Hey guys i need your opinion,

I know i need ball joints, and if i make a sharp turn my axle clunks.
All the bushings on the tie rods and leafsprings are eaten up and dryrotted

I think i could go for a rebuild on my dana 50, but from all the info ive gatherd here, parts alone are around 600 atleast for the rebuild.

Ive found a 90s dana 60 kingpin style, but it just comes with the complete axle alone, i know i will need extended track bar and bracket, the tie rod and drag link and the u-bolts and plate.

My question to you is what should i do?
The axle is going for 1,100.

If i should be looking for dana 60s, what should i be looking for for in a used one? is there anything i should keep my eyes out for that indicate abuse or extreme wear.

 

With a d60 that old it will probably need rebuilt also. So it just comes down to how much you want to spend. Another thing to consider is if you want a lift. You will want the 350 springs when you swap for a better ride. I would wait tell another one comes along that has the rest of the parts.

 

I would need to buy a new lift kit as well?

 

No, you don't need a lift to swap in a D60. Gabe was just saying if you wanted one, consider that in the cost. You will definitely want to find a D60 with all the parts. Springs, tie rod and drag link, track bar and bracket, and the u-bolt plate for the driver side. It's a bolt in swap if you decide to go that route, but as far as cost goes, it would probably be cheaper to fix the D50. If you could do it though, I'd swap in a D60.

 

I second what Bill says. The 60 will last you longer, less parts, fewer alignments. Cost is the only downside.

 

Yeah you dont need a lift, i just through that out there.

 

If you do a d60 and don't do a RSK, your wasting your time if you ask me.

D60 is the better of the 2 choices, but they usually require some work.

 

I did this swap a couple of years ago. I would never go back to the 50 that I was putting ball joints in ever year on one side or the the other. The front end sits a little higher too, I like the stance now. Buying the axle, brackets and complete rebuild cost around $1500. Oh I did spring bushing as well. Everything is still tight.

Some things to watch out for, get the shackle bracket for the drivers side. These are scarce and you can not buy them new anywhere. I found one across the country the shipping cost me more then the part.

Also get the bracket for the track bar that mounts to the frame ( I got this from the same guy) and get the track bar if you can, but if can't the track bar with the bushing isn't to expensive from Rock Auto.

Good Luck