truck with the axle. They have also placed individual wheels together on a pallet then shrink wrapped the set to the pallet for shipping. It's pretty painless using this company. The axle I shipped from Illinois to Colorado cost the fellow about $200. A set of wheels weighing 300 lbs has cost a similar amount, but has varied depending on the distance shipped. stu

 

I shipped over 300 Lbs of anvil and post vice from WV to TX and it cost $240.00 by freight. I had to deliver it to the depot crated. It was dropped off at my loading dock here in TX.
Concerns that relate to cost and convenience will be :
does it get delivered or will they pick up? Do they have a lift or dock to facilitate loading?
The same goes for delivery - will it be delivered or picked up at the depot? Do you need a dock or can they lift it off? Will they even back the truck into your drive to drop it?
You need to have this all arranged up front for your best results.
Edit - clarification

 

I have and SAIA freight company was the way to go. If possible try to ship to and from a business location. Makes a big difference in price difference when a business location is involved.

 

Loading dock to loading dock is the usually the cheapest.

 

I've shipped a few large items. Including a couple differentials, transmissions, engines, hoods, etc.

I shipped one axle by Fed Ex freight. I wasn't to happy with the whole experience.

Everything else I shipped by ABF Freight. I've had nothing but good experiences with them. They were friendly, helpful and made it easy.

 

yeah i was thinking ABF, good to know. But it looks like i will not have to ship after all, i just found a Dana 60 only and hour and half away so it's a winner.

 

Curious, what DANA 60 did you get? Mine was out of a 1968 truck 3:73 gears think I paid $100.00, bolted right up, wish it was a LS