I know ford changed the axle they used in the 250's in 2001, so i need to figure out witch one i have, i am replacing the hub, and i need to buy new seals, and all of the other small parts. I know the parts are different, and the assembly is different. So is their any way of telling, other then looking at the tag on the differential. I would just do that, but irs far to rusty to read. Its an extended cab short bed 6.8. Thanks.

 

Everything from the knuckle out is identical, only the inner bearings on the carrier, and the ring and pinion are bigger on the Dana60 front axle

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According to the parts guide from spicer, they are not.

 

There are a couple ways to tell the difference.... first though would be the ID tag. Or sticker in this case. If in fact that is it and its visible, in the very bottom right corner it will have a number that will either be 229 or 248, that is the ring gear size in mm. 248mm is 9 3/4", which is the size of a Dana 60 ring gear. 229 is for a Dana 50.

The Dana 60 pinion nut will be 1 5/16".
The Dana 50 pinion nut will only be 1 1/8".

Or you can measure the case housing from the front of the diff (where the cover bolts on) to the end of the housing (where the pinion protrudes). The 60 will be around 13.5, and the 50 about an inch shorter.

Or take some tools and find out if the inner axle shafts are 30 spline or 35 spline. 35=60. 30=50.

 

Which would my 2003 have?

 

It 02 they switched to dana 60.

 

Nice, Thats what i was hoping. Thanks!

 

again like i said before EVERYTHING from the knuckle out to the hubs is identical! the u-joint for the axle shaft is the same, the stub shaft is the same, the knuckle is the same, the wheel bearing is the same, the dust seal is the same, the oil seal is the same, the hubs are the same, the brake rotor is the same, the caliper is the same, the brake pads are the same.

 

i should mention that im looking for the very small parts, such as the trust washer, and the other small parts, that are slightly different between the two.

 

ok still, you remove the hub and there is only a washer, then plastic shim piece and then another washer. And there is the big oil seal and then the dust seal that rides up against the axle tube. But again these parts are all the same. Only the axle internals at the ring and pinion are different between the D50 and D60