has anyone installed a later model dana 60 front end in a 70's ford truck? what problems if any?

 

I have a 78 dana 60 front in my highboy below. It is a direct bolt up swap into a highboy. The only thing is, you have to shorten the driveshaft.

 

The later model 60's have a wider spread on the spring perches. You pretty much have to fab up a whole new spring setup outboard of the frame. Like the rear springs. From my understanding when you do this it barely catches the perches right.

 

There was a guy who put 89 Dana 60 in a 78/79 Bronco in the Offroad forum. He had a great how to thread on it. Don't remember his name, but his signature use to have a picture of him jumping his Bronco. He use to be on that forum all the time.

 

Late model...how late? Like a closed knuckle, disk brakes cheap D60? Bad idea IMO like these...

74-75.5 Ford low pinion drivers side closed knuckle drum brake with 30 spline inners, 19 spline outers, small ujoints and weak knuckles.

75.5-77 Ford low pinion drivers side open knuckle disc brake 30 spline inners, 19 spline outers, outer knuckle spindle pilot hole is smaller than 78+ axle and is therefore notched to allow 1480 series U-joint tp pass through.

Here you go, to help get smart on what to shop for D60 wise and spend your money right.

BillaVista.com-Dana 60 Front Axle Bible Tech Article by BillaVista

Spring pad width info is in there also.